O King of Nations (O Rex Gentium)

O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.

O King of Nations, for whom we long and desire Come to your creation, square it and right Mend the marred, rebuild, and never tire Till darkness is shaken, pull down the night. As carpenter and joiner, he dovetails and makes one, Bridges as keystone the pillared-arched ceiling, Tears down hostility, makes righteousness run, And cross-armed gathers in mercy and healing. In concretion and cohesion, held fast by this King Sustained by His pervasive presence and power Made a people of his own sealed in promise as a ring Wedded beneath his love's banner and bower. The King of our desiring has climbed into the clay Creation's cornerstone is laid Christmas day.

© Randy Edwards 2015 artwork: Egerton MS 3277 2nd half of 14th century; Psalter and Hours (the 'Bohun Psalter')
#poetry #sonnet #christian #devotional #advent "GreatOAntiphon