A most wonderful thing

A few months ago, I watched the debate between Richard Dawkins and Rowan Williams on the subject Science vs God, that took place at Oxford University.

I found the debate very interesting and there would be lots of things to be said about this topic, but this isn't what I want to write about today (Though I really recommend it)

I was watching the debate, and at some point something that Dawkins said attracted my attention: “I was singing to myself in the shower this morning. I realised that it was a hymn.”

Because I had never listened that hymn and I was quite curious to know it, I thought I would search it and listen to it.

The hymn he sang that morning in the shower is titled “It is a thing most wonderful” and it was written in 1872 by William Walsham How. I loved it, and I think it's one of the most wonderful – sorry to be redundant- and beautiful hymns I've ever heard, not only for the music but also for the lyrics.

It is a thing most wonderful

It is a thing most wonderful,

almost too wonderful to be,

that God's own Son should come from heaven,

and die to save a child like me.

And yet I know that it is true:

he chose a poor and humble lot,

and wept, and toiled, and mourned, and died,

for love of those who loved him not.

I cannot tell how he would love

a child so weak and full of sin;

his love must be most wonderful,

if he could die my love to win.

I sometimes think about the cross,

and shut my eyes, and try to see

the cruel nails and crown of thorns

and Jesus crucified for me.

But even could I see him die,

I could but see a little part

of that great love, which, like a fire,

is always burning in his heart.

It is most wonderful to know

his love for me so free and sure;

but 'tis more wonderful to see

my love for him so faint and poor.

And yet I want to love thee, Lord;

O light the flame within my heart,

and I will love thee more and more,

until I see thee as thou art.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKqjtA5HiQU