THE FIVE MODES CAROL (1999)

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(This carol celebrates Christ’s Lordship 

over the five modes of earthly existence—

Space, Time, Number, Form, and Matter.)

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In Bethlehem a dear babe lies, 

no place to call His own,

His birthplace hidden in a cave, 

to all the world unknown.

Yet from His eyes the stars spring forth, 

and endless Space unrolls,

And all this grand immensity 

its newborn King extols!

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Rejoice and praise Him, ye below! 

Sing Glory, ye above!

The Lord of Heaven and Earth has come 

to save us with His love!

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In Bethlehem a dear babe lies, 

all too untimely born,

His life imperiled from the start 

by Herod’s kingly scorn.

Yet He is Monarch of all Time, 

the Ruler of our years;

He rescues us from earthly loss 

and takes away our fears.

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Rejoice and praise Him, ye below...

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In Bethlehem a dear babe lies, 

while ‘neath the angels’ song

A single name is added to 

an empire’s teeming throng.

But He is Lord of Number, 

and uncounted are His ways;

A billion worlds here below 

He holds within His gaze.

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Rejoice and praise Him, ye below...

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In Bethlehem a dear babe lies, 

so tender and so warm,

And beauteous beyond belief 

is His new human form.

For He is Master of all Form, 

and all things he ordains;

Each rock and tree, each beast and man, 

from Him its beauty gains.

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Rejoice and praise Him, ye below...

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In Bethlehem a dear babe lies, 

descended from Above;

From God’s own bosom has He come, 

through Mary’s womb of love.

And lo, we find our Savior here, 

where we are bound to die;

Lord of all earthly Matter, 

come to raise us to the sky.

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Rejoice and praise Him, ye below...

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lyrics by Dr. Richard H. Overman

copyright © 1999 by Sunset Village Music