Gracing the Altar

©2011 Susan Noyes Anderson

In ancient days, the law of sacrifice
was clear and plain.
The firstlings of each flock were offered
to the Lord and slain.

These off’rings, in similitude
of Christ’s great gift to man,
were ended when His blood was spilled
as sacrificial lamb…
the Paschal Lamb, the Lamb of God,
who went beneath the knife
to save His flock, to raise each one
unto eternal life.

Now we are called upon to prove,
as Christ has freely done,
that we are His in deed,
patrons of all His blood has won…
and stewards, holding saving truths
prepared for all the earth.
To live, not tell, His story is
the measure of our birth.

Of us, much is expected,
as it has been from the start.
Help us, O Lord, to grace thine altar
with a willing heart.

Related Poems:

He Walked Alone Easter Collection Service, Ritual, Redemption:
Washing the Disciple’s Feet This Do in Remembrance