New Hymns for the Lectionary
Proper 2A - Gospel
  • TEXT FILE OF HYMN    • MIDI FILE    • HYMN INDEX

Heaven Comes Near for All Today
TEXT: Mark Ryman (2004) based on Matthew 3:1-12.
TUNE: "Duke Street," by John Hatton (1793).

Long ago in another way,
Isaiah preached salvation.
Heaven comes near for all today
Who turn to Christ’s liberation.

A wild man came crying, “Repent.”
He called his home the wilderness.
Prepare the way of Him God sent.
Make straight the path of all ages.

People came out to wash away
The filth of their acknowledged sins.
He is nearer than you can say
Who will cleanse of all transgressions.

Produce the fruits of repentance;
Religion cannot bear you up.
God will pass down His high sentence
In keeping with a faithless crop.

John’s baptism was of water;
Christ christens with Spirit and fire.
He is the way to His Father;
For those souls who truly aspire.

The copy on this page, including the hymn and commentary, is copyrighted by Mark Ryman. © 2004.
I use CYBER HYMNAL for all of my tunes, which means you can use the tune yourself. Information on
the Revised Common Lectionary may be found at both textweek.com and Vanderbilt Divinity SChool.
You may freely use these hymn lyrics and/or commentary in whole or in part for study and/or worship
as long as you use the following citation: "©2004 Mark Ryman. More hymns at edoxy.com."

If you would, please email me, letting me know how you have used the hymn(s). That would be a blessing.
If you wish to publish this or any of my hymns, you must of course gain my permission. © Mark Ryman

HYMN INDEX    BACK TO EDOXY