Community of Christ Sings ‎#63

63. Afar in Old Judea

1 Afar in old Judea,
above the Jordan stream,
a heav'nly light descended
on a baptismal scene.
Then came the confirmation
of Jesus, from above,
the sacramental signet;
the Spirit as a dove.

2 In ancient Zarahemla,
above the temple towers,
appeared the Christ of Judah
to crown the watchful hours.
A voice, serene yet piercing
beyond our words to tell,
proclaimed him as the Savior
whom prophets did foretell.

3 Then in a time of searching,
a youth who sought God's way
saw in Palmyra's woodland
a light beyond his day,
and when the vision opened
to him whose sight was dim,
he heard the Father saying,
"This is my Son, hear him!"

4 Today the heav'ns are open
to souls prepared to hear
the wondrous revelation
of Christ, who's ever near.
The Savior of the ages
still lives with us today;
he seeks to help us know him
and leads us in his way.

Text Information

• First Line: Afar in old Judea
• Title: Afar in Old Judea
• Author: Roy A. Cheville, 1897-1986 (alt.)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Matthew 3:16-17
• Topic: Baptism; Confirmation; Continuing Revelation; God: Father; Restoration Heritage; Jesus Christ: The Way; Jesus Christ's Baptism; Jesus Christ's Divinity; Scripture; Seeking

Tune Information

• Name: EWING
• Composer: Alexander Ewing, 1830-1895
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D.
• Key: C Major