Hymns to the Living God ‎#161

161. 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 (1883)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2017
• Topic: Jesus Christ: Suffering and Death

Tune Information

• Name: HERONGATE
• Arranger: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1906)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8
• Key: D Major
• Source: English Traditional melody