Lyrics and Longings

The desolate Messiah dies
Spread out upon the cross:
unwanted by the earth he made,
Death's trophy to the world displayed
and, as the final scene is played,
all hope is lost.
 
The disregarded Christ hangs high
as nations turn away.
How can a king be weak in power
and leave earth in its crisis hour?
And how will liberation flower
or Death give way?
 
Yet silently, as morning breaks,
the risen Lord is found.
A battle fought beyond the grave
has ended with a shout: 'He saves!'
and Life walks from a borrowed cave,
now holy ground.
 
Beneath the shadow of his cross
the Church of Christ must stand,
and hold a holy mystery:
that death means life at Calvary
and grace has won the victory
for all the world.