Ancient and Modern ‎#145

145. It is a thing most wonderful

1 It is a thing most wonderful,
almost too wonderful to be,
that God's own Son should come from heaven,
and die to save a child like me.

2 And yet I know that it is true:
he chose a poor and humble lot,
and wept and toiled and mourned and died
for love of those who loved him not.

3 I cannot tell how he could love
a child so weak and full of sin;
his love must be most wonderful,
if he could die my love to win.

4 I sometimes think about the cross,
and shut my eyes, and try to see
the cruel nails and crown of thorns,
and Jesus crucified for me.

5 But even could I see him die,
I could but see a little part
of that great love which, like a fire,
is always burning in his heart.

6 It is most wonderful to know
his love for me so free and sure;
but 'tis more wonderful to see
my love for him so faint and poor.

7 And yet I want to love thee, Lord;
O light the flame within my heart,
and I will love thee more and more,
until I see thee as thou art.

Text Information

• First Line: It is a thing most wonderful
• Author: William Walsham How (1823-1867)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  John 3:16
  ;
  Romans 5:8
  ;
  1 John 4:9-10
• Topic: Church year: Passiontide; Church Year: Good Friday; Devotion; God: Love of; Jesus: Life and Ministry; Passiontide

Tune Information

• Name: HERONGATE
• Arranger: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
• Meter: LM
• Key: D Major
• Source: English Traditional Melody
• Copyright: From The English Hymnal, 1906. Reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.