Come to me, says Jesus

The third in our series of hymns from our competition.

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"Come to me," says Jesus

"Come to me," says Jesus,
"Come, all you little ones.
God my Father's kingdom
to such as these belongs.
Never try to stop them;
for if you would live above,
you must be like children
and freely receive his love."

"Come to me," says Jesus,
"Come if you've tears and care.
Take my yoke upon you,
lean on me, come and share.
For my yoke is easy,
my burden is light for you:
if you follow my way
then my strength will help you through."

"Come, if you are thirsty,
come, find what life's about.
I'm the living water:
drink and you'll quench your drought.
You will find a purpose -
a meaning for all you do:
God has planned a pathway
of good things and tasks for you."

"Come to me," says Jesus.
"When I am lifted high
I will draw you to me:
my death will purify
all your sins and evils
and thoughtless things you have done -
all will be forgiven.
By my blood they'll all be gone."

"Come to me," says Jesus,
"Come to my Father's home.
Trust in God my Father,
trust in me - me alone.
If you walk your journey
by holding me by my hand,
at the end I'll be there:
together in heaven we'll stand."

Words copyright © John Hartley 2004.
 

Our competition last year, for hymns or songs suitable for use in the service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child, was divided into two sections: complete hymns (i.e. new words with new music) and lyrics to existing tunes. The great advantage of setting lyrics to existing well-known tunes is that the people can sing them without having to learn a new tune - especially important if the "christening party" consists mainly of visitors. This hymn is based on Mark 10:14-15, Matt 11:28-30, and John 7:37, 3:14 and 14:1-6; and it goes to the tune of the Eton Boating Song", which was first used in 1864 (so its copyright protection expired long ago).