From beyond
human history
he came -
Son of Man
and Son of God,
living humanly,
teaching divinely,
displaying
the life of God
in human life,
pointing,
leading
all who would hear
and heed
towards the Creator,
calling them,
loving them
into the family
of their heavenly Father...

From beyond
human history
he came -
yet those who claimed
exclusive
monopolising
insight
into the beyond
objected to him,
contested him,
conspired against him
and rejected him,
accused him
falsely,
had him
flogged,
nailed
to a wooden
Roman cross.
They watched
and jeered
and gloated
to see him die.
Through
kindness
of a friend
his body
was laid to rest
in a tomb
hewn
from rock.

To every friend
it seemed
the end
had come
to the very one
who knew
and loved
so well.
Dark and dank
the tomb,
heavy pall
the gloom
that gripped
their spirits
now.
Surely...
If only...
It could have been...
But no!
Tragedy -
schemed,
accomplished -
had put an end
to hope!

From beyond
human history
he came -
or was he just
another
passing figure
of human
history,
crossing
the stage
forever
to disappear?

But then
a glorious morn -
the curtains
of beyond
are drawn.
The echoing strains
of angel song
touch
human hearts
again -
"Glory to God
in highest heaven
and peace on earth
to all
who will receive
his grace!
Seek not
the living
with the dead.
From beyond
human history
he came.
In human history
he lived
and died.
But see!
The tomb
is empty -
he lives
again!"

Fragrant now
the tomb,
lifted
is the gloom
that held them -
he lives! He lives!
Now they see
and know him
alive
from death -
not just
a teacher
and a friend,
but Saviour
and Lord
and God!
Glory
to his name!
Glory
in the highest!
The news is good -
God’s peace
for all
who will receive it!

From beyond
human history
he came -
pouring
divine
love
and grace,
pouring now
his Spirit
on all
his friends
to strengthen them
to live
and bear the news
in a task
that will not end
until
from beyond
human history
he comes -
his glory
revealed!

Tell out
the news!
Glory to God
in highest heaven
and peace on earth
to all
who will receive
his grace!
From beyond
human history
he came.
In human history
he lived
and died.
But see!
The tomb
is empty -
he lives!
He lives!
Glory, glory,
hallelujah!
He lives -
our Saviour
and our Lord!