1 O Christ, our hope, our heart's desire,
redemption's only spring!
Creator of the world art thou,
its Savior and its King.

2 How vast the mercy and the love
which laid our sins on thee,
and led thee to a cruel death,
to set thy people free.

3 But now the bands of death are burst,
the ransom has been paid;
and thou art on thy Father's throne,
in glorious robes arrayed.

4 O Christ, be thou our lasting joy,
our ever great reward!
Our only glory may it be
to glory in the Lord.