These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Away From the Manger

Away from the manger? O, let me not be
denying my Savior, Who gave full and free.
The days are now fleeting. He comes for us soon.
O, can we not heed Him, Whose Life is our boon?

Away from the manger? I dare think it not
this awful, great danger, the enemy's plot.
I love You, Lord Jesus, You died to redeem
my life from destruction, forever to gleem.

Away from the manger? O, make it ne'er so.
Remind me You came to make me e'er grow.
I'll praise You forever, Dear God-made-a-Man.
I've nothing more precious than near You to stand.

Today in the manger. Tomorrow the cross.
Creator and Savior, Redeemer from loss.
Each human You made is dear to Your Heart.
This Lion forever's the Lamb from the start.

The stable, a Door to enter Your Bliss.
Your Bliss was before You came us to kiss.
The Babe in the hay, the God on the Throne.
Forever You rule, Yourself All Alone.

by Jay O’Toole
on September 23rd, 2021