Boughs of Hemlock

Boughs of hemlock, full and adorning,

true to greet the cold winter morning;

like gifts of the Magi who came from afar,

from the east, they followed the Bethlehem Star,

and knelt at the feet of the King of Kings,

the Ruler, Creator of all living things,

who became His creation—a pure love to carry—

and trusted the goodness of Joseph and Mary.

Boughs of hemlock, rich and stately,

along the roadside bending greatly;

like branches of palm trees that lined the way

to Jerusalem, humbly, on that day,

where our Lord and Savior Jesus wept,

and upon the road to the cross, kept,

to atone for us an eternal peace—

from terrible sins, a sure release.

Boughs of hemlock covered with snow—

on the branches, grace will show;

like the change of season from winter to spring,

belief, a new life in Him, will bring—

of the branch bearing fruit, He will trim it clean,

and restore to completion the new evergreen.

Honor God’s Word, understanding well,

God’s Word will be honored, as boughs will tell.