His Gentle Hands

As Mary held the tiny babe so close,

She felt the joy of love that now could be expressed.

So soft the fingers curled about her own!

Tenderly she held them, and lovingly caressed

…His gentle hands.

At twelve, He sought the temple, all alone.

For now, with all the Law, He knew He must comply.

But Mary searched for Him with sorrowing,

Not understanding then His need, but took Him by

…His gentle hands.

His life, though short, was spent in doing good.

And in a world so filled with pain; with simple trust

The sick, the blind, the lame, all came to Him.

In deep compassion of His soul He healed with just

…His gentle hands.

But jealous men took counsel for His life.

A traitor ‘midst His own disciples they had found,

Who sold Him, like a common slave, for price.

They came by night and took Him, and with cords they bound

…His gentle hands.

Did you go with Him through that fearful night,

When e’en before the first soft light of morning came,

They placed upon His head a crown of thorns,

And scourged Him sore? Oh, did you see the blood that stained

…His gentle hands?

At last the hammer’s dreadful sounds were stilled!

They lifted up that heavy Cross against the sky.

While people passing by would mock Him sore;

In agonizing grief and shame He hung there by

…His gentle hands.

But did you see the love within His eyes,

Enduring, though His body, racked with pain, grew numb;

A love so deep, we cannot comprehend!

And did you weep to see those blood drops falling from

…His gentle hands?

Oh, did you hear Him give that anguished cry?

Then suddenly the sun grew dark--the air was chilled!

“My God, Oh, why has Thou forsaken Me?”

‘Twas finished then! Released from pain, relaxed and stilled

…His gentle hands.

As Mary looked at Him with tearful eyes,

In anguish of her heart that could not be repressed,

She thought back to the child that she had borne,

And how she’d held Him close and lovingly caressed

…His gentle hands.

Bonnie Gaunt

“A Touch of Heaven”

Each step He took would leave the mark of heaven---

Each word He spoke would have eternal worth---

Each life He touched would feel His mighty power

As the Son of God began His work on earth---

The lonely lives would find a friend to listen---

The wounded hearts would feel His gentle hand---

The blinded eyes would see a new day dawning---

He had the Father’s strength at His command---

A touch of heaven, the Hand of Jesus reaching down

Into the world their lonely hearts to claim---

A touch of heaven, the love of Jesus would change

Their lives and they would never be the same!

With every step, the multitudes would follow---

They watched Him heal the crippled, sick and lame---

Although they did not understand His source of strength,

Somehow, they knew the power in His Name!

A touch of heaven, the hand of Jesus still reaches

Out to you, your lonely heart to claim---

A touch of heaven--the love of Jesus can change

Your life and you will never be the same.

An Anthem