Today, we sang the song “This Is the Christ” as the opening song in Sacrament Meeting. I must admit, I felt like I was singing an LDS pop song. It just didn’t feel like a hymn. I love the song; it is one of the best LDS songs ever written. It is great for solos and choirs, but is it suitable for the whole congregation? This one may need to grow on me.
The song began to play on the piano instead of the organ. I started looking at the sheet music, but I eventually closed it and listened instead. My daughter had to explain to my wife what all the music notation meant. My wife is not a singer and was easily thrown off by the more complex structure and the repeats.
In the middle of our testimony meeting today, one of the kindest men I know got up to bear his testimony. While doing so, he repeated a line from this song: “How many drops of blood were spilled for me?” At that moment, I felt a bit like a shmuck. That is why the song was included.
I probably shouldn’t be talking. I’ve never written a song that anyone has taken notice of. Additionally, my songwriting never seems to conform to a standard. However, I realize my songs are not sacrament meeting songs, let alone congregational hymns.
I tell you what, the next time we sing it in church, I will sing it, and I will get used to it.
They heard a voice, a voice so mild.
It pierced them through and made their souls to quake.
They saw Him come, a man in white,
The Savior, who had suffered for their sake.
They felt the wounds in hands and side,
And each could testify: This is the Christ.This is the Christ, the holy Son of God—
Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.
This is the Christ, the Healer of our souls,
Who ransomed us with love divine.I read His words, the words He prayed
While bearing sorrow in Gethsemane.
I feel His love, the price He paid.
How many drops of blood were spilled for me?
With Saints of old in joyful cry
I too can testify: This is the Christ.This is the Christ, the holy Son of God—
Our Savior, Lord, Redeemer of mankind.
This is the Christ, the Healer of our souls,
Who ransomed us with love divine.Credits
Text: James E. Faust and Jan Underwood Pinborough, 1995
Music: Michael Finlinson Moody, 1995; alt. | THIS IS THE CHRIST© 1995 James E. Faust, Jan Underwood Pinborough, and Michael Finlinson Moody. All rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial Church or home use.