Then Jesus came from Galilee

Then Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized by John,

Who in the Jordan's rolling flow did baptize those who came.

But John did question whether this request he should act on;

"You should baptize me here instead, in your own holy name."

 

But Jesus answered "Let this be, for this is right to do

To fulfill this one righteous call for all the world to see."

Then John consented to this task, in trust that Jesus knew

That he should carry out this work and what his role should be.

 

And then once Jesus was baptized and then raised up again,

He saw the heavens opened up and down the Spirit came.

Alighting like a dove, the Spirit cried out through the din,

"This is my Son, Beloved One, who goes forth in my name."

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, December 2025; after Matthew 3:13-17

MUSIC: Tune KINGSFOLD, English Country Songs, 1893; harmonization Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906.

 

 

A reworking of a hymn from almost two years ago, written to suit the account of Jesus's baptism in the gospel of Mark. Matthew's account goes into rather more detail than Mark's but the basic structure still worked. 

The road of resurrection

The road of resurrection, we walk it every day

As we set out to follow on Jesus's steady way.

From childhood we are learning, with sure and steady stride,

To keep on moving forward and stay at Jesus's side.

 

We walk the road in living a witness as we go,

With words and deeds that honor the One who loves us so.

Our steps may be uncertain, but still our guide is sure

And holds us close for always, to teach us to endure.

 

We walk the road in standing with those the world lays low,

The widow, poor, and orphan, the "least of these" also.

Unflinchingly for justice, with mercy as our call, 

We walk the road in witness to Christ, our all in all. 

 

We walk the road in living in God's community,

With Christ our sole salvation, who gives us eyes to see.

Held in this full communion, rejoicing on the way, 

We walk this road together until our dying day.

 

And yet, though laid to rest wrapped in God's encircling earth,

This is no termination - no ending, but rebirth!

For when this life is over and we no longer roam,

The road of resurrection at last will lead us home. 

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, December 2025

MUSIC: Tune AURELIA, Samuel Sebastian Wesley, 1864.

 

 

I have no clue why this hymn happened as it did, when it did. I'ts not exactly Advent-ish, you know? But I think maybe a conference theme got in my head, and then ever-trustworthy AURELIA came along to provide a tune home for all the words that started coming forth. I'm just getting this committed to print (so to speak) before it goes away.