for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” – Ephesians 5:14

Today’s post is out of the ordinary inasmuch as it features a song. Sure I do this once in a while but certainly not routinely.

This is a long story because it goes back to 1970, when I chose Charles Wesley’s classic hymn “And Can it Be” for the church service when I was baptized (Folkestone Baptist Church). It is one of those rousing hymns that sings well in a congregation but the tune is very much from a bygone era.

“My chains fell off and I was free, I rose went forth and followed thee.” I still love the words. “Amazing love, how can it be that thou My God should die for me.”

I remember talking about this hymn one day with some friends back in Brandon, probably around 2010. “One day I should write a contemporary arrangement for the Praise Band,” I said. “It’s one of my favorites too,” Peggie Roy chimed in,“you absolutely should!”

Years go by. Then, at last Tuesday’s Bible Study, we are talking about Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16). When their chains fall off I immediately think of that hymn. I quote a couple of verses, from memory, and the hymn works its way back into my consciousness.

“One day I’d like to compose a contemporary framing on this hymn,” I tell my friend John after the meeting.

Then, over this past weekend, I found myself looking at the words and the tune just lands on me. So I grab my guitar and right there, I’m talking in a matter of five minutes, the composition unfolds.

I have introduced a little rephrasing – instead of “And can it be,” now I sing, “How can it be?” And there is some updating too, like a change from “thou” to “you.” But mostly I am sure that Charles Wesley would approve.

So I dropped this on the men’s Bible study group Tuesday morning and I believe the song communicated. That of course is the whole point. I just want the message to come across, the message of wonder at God’s amazing love for me!

Timeless. It’s the Gospel, of course, the Good News – and it always will be – DEREK

Note: I use the capo, second fret, covering just five strings to retain the base “E” note…