Pilgrim's Hymn

(In writing this poem, I discovered that it is a great challenge to set words to music. Keeping metre and rhythm, while communicating what you intend to say can be difficult. I highly recommend it as a great creative exercise!)

To the tune of “Nettleton” (“Come Thou Fount”)

If the sacrifice was easy
It would be no offering
If there was no chill of winter
Where would be the joy of spring?
If the gift you gave cost nothing
How could it have any worth?
If the mother bore no sorrow
How could she give her child birth?

There is pain in every healing
Setting bone the mend begins
If the foe you face is weaker
Then what vict’ry do you win?
If the road was smooth and simple
Then no joy at journey’s end
And no eager expectation
If you see around the bend

Bind your off’ring to the altar
So your heart can’t stray away
Burn for those who live in darkness
So they see the light of day
Poor beggars at the gate rejoice
For Christ brings good news to you
Oh rise up you broken-hearted
For Christ heals and makes you new

Come forth captives from your prison
Freedom’s shout you now have heard
See the door that’s standing open
Fallen walls and chains shattered
For your tears and ashes barren
Christ gives you His oil of joy
Clothing you in praise and beauty
And a hope no death destroys

If the road was smooth and simple
Then no joy at journey’s end
And no eager expectation
If you see around the bend
Keep on pilgrim for you know that
Sun and moon will pass from view
Wars will cease and winter end when
All the world is born anew

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:13-16)