Classic Poem

Not far from Jordan's ford
Unknown a Stranger trod,
When lo, the voice reveals the Word,
Behold the Lamb of God.
O true and living Bread!
O present Paschal Feast!
The One who liveth and was dead:
The Victim and the Priest.

Upon the Throne of thrones,
Where cherubim adore,
And prostrate elders cast their crowns
And worship evermore,
Behold the Heavenly Lamb,
As on the altar slain,
There with the Infinite I AM,
Is seen to rest and reign.

Amid the white-robed choirs,
Who with their waves of song
And melodies of golden lyres
The steeps of Zion throng,
The Shepherd King appears,
Who gave His life for them:
The Crucified is crown'd, and wears
Love's peerless diadem.

Hark the joy bells of home,
Ringing eternal life!
The marriage of the Lamb is come:
He claims His holy wife.
What lies beyond no heart
Of pilgrim can conceive:
O Christ, we know Thee Who Thou art:
Heaven meets who heaven believe.