Score and Recording
Program Notes and Lyrics
Written in January 2012 for Bethel CRC in Waupun, WI, this hymn and text from 15th century England is often used during Epiphany and looks forward to the following liturgical seasons of Lent and Easter by telling of Christ’s actions of immense love through his words and signs, then ultimately his sacrifice, resurrection, and glorification in heaven. The accompaniment grows more complex and richly orchestrated to match the text of each verse and depict the growing depth, breadth, and height of Christ’s love. For the final verse, it shifts dramatically to a mixed modality of C minor and C major to highlight how the Kingdom of God exists paradoxically both fully now and fully in the future.
1. O love, how deep, how broad, how high,
beyond all thought and fantasy,
that God, the Son of God, should take
our mortal form for mortals’ sake!
4. For us he prayed; for us he taught;
for us his daily works he wrought,
by words and signs and actions thus
still seeking not himself but us.
5. For us to evil power betrayed,
scourged, mocked, in purple robe arrayed,
he bore the shameful cross and death;
for us gave up his dying breath.
6. For us he rose from death again;
for us he went on high to reign;
for us he sent his Spirit here
to guide, to strengthen, and to cheer.
7. All glory to our Lord and God
for love so deep, so high, so broad,
the Trinity whom we adore
forever and forevermore.
1. O love, how deep, how broad, how high,
beyond all thought and fantasy,
that God, the Son of God, should take
our mortal form for mortals’ sake!
4. For us he prayed; for us he taught;
for us his daily works he wrought,
by words and signs and actions thus
still seeking not himself but us.
5. For us to evil power betrayed,
scourged, mocked, in purple robe arrayed,
he bore the shameful cross and death;
for us gave up his dying breath.
6. For us he rose from death again;
for us he went on high to reign;
for us he sent his Spirit here
to guide, to strengthen, and to cheer.
7. All glory to our Lord and God
for love so deep, so high, so broad,
the Trinity whom we adore
forever and forevermore.