Piecing Together Words in an Easter Hymn

One of my favorite things to do as a church choir member is take the words of special occasion music and see how they are based in Christian scripture. It never ceases to amaze me at how blessed I am with this exercise. As we practice and perform the music the words become so much more than just beautiful phrases - they become life and light and nourishment to the spirit.

Here are a few phrases from our church's 2012 Easter music with scripture following:

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Beneath the Cross of Jesus I find a place to stand,

And wonder at such mercy that calls me as I am.

For hands that should discard me hold wounds which tell me, "Come."

Beneath the Cross of Jesus my unworthy soul is won.

 Beneath the Cross of Jesus I find a place to stand,

Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas and Mary Magdalene. John 19:25

And when the centurion who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry and how He died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!" Mark 15.39

The people stood watching and the rulers even sneered at Him. They said, "He saved other; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."

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And wonder at such mercy that calls me as I am.

. . . stop and consider God's wonders. Job 34:14

I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:32

For hands that should discard me hold wounds which tell me, "Come."

Then Jesus said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe. John 20.27

"All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."  John 6:37 

Beneath the Cross of Jesus my unworthy soul is won.

I am unworthy. How can I reply to You? I put my hand over my mouth. Job 40:4

For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. I Corinthians 15:9

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He says that we must be born again.

Did you know He's even forgiving sins?

Would He do that for you and me?

Come and see.

He says that we must be born again.

Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:3

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family but a son belong to it forever. So if the Son set you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:34-36

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To all who received Jesus, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become the children of God, children born not of natural descent nor of human decision or a husband's will but born of God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. John 1:12-14

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Did you know He's even forgiving sins?

Some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Take heart son; your sins are forgiven." Mathew 9:2

For God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

Would He do that for you and me?

The Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. I Peter 1:9

God our Savior wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:4

Come and see.

Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote -- Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

"Nazareth!  Can anything good come from there?"  Nathanel asked.

"Come and see," said Philip.

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Sing to God a hymn of gladness;

Sing to God a hymn of praise.

Jesus Christ,the King of Glory, now is risen from the dead.

Sing to God a hymn of gladness; sing to God a hymn of praise.

They sang praises of gladness and bowed their heads and worshipped. 2 Chronicles 29:30b

Jesus Christ,the King of Glory, now is risen from the dead.

Lift up you head O you gates, 

be lifted up you ancient doors

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory?

The Lord Almighty

He is the King of glory. Psalm 24:9-10

. . .listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through Him. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it as impossible for death to keep its hold on Him.  Acts 2:22-24

I have the privilege of hearing the beautiful accompanying music when I read these lines. My hope for you is that these words bring music to your heart!!

Wishing you joy this Easter!!

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Scripture quotes are from the New International Version of the Christian Holy Bible

Music:
"Come and See" written by Sue C. Smith, Kenna Turner West and Gina Vera
"Hallelujah!  Christ Is Risen" words and music by William Wordsworth, Tony Wood, Don Poythress and Chris Eaton
"Beneath the Cross" words and music by Keith and Kristyn Getty

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