O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head!
Our load was laid on Thee:
Thou stoodest in the sinner’s stead,
To bear all ill for me:
A victim led, Thy blood was shed,
Now there’s no load for me!
Death and the curse were in the cup
O Christ, ’twas full for Thee!
But thou hast drained the last dark drop,
‘Tis empty now for me!
That bitter cup Love drank it up:
Left but the love for me!
Jehovah bade His sword awake
O Christ, it woke ‘gainst Thee!
Thy soul the flaming blade must take
Thy heart its sheath must be:
All for my sake, my peace to make,
Now sleeps that sword for me!
The tempest’s awful voice was heard
O Christ, it broke on Thee!
Thy open bosom was my ward
It bore the storm for me!
Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred,
Now cloudless peace for me!
For me, Lord Jesus, Thou hast died,
And I have died in Thee!
Thou art risen; my bands are all untied;
And now Thou livest in me!
The Father’s face of radiant grace
Shines now in light on me!