Long Ago, Far Away

Long Ago, and Far Away

So long ago, so far away,
But  haunting earth unto this day;
From Eden’s fall, to latest kin
All nations born and bred in sin.

The poison streamed like lava flood
To rage in every tribe by blood,
Till earth stood filled with heavens curse,
Foreboding lines in every verse.

But healing beam of heaven’s light
Now rose upon this hopeless night;
It’s darkened one’s in wonder see
A man unstained by Adam’s seed.

But hated, feared, and desperate loathed,
By envy’s rage, for lies exposed
He Whom they call their God, they slay
And think that thus they’re cause is saved.

But Nature, cursed with  Eden’s gall,
Now felt the crimson showers fall,
And at its pools first heard its voice
That bid earth’s poisoned mind rejoice.

For death now gasps and shudders cold,
And passes as the Saviour rose,
To breath true life into His own,
As echoes death’s last final groan.

Where on the sinless soul of God
Fell justice’s dark frightful rod
It’s measure full in wrath outpoured
To answer for those thus restored.

Where satisfaction to the claims
Of justice for their guilty stains
Is laid at heaven’s scepter, swayed
To whisper peace where sinners prayed.

Who grateful hear it’s thunder cease
It’s altered voice distilling peace,
With hope so strange upon the ear,
Of those so lately ruled by fear.

Though death had spread through Adam’s seed,
Its curse now spent, its debtors freed;
It’s sentence mute, it’s comforts power
Replacing terror’s former hour.

Oh praise be to the One who Planned!
To Him who’s blood atoned for man!
To He Who from our death has raised!
Blessed Trinity be endless praise!

Charles Church, 9/28/21