It Is A Thing Most Wonderful
Soprano, alto, and cello. Text by Bishop W. W. How and found in many hymnals. A Lenten or Holy Week text that is exquisitely set by George Bayley. The cello accompaniment is just right and results in an achingly beautiful setting that will be one of the the highlights of your Holy Week services. Could be done with soloists as well.
It is a thing most wonderful,
almost too wonderful to be,
that God's own Son should come from heaven,
and die to save a child like me.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.