Child, When Herod Wakes

Music by Ron Klusmeier
Words by Brian Wren
Tune Name: WHITECOURT

Lyrics as Poetry

Child, when Herod wakes,
and hate or exploitation
swing their dripping swords,
from your cross and cradle
sing a new song.Child, when Caesar’s laws
choke love or strangle freedom,
calling darkness light,
from your cross and cradle
sing a new song.Child, when Caiaphas
sends truth to crucifixion
to protect his prayers,
from your cross and cradle
sing a new song.Child, your helpless love
brings death and resurrection:
joyfully we come,
to your cross and cradle
with a new song.

Alleluia!

Words by
Brian WrenCopyright © 1993 by Hope Publishing Company
(Carol Stream, Illinois) for USA,
Canada, Australia and New Zealand.Copyright © 1993 by Stainer & Bell Limited
(London, England) for all other territories

Comments About Song

BRIAN WREN
from his book “Piece Together Praise” (p 23):

“Herod, Caesar and Caiaphas are historical figures, yet are also archetypes, who stand for typical and recurring abuses of political, religious and economic power.

Piece Together Praise
(A Theological Journey)
 is co-published by:Hope Publishing Company
Carol Stream, IL USA
(for USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand)Stainer & Bell, Limited
London, England
(for all other countries)


Audio Sample for
"Child, When Herod Wakes"

One verse played on piano

Scripture References

  • Psalm 98:1-2
  • Isaiah 5:20
  • Matthew 2:7-18
  • John 11:47-53
  • Revelation 5:9a

Season, Theme
or Subject

  • Caesar
  • Caiaphas
  • Christmas
  • Cross
  • Herod
  • Incarnation
  • Jesus∶ birth
  • Jesus∶ life & ministry

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