JESUS, WONDERFUL LORD!

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."  2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV.  In the weeks ahead we will hear and often meditate on the truth of the birth of Christ and what it should mean to us.  I is a marvelous story of the virgin birth of God's only Son who came to earth, was born and lived as a human, to become the sacrifice that would allow us to be reconciled to God.  And part of this amazing story is how the Son willingly left the glory and riches of heaven to come to this earth to be born in a lowly stable.  For our sakes He became poor that we might share in the riches of glory.  And having experienced this our hearts should cry out, "Jesus, Wonderful Lord!"  And that is the title and theme of this week's hymn which also happens to be one of my favorites.  When compared to most of the hymns that we share which were written centuries ago, this one is relatively "new".  It was penned by Paul White, in 1950.  But, unfortunately, that is all I know about this hymn.  I have not been able to find out anything about the author, let alone why it was written. If you have more information, please share it in a comment below. But the three verses do share about the life of Jesus from His birth to His death.  And it shares that He is not only our Redeemer, but also our friend.  And so as we begin the busy Christmas season I believe  this hymn is a fitting reminder of the riches we have because of Him.  May we never lose sight of this truth as we are drawn into all the activity that surrounds us during these holiday weeks.  Truly, Jesus is our Wonderful Lord!

(1)   Born among cattle, in poverty sore,

Living in meekness by Galilee's shore,

Dying in shame as the wicked ones swore:

Jesus, wonderful Lord!

Wonderful, wonderful Jesus!

He is my friend, true to the end;

He gave Himself to redeem me--

Jesus, wonderful Lord!

(2)   Weary, yet He is the world's only rest,

Hungry and thirsty with plenty has blest,

Tempted He promises grace for each test:

Jesus, wonderful Lord!

Wonderful, wonderful Jesus!

He is my friend, true to the end;

He gave Himself to redeem me--

Jesus, wonderful Lord!

(3)   Friend of the friendless, betrayed and denied,

Help of the weak, in Gethsemane cried,

Light of the world, in gross darkness He died:

Jesus, wonderful Lord!

Wonderful, wonderful Jesus!

He is my friend, true to the end;

He gave Himself to redeem me--

Jesus, wonderful Lord!

You can listen to it here.  LISTEN