O Christ our hope, our heart's desire

O Christ, our hope, our hearts' desire,
redemption's only spring;
Creator of the world art thou,
its Savior and its King.

How vast the mercy and the love
which laid our sins on thee,
and led thee to a cruel death
to set thy people free.

But now the bonds of death are burst,
the ransom has been paid;
and thou art on thy Father's throne
in glorious robes arrayed.

O may thy mighty love prevail
our sinful souls to spare;
O may we come before thy throne,
and find acceptance there!

O Christ, be thou our present joy,
our future great reward;
our only glory may it be
to glory in the Lord.

All praise to thee, ascended Lord;
all glory every be
to Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
through all eternity.

Words: Latin, eighth century;
trans. John Chandler (1806-1876)

Music: Metzler's Redhead No. 66, Bromsgrove

Meter: CM

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 2000-2003.