Today’s hymn is from German Reformer Martin Luther, who based his version from the hymn ” Jesus Christ, Our Salvation” (English translation) which is often attributed to John Huss. It’s a hymn celebrating communion, written in 1524. Whether or not you hold Luther’s view of the Eucharist, we would all do well to ponder these words before we come to the Lord’s Table. Enjoy!

Jesus Christ, our blessed Saviour,
turned away God’s wrath forever;
by his bitter grief and woe
he saved us from the evil foe.

As his pledge of love undying,
he, this precious food supplying,
gives his body with the bread
and with the wine the blood he shed.

Jesus here himself is sharing;
take heed how you are preparing,
for if you do not believe,
judgment instead you shall receive.

Useless would be Jesus’ passion
if salvation you could fashion.
Do not come if you suppose
you need not him who died and rose.

Christ says, “Come, all you that labour,
and receive my grace and favour;
those who feel no pain or ill
need no physician’s help or skill.”

Then hold fast with faith unshaken
that this food is to be taken
by the souls who are distressed,
by hearts that long for peace and rest.

Praise the Father, who from heaven
unto us such food has given
and, to mend what we have done,
gave into death his only Son.