It Is A Thing Most Wonderful

Yesterday was good friday and I was on my way to a little meeting in North Devon with my parents where my Dad was preaching in the afternoon. 

Scarr Chapel, North Devon

This tiny fellowship use an old hymn book called 'Sacred Songs and Solos' (usually known as 'Sankey'). So I was perusing my Dad's music copy on the way up in the car (he likes to have the music to sing harmonies) and found this little beauty that I had forgotten all about, but as soon as I saw it the melody came instantly back to me. It's in the 'Songs for Young Children' section but I still love it, it's a classic! You can hear it here. :)

Lyrics: William Walsham How
Music: Thomas B. Southgate

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.