Jesus Poem by Eberhard Arnold

You are the impulse of first love,
the root of each good deed.
Your spirit wakes and strengthens us,
us counsels in our need.

In you, O Son of Mary,
dwells the spirit of the mother.
May it dwell within us, too,
and lead us to our brothers.

You are the childlike spirit,
the soul of each true child.
Choose the simple-hearted,
O child of man so mild.

You are the only pure one,
your body is true alone.
You join man to woman
and quicken hearts of stone.

You are the truest soul of man:
you are his strength, his might.
Set us afire, and temper us –
unite us in your light.

Where faithful hearts await you
in love, grows unity.
You raise us from the dust,
forgive our sins, us free.

You love your bitterest enemies
with manly courage firm.
Your spirit brings community –
motherly and warm.

You are the one and only:
in you, all things are one.
What’s mine is yours forever –
by you all foes are won.


Sannerz, 1925