On Jordan's river bank today see John the Baptist stand; a voice, to start without delay to work that God has planned. "Repent!' he calls, ' Come, be baptized! Turn round, be clean, be free! A greater prophet, called the Christ, will quickly follow me.' They gather, some from every town, to wash away their sin; they hear, believe, and soon step down prepared for plunging in. But look - who now is walking near? Is this the promised one - the Lamb of God among us here, the Servant, and the Son? He speaks no lie, no sin he knows, no law has he transgressed; his vibrant goodness overflows: on him God's love shall rest. With us he strangely takes his place, for guilt, but not his own; and soon for us he sets his face to walk, to hang, alone. The Judge will be put down with scorn, the Saviour face the flood; cursed is the King, and the crowned with thorn, baptized afresh in blood. From restless crowds to hideous cross, Lord Christ, for us you came, brought low, poured out, and risen for us; all glory to your name!