Thursday, June 5, 2008

Our Hope and Consolation

This text was recently written by me for Hope Lutheran Church in DeWitt, Michigan for the 40th anniversary of their congregation and is based on their anniversary theme verse, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain."  (Hebrews 6:19)  

It is set to the tune, VON GOTT WILL ICH NICHT LASSEN.

1.  Our hope and consolation
        To Christ alone we trace;
     He pleads for our salvation
        In that Most Holy Place:
     Before the Father's throne,
        Christ brings a crimson treasure,
        Surpassing human measure,
     Which did our world atone.

2.  Behind that lofty curtain,
        Beyond our earthly sight,
     In Christ, our hope is certain,
        There fixed by God's own might:
     An anchor for the soul,
        Held tightly and securely,
        Where Christ for us still surely
     Fulfills His priestly role.

3.  For Christ is not like Aaron,
        Nor of that priestly clan;
     From Judah's line, long-barren,
        Came forth the Son of Man:
     The King of Righteousness!
        This holy king once offered
        His sinless life and suffered
     Our death upon the cross.

4.  In hope our Savior rested,
        Within a rich man's grave,
     Until our foes He bested,
        Arising, strong to save;
     Grim death He overthrew!
        A pathway pioneering,
        The way to heaven clearing--
     Our hope is firm and true!

5.  Then let us hold unswerving
        This hope that we profess,
     Though wholly undeserving
        Of grace that we confess.
     We follow where Christ trod;
        His Word will guide and lead us,
        His Supper fully feed us,
     All glory be to God!

6.  O Father, You have made us,
        Your Name is our delight;
     O Christ, You have arrayed us
        In flawless robes of white;
     You, Spirit, we adore--
        Who with the Father reigning,
        And God the Son, remaining
     One God, forevermore.

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