Today’s modern hymn comes from Hymnicity, a music ministry with the vision “to see hymns become a vital part of the Christian life.” Writing about this hymn, they say “in his letter to the church [in] Colossae, the Apostle Paul rejoiced to see how the gospel bore fruit among the Colossian believers. He longed for them to see the preeminence of Christ in all things—particularly in their salvation and future hope.In Christ, God has made us alive, forgiven our sins, and triumphed over our demonic enemies. In Christ, God has freed us from the tyranny of man-made religion and given us a glorious future hope. Our old, sinful self has died, Paul writes, “and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” This guarantees a glorious future—”When Christ who is your life appears, then you will also appear with him in glory.” O Christ, My Life celebrates this truth—that our life and hope is Christ himself. He reigns victorious in heaven, out of reach of every enemy that haunts our souls in this world. Our treasure can never fade and never fail—for Christ lives forever, and we live in him. What a joy to have a hiding place in Christ!¹” Enjoy!

My treasure lies in heaven, beyond this mortal veil,
Where death can never ruin, where foes cannot assail;
Secured through all the ages by a covenant of love,
A fount of endless riches awaiting me above.

My peace and consolation will carry through the night;
It rests on the foundation of a gracious sacrifice.
My once-forsaken Saviour has tasted every grief;
The One who knows my weakness now runs to my relief.

Refrain
O Christ, my life, my joy, my prize,
My soul will hide in you, O Christ, my life.

My shield and my defender from all that haunts my soul
Has faced my condemnation and paid my debt in full.
Though death and hell assailed him they could not overcome
So when my strength shall fail me the vict’ry will be won.

My pardon, my salvation, my righteousness, my life,
My hope of resurrection, is found alone in Christ.
No power can condemn me for he was crucified;
Since I have died with Jesus with him I shall arise!

¹hymni.city/hymns/o-christ-my-life

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Today’s hymn is a translation of the 6th century Latin hymn, “Christ­us Re­demp­tor Om­ni­um” written by St. Columba (521-597). He was born in Ireland and as a young man he took Holy Orders. In 563, travelling to Iona which is off the coast of Scotland, with 12 companions he converted the northern Picts to Christianity and established the Iona Abbey, a monastery that became a focal point of spirituality and learning¹. The below version is a modern rendition of the hymn by one of my new favourite groups; enjoy!

Meter: 7.6.7.6 D

Christ is the world’s redeemer,
the lover of the pure,
the fount of heavenly wisdom,
our trust and hope secure,
the armour of his soldiers,
the lord of earth and sky,
our health while we are living,
our life when we shall die.

Christ has our host surrounded
with clouds of martyrs bright
who wave their palms in triumph
and fire us for the fight.
For Christ the cross ascended
to save a world undone
and, suffering for the sinful,
our full redemption won.

Down in the realm of darkness
he lay a captive bound,
but at the hour appointed
he rose, a victor crowned,
and now, to heaven ascended,
he sits upon the throne
in glorious dominion,
his Father’s and his own.

Glory to God the Father,
the unbegotten One;
all honour be to Jesus,
his sole-begotten Son;
and to the Holy Spirit —
the perfect Trinity.
Let all the worlds give answer:
‘Amen, so let it be’.

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¹kpshaw.blogspot.com/2013/11/p389.html