Long ago He blessed the earth,
Born older than the years.
And in the stall a cross He saw
Through the first of many tears.
A life of homeless wandering
Cast out in sorrow’s way,
The Shepherd seeking for the lost,
His life the price He’d pay.

Throughout Your life You felt the weight
Of what You’d come to give.
To drink for us that crimson cup,
So we might really live.
At last the time to love and die,
The dark appointed day,
That one forsaken moment when
Your Father turned His face away.

Love crucified arose,
The One who lived and died for me
Was Satan’s nail-pierced casualty,
Now He’s breathing once again.
Love crucified arose,
And the grave became a place of hope,
For the heart that sin and sorrow broke
Is beating once again.

Love crucified arose.
The risen One in splendor;
Jehovah’s soul defender;
Has won the victory.
Love crucified arose,
And the grave became a place of hope,
For the heart that sin and sorrow broke
Is beating once again.

~ Michael Card