mgpcpastor's blog

Stuart Townend’s From The Squalor Of A Borrowed Stable / Immanuel is a good song to mark the transition over to the Christmas song season.
I mean transition because, thought the song begins with Christmas imagery, the lyrics goes on to embrace Jesus’ death, resurrection and glorious return. So it can be used all year round.
Even better, an mp3 recording and the pdf sheet music are currently available for free from Kingsway Music as part of ten free Christmas songs that they have made available.
You’ll need to register at Kingsway’s website to log in and get access to the page.
Here’s the lyrics:
1.
From the squalor of a borrowed stable,
By the Spirit and a virgin’s faith;
To the anguish and the shame of scandal
Came the Saviour of the human race!
But the skies were filled with the praise of heaven,
Shepherds listen as the angels tell
Of the Gift of God come down to man
At the dawning of Immanuel.
2.
King of heaven now the Friend of sinners,
Humble servant in the Father’s hands,
Filled with power and the Holy Spirit,
Filled with mercy for the broken man.
Yes, He walked my road and He felt my pain,
Joys and sorrows that I know so well;
Yet His righteous steps give me hope again –
I will follow my Immanuel!
3.
Through the kisses of a friend’s betrayal,
He was lifted on a cruel cross;
He was punished for a world’s transgressions,
He was suffering to save the lost.
He fights for breath, He fights for me,
Loosing sinners from the claims of hell;
And with a shout our souls are free –
Death defeated by Immanuel!
4.
Now He’s standing in the place of honour,
Crowned with glory on the highest throne,
Interceding for His own beloved
Till His Father calls to bring them home!
Then the skies will part as the trumpet sounds
Hope of heaven or the fear of hell;
But the Bride will run to her Lover’s arms,
Giving glory to Immanuel!

Stuart Townend
Copyright © 1999 Thankyou Music