333a. 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 heav'n,
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
Title: It is a thing most wonderful
Author: William Walsham How, 1823-1897
Meter: LM
Language: English
Publication Date: 2000
Topic: Grace and Providence; Passiontide
Tune Information
Name: HERONGATE
Arranger: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958
Meter: LM
Key: D Major
Source: Traditional English melody collected by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Copyright: © Oxford University Press. Used by permission from the "English Hymnal"



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