It was just a week ago that I was privileged to attend the funeral service for my dear friend, Connie Breyer. The service was filled with scripture and hymns and tears and most of all, love. Both of her daughters shared many wonderful stories about their precious mother, all of them grounded in her deep love for them but overarched by her steadfast love for her Savior, Jesus. One of their most cherished memories was how she would sing them this hymn before bed each night. I found this version of just a single voice singing this hymn, and while I’m pretty sure Connie didn’t sing all six verses, I can certainly imagine her tucking in her girls to the sweet refrain –
I love to tell the story;
’twill be my theme in glory
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
Connie, you will be forever missed. But as your daughter shared – “Losing you was the worst day in my life. But it was the BEST day of yours!” We can only imagine what a day that was for you!
I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story
because I know it’s true;
it satisfies my longings
as nothing else can do.
Refrain:
I love to tell the story;
’twill be my theme in glory
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story,
for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting
to hear it like the rest.
And when in scenes of glory
I sing the new, new song,
’twill be the old, old story
that I have loved so long. [Refrain]
An angel brought glad tidings:
“Send all your fears away,
for Christ, your Lord and Savior,
is born for you this day.”
Then many other angels
sang praise for Jesus’ birth:
“To God on high be glory,
and peace to all the earth.” [Refrain]
Christ Jesus, pure and holy,
without a spot or stain,
by wicked hands was taken,
was crucified and slain!
And now the word is finished,
the sinner’s debt is paid,
because on Christ the Righteous
the sin of all was laid. [Refrain]
O wonderful redemption!
The price for sin is paid,
salvation is accomplished,
my heart is unafraid,
for God has raised Christ Jesus
to show the work was done;
his glorious resurrection
declared the vict’ry won! [Refrain]
The Savior of all people
has brought his peace to you;
now go and tell the story,
for others need it too.
To ev’ry land and nation
ring out the gospel call;
proclaim that Christ is risen
and grants his peace to all. [Refrain]
Source: Christian Worship: Hymnal #746
