Scripture References:
st. 1 = 1 John 3:1
st. 2 = 1 John 3:1, 3
st. 3 = 1 John 3:2
In his first letter to early Christian believers, the apostle John writes an exposition on righteousness and love as essential requirements for Christian living. In the midst of this exposition we find I John 3: 1-3, a declaration of awe and praise for God's wondrous grace in making us his children. Based on this passage, "How Great Is the Love of the Father" describes how we become children of God (st. 1); how we should live as children of God (st. 2); and what we shall become in glory as children of God (st. 3).
Edna W. Sikkema (b. Grijpskerk, Groningen, the Netherlands, 1931; d. Grand Rapids, MI, 1994) prepared this versification specifically for the tune ANNO DOMINI in 1986 for the Psalter Hymnal. After working as a registered nurse, Sikkema graduated from Calvin College, Grand Rapids. She received her M.A. in 1965 from Ohio State University, and completed additional studies in Germany and the Netherlands. On the faculty of Hartwick College, Oneonta, New York, and later Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, Illinois, Sikkema taught German, Dutch, and linguistics. After 1975 she returned to a career in health care and in real estate.
Liturgical Use:
For baptism, as a funeral hymn, and for many points in the order of worship.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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