Description

This song is based on a hymn by Frank Houghton who was involved with mission work in China. He visited the country in 1934 after John and Betty Stam were martyred, a very difficult time in the history of missions to China. It is based on 2 Corinthians 8:9, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” The song directs our attention to what it meant for Jesus to “become poor” for our sakes – He gave up His riches, His majesty, and the praise and honor in heaven that He deserved, to become a man. The ultimate picture of His poverty is shown at the cross when Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) This is the reason that we sing the name of Jesus – In love He humbled Himself to the point of death to rescue us.

Lyrics

Show Original Wordings

You Who were rich beyond all splendor,
All for love’s sake became so poor;
Thrones for a manger You surrendered,
Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor.

Chorus:
So we sing, “Jesus!”–
You humbled Yourself to death on a cross.
We sing, “Jesus!”–
Come for love’s sake to rescue us.

You Who are God beyond all praising,
All for love’s sake became a man;
Stooping so low, but sinners raising
Heav’nward by Your eternal plan.

You Who are love beyond all telling,
Savior and King, we worship You.
Emmanuel, within us dwelling,
Our minds and hearts, we pray, renew.

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor,
All for love’s sake becamest poor;
Thrones for a manger didst surrender,
Chorus added
Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love’s sake becamest Man;
Stooping so low, but sinners raising
Heavenward by Thine eternal plan.
Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Savior and King, we worship thee.
Emmanuel, within us dwelling,
Make us what Thou wouldst have us be.

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