20 When All the World Was Cursed

1 When all the world was cursed By Moses' condemnation, Saint John the Baptist came With words of consolation. With true forerunner's zeal The greater one he named, And him, as yet unknown, As Savior he proclaimed. 2 Before Saint John was born, He leaped in joyful meeting, Confessing him as Lord Whose mother he was greeting. By Jordan's rolling stream, A new Elijah bold, He testified of him Whom prophets had foretold. 3 Behold the Lamb of God, Who bears the world's transgression, Whose sacrifice removes The devil's dread oppression. Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away our sin, Who for our peace and joy Will full atonement win. 4 Oh, grant, dear Lord of love, That we receive, rejoicing, The word proclaimed by John, Our true repentance voicing, That gladly we may walk Upon our Savior's way Until we live with him In his eternal day.