I was going through some old hymns earlier today and came across something that absolutely crushed me. It made such an impression on me that I've decided to post the lyrics here for all to read. It's a 6-stanza hymn written by Isaac Watts in 1709, and as I followed it along, I found myself weeping, lifting my hands, worshipping Jesus. I pray you'll be impacted by this too. It brings everything back to the basics, and reminds us why we're Christians. Oh, be blessed, saints of God!
He dies! The Friend of sinners dies!
Lo! Salem's daughters weep around;
A solemn darkness fills the skies,
A sudden trembling shakes the ground.
Come, saints, and drop a tear or two
For Him who groaned beneath your load:
He shed a thousand drops for you,
A thousand drops of richer blood.
Here's love and grief beyond degree:
The Lord of Glory dies for men!
But lo! What sudden joys we see,
Jesus, the dead, revives again!
The rising God forsakes the tomb;
The tomb in vain forbids His rise;
Cherubic legions guard Him home,
And shout Him welcome to the skies.
Break off your fears, ye saints, and tell
How high your great Deliv'rer reigns;
Sing how He spoiled the hosts of hell,
And led the monster death in chains!
Say, "Live forever, wondrous King!
Born to redeem, and strong to save;"
Then ask the monster, "Where's thy sting?"
And, "Where's thy vict'ry, boasting grave?"
- Isaac Watts (1674-1748)