Hymns possess an extraordinary ability to resonate with our deepest emotions and life experiences. They become soundtracks to our faith journeys, weaving themselves into moments of joy, sorrow, and profound reflection. Laura de Jong recounts one such poignant experience during a Tenebrae service at Calvin College, where the hymn “What Wondrous Love Is This” took on a new, unforgettable meaning.
In this annual service, designed for students and the wider community, the opening lines of “What Wondrous Love” were used as a recurring refrain after each Scripture reading. As the congregation contemplated the final hours of Christ’s life, the hymn’s words grew increasingly powerful with each repetition. During the “Shadow of the Crucifixion,” a moment of somber reflection on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, tragedy struck. An elderly visitor, present with his wife, suffered a fatal heart attack. The service transformed into a scene of collective grief and fervent prayer as campus safety personnel responded, attempting resuscitation without success. In the midst of meditating on Christ’s suffering, this man peacefully passed away, entering into eternity with his Savior.
As Laura de Jong left the somber gathering, the final verse of the hymn echoed in her mind: “And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be, and through eternity I’ll sing on.” This experience underscored the profound truth embedded within the hymn: the wondrous love of Christ liberates us from the fear of death, inspiring us to raise our voices in adoration of the Lamb’s sacrifice.
The Rich History of “What Wondrous Love Is This”
This powerful hymn, “What Wondrous Love Is This,” emerges from the deep well of American folk tradition. Although the author of the text remains anonymous, its origins trace back to 1811 when it was first published. The hymn gained widespread popularity through the Sacred Harp shape note singing tradition in 1844, and remarkably, the text has remained largely unchanged since then. While some hymnals omit the stanza “When I was sinking down,” others include an additional verse that emphasizes Christ’s sacrifice: “That Christ should lay aside his crown for my soul – What wondrous love is this, O my soul!” This variation further amplifies the hymn’s central theme of Christ’s immense love.
The Enduring Beauty of the Tune
The melody itself, aptly named WONDROUS LOVE, was first paired with this text in the second edition of Southern Harmony. Musicologist Erik Routley eloquently described the tune as “incomparably beautiful,” a testament to its enduring appeal. While the tune has remained largely consistent, various artists have explored stylistic variations that highlight different facets of the hymn’s emotional depth.
Consider these diverse interpretations:
- Fernando Ortega’s Piano and Strings Version: Ortega’s rendition masterfully uses tonality to mirror the hymn’s emotional arc. Beginning with a melancholic tone, it gradually shifts to a hopeful and uplifting conclusion, perfectly capturing the journey from sorrow to redemption.
- Chanticleer’s A Cappella Performance: This version showcases creative liberties with the tune, presenting a bright, almost medieval style that adds a unique dimension to the hymn.
- Blue Highway’s Bluegrass A Cappella Interpretation: Evoking the spirit of “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, Blue Highway delivers a tight-harmony bluegrass rendition that roots the hymn in American folk tradition.
- Chelsea Moon and the Franz Brothers’ Guitar-Led Version: This simple yet powerful interpretation highlights the hymn’s raw emotional core through a stripped-down, guitar-focused arrangement.
When and How to Experience “What Wondrous Love Is This”
“What Wondrous Love Is This” is particularly resonant during the season of Lent, and it holds immense power within Good Friday services. Many churches incorporate it as an opening hymn for Good Friday or Tenebrae services, setting a tone of reflection and solemnity. The hymn’s opening lines can also serve as a powerful refrain during Tenebrae services, sung after each Scripture reading as worshippers journey through Christ’s final days. This repetitive use enhances the hymn’s impact, deepening the congregation’s contemplation of Christ’s sacrifice.
Another impactful approach involves using the first two lines as a recurring refrain during a reading of Psalm 22, a psalm deeply connected to Lent and Christ’s suffering. This method is detailed in Sing! A New Creation #142, offering a structured way to integrate the hymn with scriptural reflection.
“What Wondrous Love Is This” is more than just a hymn; it’s an invitation to contemplate the immeasurable love that lies at the heart of Christian faith. It’s a melody that carries within it the weight of sacrifice, the hope of redemption, and the enduring wonder of divine love.
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