I cannot tell why He, whom angels worship

E934
1
I cannot tell why He, whom angels worship,
  Should set His love upon the sons of men,
Or why, as Shepherd, He should seek the wand’rers,
  To bring them back, they know not how or when.
But this I know, that He was born of Mary,
  When Bethl’hem’s manger was His only home,
And that He lived at Nazareth and labored,
  And so the Savior, Savior of the world, is come.
2
I cannot tell how silently He suffered,
  As with His peace He graced this place of tears,
Or how His heart upon the Cross was broken,
  The crown of pain to three and thirty years.
But this I know, He heals the broken-hearted,
  And stays our sin, and calms our lurking fear,
And lifts the burden from the heavy laden,
  For yet the Savior, Savior of the world, is here.
3
I cannot tell how He will win the nations,
  How He will claim His earthly heritage,
How satisfy the needs and aspirations
  Of east and west, of sinner and of sage.
But this I know, all flesh shall see His glory,
  And He shall reap the harvest He has sown,
And some glad day His sun shall shine in splendor
  When He the Savior, Savior of the world, is known.
4
I cannot tell how all the lands shall worship,
  When, at His bidding, every storm is stilled,
Or who can say how great the jubilation
  When all the hearts of men with love are filled.
But this I know, the skies will thrill with rapture,
  And myriad, myriad human voices sing,
And earth to heaven, and heaven to earth, will answer:
  At last the Savior, Savior of the world, is King.
67
Ellen Musco

Easley, SC, United States

A church I used to attend played this beautiful hymn. I accompanied along side the piano. It is a blessing to meditate on the words while practicing almost as much as hearing the congregation sing!


Paul Taylor

Melton Mowbray

I chose this hymn to accompany my talk on Study for our Cursillo weekend. The melody is haunting and the lyrics are so powerful. We love to sing in our churches even though getting an organist can be a challenge. But since everyone knows Danny Boy, we can manage unaccompanied.


Susan J Downing

United States

I have loved this hymn so much ever since I first heard it at the 1976 Urbana missionary conference in Illinois. They used the Inter varsity hymnal there and there is an EXCELLENT piano arrangement of this hymn in the IVP 70's hymnal. It sounds beautiful as a piano solo too. The singers need to sing the melody since it's not really a typical harmonized hymn. I play it on a regular basis for my own enjoyment but also introduced it to my home church. Almost everyone knows Londonderry Air (Danny Boy) so it's a very singable folkish tune to such a meaningful set of lyrics. I will be accompanying this hymn on Saturday at a women's' luncheon. Our activity is to have a hymn sing after lunch. Cannot wait. We need to KEEP the hymns alive, even if it means arranging a special gathering for hymn singing. As someone mentioned previously, many churches are hardly using hymns anymore. Thankfully our Anglican church values them! (but also does some modern songs for the youth. It's a good balance. ) On my Sunday rotation, I usually do MORE hymns than the other style. As a musician and pianist, I usually prefer the hymns, musically. (But I do see the place for some modern music as well. ) I believe one can still find the IVP hymnal online. Let me know if you want more info. about that hymnal.


Ronald

San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines

The message of this hymn is so powerful. I'm sad because hymns are no longer being sung in most churches


Jack Petrash

Irving, TX, United States

A very powerful hymn with deeply touching lyrics showing our precious Savior's process to become King. Even after enjoying this hymn for several days I find it hard not to weep while singing it.


Debrs

Ohio, United States

I just found this song and am so blessed by it. It makes me so emotional. The lyrics were written over 100 years ago yet this is the first I have heard it. It is so beautiful !! I want to shall it with everyone!


Ian Pearson

Hull, East Yorkshire, United Kingdom

One of my favourite hymns and to such a rousing music tune


Janet White

Chesterfield, United Kingdom

Still one of the most moving hymns around. Love the wording and the tune.


Margaret Owen

Swansea, United Kingdom

I love this hymn. The first time I heard it was at wedding. The words are so beautiful. I just love it.


Kay Carrick

Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom

The lyrics are set to Londonderry Air.