Monday, March 26, 2007

And Can It Be

A few years ago, I posted a series of poems/songs about Easter on my blog. I'm not going to totally revive that, but I've decided to revisit the theme a bit, especially as Easter is rapidly coming upon us and -- without some intentional 'pause' and reflection -- this could be a holiday weekend that simply blows by me as a few days off and a great Sunday dinner.

So, here's my reminder (mostly to myself) that Easter is SO MUCH MORE than chocolate, eggs and an extra church service.
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
Let angel minds inquire no more.
’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
by Charles Wesley

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I love this hymn. I have just completed an update of this hymn and 11 others that Charles wrote. I've kept the theology and wrapped them in new lyric and tune. Check them out on my web page and let me know what you think. www.wesleyputnam.org