THE WINTER IS PAST (Song of Songs 2: 11)

D. J. Willetts

O glorious living Lord,

Our hearts respond to Thee

And answer now with one accord

With praise in liberty.

We are Thy bone and flesh

In kinship’s nearness now,

With deepest joy and love afresh

In holy homage bow.

Blest Lord, in deep delight

Our hearts all merge as one,

So from Thy bride in glory bright

Flows love that Thou hast won.

Blest Bridegroom, now to Thee

The assembly’s answer comes,

In nearness sweet and wholly free

O blessèd heavenly One.

Lord Jesus, we rejoice

That Thou art satisfied.

Thy charm, Thy beauty, and Thy voice;

Delight Thy radiant bride.

We hear Thy blest voice say,

In tones so sweet and clear,

Arise my fair one—come away

Into a wondrous sphere.

Birmingham
1988