17 Aug GS 2010 art 124
GS 2010 Article 124 – Hymn: We Come O Christ to You
1. Material
- 1.1 Letters from Ancaster (8.3.J.46), Attercliffe (8.3.J.25), Carman East (8.3.J.3), Chilliwack (8.3.J.14), Neerlandia (8.3.J.23), London (8.3.J.30), and Winnipeg-Redeemer (8.3.J.41, Appendix 3).
- 1.2 SCBP Report, Section Four, 10.3.II.1 (8.2.j).
2. Observations
- 2.1 Some of the churches objected that this hymn is not Trinitarian, and thus not suitable for that section of the Hymnary.
- 2.2 Some of the churches raised doctrinal questions about some of the expressions in the hymn.
- 2.3 One church objected to the use of an adjective as a noun, in stanza 3, line 2, in which Christ is described as “the one eternal True.”
- 2.4 One church suggested that the tune was difficult.
- 2.5 A s this hymn is under copyright, it is not possible to make changes to the text.
3. Considerations
- 3.1 Some of the churches objected that this hymn was not Trinitarian. The SCBP has placed this hymn of praise to Christ in the appropriate section of the revised Hymnary
- 3.2 In light of the words of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 11:28 and John 6:37, the hymn properly speaks about “coming to Christ.” In light of the words of Colossians 1:16-17, as well as John 14:6, the hymn properly speaks of Christ as Creator, and the one in whom we find our life. The hymn likewise appropriately directs praise to Christ, as do, for example, the “songs” of Rev. 5:9-10, 12.
- 3.3 While this is indeed unusual to refer to Christ as “the one eternal True,” it is understood as a poetic way of expressing what Christ claimed about himself when he said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6), and as such, is appropriate. The meaning is clear enough. Furthermore, as noted in Observation 2.5, the hymn is under copyright, and we cannot make changes to the text.
- 3.4 The tune is not itself difficult or complicated, but, unfamiliar. With use, the tune will become more familiar, and more “singable.”
4. Recommendation
That Synod decide to approve the inclusion of the Hymn We Come O Christ to You in the expanded hymn section of the Book of Praise as recommended by the SCBP.