"Above the Hills of Time" by Thomas Tiplady

Today is Good Friday, the Friday before Easter observed in churches as the anniversary of the crucifixion of Christ. Here are the lyrics of a 1931 hymn by Thomas Tiplady (1882-1967), a hymn about the cross on which Christ was crucified. After reading these lyrics (which are in the public domain), watch the music video below in which James Linden Hogg sings this hymn. The tune to which that hymn is sung is a familiar Irish traditional melody titled "Londonderry."


ABOVE THE HILLS OF TIME

Above the hills of time the cross is gleaming,
   Fair as the sun when night has turned to day;
And from it love's pure light is richly streaming,
   To cleanse the heart and banish sin away.
To this dear cross the eyes of men are turning,
   Today as in the ages lost to sight;
And so for Thee, O Christ, men's hearts are yearning,
   As shipwrecked seamen yearn for morning light.

The cross, O Christ, Thy wondrous love revealing,
   Awakes our hearts as with the light of morn,
And pardon o'er our sinful spirits stealing,
   Tells us that we, in Thee, have been reborn.
Like echoes to sweet temple bells replying
   Our hearts, O Lord, make answer to Thy love;
And we will love Thee with a love undying,
   Till we are gathered to Thy home above.

"Above the Hills of Time" -- James Linden Hogg