For Good Friday

"To Mock Your Reign O Dearest Lord"

 Lyrics   The Revd. Fred Pratt Green (Dec'd)

 Tune   "The Third Tune" Thomas Tallis
https://youtu.be/5hsT2vMQHGM
To mock Your reign O dearest Lord
They made a crown of thorns
Set You with taunts along the road
From which no one returns
They did not know as we do now
That glorious is your crown;
That thorns would flower upon Your brow
Your sorrows heal our own

In mock acclaim O gracious Lord
They snatched a purple cloak
Your passion turned for all they cared
Into a soldier's joke
They did not know as we do now
That though we merit blame
You will Your robe of mercy throw
Around our naked shame

A sceptered reed O patient Lord 
They thrust into Your hand
And acted out their grim charade
To its appointed end
They did not know as we do now
Though empires rise and fall
Your Kingdom shall not cease to grow
Till love embraces all

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