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the first wednesday of advent

'How Sweet the Name' - John Newton
i include this in my random advent postings, because the last stanza has been playing in my head for several days now. looking forward to the day when my own weak efforts will be blazoned by the sight of him, my unfaithfulness and inconsistency burnt to bits and only this remaining - the unsurpassable greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Saviour.

how sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear!
it soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.
it makes the wounded spirit whole
and calms the troubled breast;
'tis manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary, rest.

dear name, the Rock on which i build, my shield and hiding place;
my never failing treasure, filled with boundless stores of grace!
Jesus, my Shepherd, Savior, Friend, my Prophet, Priest and King,
my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, accept the praise i bring.

weak is the effort of my heart, and cold my warmest thought.
but when i see you as you are, i'll praise you as i ought.
'til then i will your love proclaim with every fleeting breath,
and may the music of your name refresh my soul in death.
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Comments

  1. Hello, I'm Emily Clare.04 December, 2008 20:17

    thank you for posting this. i got teary-eyed when i read it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonder Jens04 December, 2008 20:29

    I concur.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown04 December, 2008 21:19

    it's a beautiful hymn - i was listening to it in the car on the way home the other night and it struck me very hard. i very much love it.

    ReplyDelete

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