How desert-like this world and stark
How desert-like this world and stark,
how hideous and foul and dark!
Hate, anger, envy all o’erthrow
and cover it as if with snow;
one scarcely even dares to name
love of one’s neighbour without shame.
But that exactly is the sign
which Christians always does define:
that of each other they are fond
and share what is a heartfelt bond;
thus brothers in Christ Jesus are
distinguishable from afar.
Each branch of Jesus has its power
yet varies as does flower from flower,
in time and place this too we see,
experience and industry;
in God though Christians are all one,
the law of love they never shun.
A building’s made of stone on stone,
yet when completed all are one,
the large and small go hand in hand,
so they both fire and flood withstand;
thus minds devout are all akin
and may God’s temple enter in.
O Jesus, who to us came down
us all with peace and love to crown,
extend your kingdom far and wide
unite, let nought us e’er divide,
so we with you and yours one day
one heavn’ly host may always stay!
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