GOD OF THE OPEN ARMS

Savior, King, Messiah, LORD, 

JESUS, our Emmanuel

So many names, such mystery!

But on this Christmas morn I see 

Another name You are to me

And have been throughout history:

You're the GOD of the open arms.

 

Since Eden You've extended grace

So we could turn and seek Your face.

Your people failed and turned away,

But when they turned to You and prayed,

If only with a fleeting glance, 
You'd offer them a second chance:

You're the GOD of the open arms.

 

At last You came at Bethlehem

To Mary, shepherds and Wise Men.

Your tiny arms were open wide

To welcome all who came inside 

The stable, then the house.

God Incarnate, in Your flesh we see

What You've been from eternity:

The GOD of the open arms.

 

You grew, and then as a grown man

You proved that all could come to You

With burdens, sorrows, sin and pain

And in You we'd be born again.

You taught us the unchanging love

Comes from the Father up above,

For prodigal returning home

Find the GOD of the open arms.

 

Then one dark day at Calvary

Your loving arms stretched open wide

Were nailed upon the Cross to be

Embracing all humanity.

You died to save the world from sin

For anyone who'll let You in.

Your death to be the seal to prove

You're the GOD of the open arms.

 

And when You rose from death You came

To frightened friends who saw Your face,

And once again felt Your embrace

As the GOD of the open arms.

 

And still Your arms are open wide

To welcome all to come inside.

You touch us in Your Word and prayer

And Sacrament abiding there.

 

Someday I trust I'll see Your face

And run into Your warm embrace,

When I am finally HOME to dwell

With my GOD of the open arms.

 

(c) Copyright 2014 by Arlene B. Müller (Arlene Clare Müller, OSF).