It was from Joseph first I learned

of love. Like me he was dismayed.

How easily he could have turned

me from his house; but, unafraid,

he put me not away from him

(O God-sent angel, pray for him).

Thus through his love was Love obeyed.

The Child’s first cry came like a bell:

God’s Word aloud, God’s Word in deed.

The angel spoke: so it befell,

and Joseph with me in my need.

O Child whose father came from heaven,

to you another gift was given,

your earthly father chosen well.

With Joseph I was always warmed

and cherished. Even in the stable

I knew that I would not be harmed.

And, though above the angels swarmed,

man’s love it was that made me able

to bear God’s love, wild, formidable,

to bear God’s will, through me performed.