Our theological lecturer says this is the best ‘hymn of hope’ he knows…

(Powerful words by Timothy Rees – 1874-1939 – and the lovely tune Abbott’s Leigh).

God is love, let heaven adore him;

God is love, let earth rejoice;

let creation sing before him,

and exalt him with one voice.

God who laid the earth’s foundation,

he who spread the heavens above,

and who breathes through all creation,

God is love, eternal love.

***

God is love, and gently enfolding

all the world in one embrace,

with unfailing grasp is holding

every child of every race.

And when human hearts are breaking

under sorrow’s iron rod,

then they find that selfsame aching

deep within the heart of God.

***

God is love, and though with blindness

sin afflicts our human hearts,

God’s eternal lovingkindness

holding, guiding, grace imparts.

Sin and death and hell shall never

o’er us final triumph gain;

God is love, so love for ever

o’er the universe must reign.