WHY did the Prince of Life leave courts of power
And come to serve in this dark world of sin?
Why did He choose to know death's dreaded hour?
Did He thus seek some greater pow'r to win,
Or glory wear?
God's word makes known the truth — and all may know it:
"For God so loved the world!" — that He might show it,
He sent a door of life for all who perish:
Christ is the door — who wills may enter there.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.
"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.
Why did He love? Love is life's joy and reason!
Love's stream of life will never cease to flow!
Failure to love is death — and highest treason!
For "God is love." He wills that all may know
Love's happiness;
Unbounded love! no shade of death or sadness,
But endless life of freedom, rest, and gladness.
That all may know God's perfect love, and share it,
Christ came to earth, and gave His life to bless.
Refreshing love! one draft from that great fountain
Has made me thirst for more, that I may give.
I would — like Him who died on Calv'ry's mountain —
Be filled with love, and in His presence live
Who reigns above.
The love that saves from sin — who can compare it?
And every weary child of earth may share it.
The ransomed through the ages will declare it,
The ceaseless wonders of redeeming love.
