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The United Methodist Hymnal · No. 326 · Words: Thomas Kelly · Tune: ST. MAGNUS
The Head That Once Was Crowned
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →A triumphant hymn by Thomas Kelly (1820) celebrating Christ's exaltation after his suffering, contrasting the crown of thorns with the crown of glory. It draws on Hebrews 2 and Revelation to proclaim Christ's eternal reign.
Verse 1
The head that once
was crowned with thorns
is crowned with glory now;
a royal
diadem adorns
the mighty
victor’s brow.
Verse 2
The highest place
that heaven affords
belongs to him
by right;
the King of kings
and Lord of lords,
and heaven’s
eternal light.
Verse 3
The joy of all
who dwell above,
the joy of all below,
to whom he
manifests his love,
and grants his
name to know.
Verse 4
To them the cross
with all its shame,
with all its grace,
is given;
their name an
everlasting name,
their joy the
joy of heaven.
Verse 5
They suffer with
their Lord below;
they reign with
him above;
their profit and
their joy to know
the mystery of his love.
Verse 6
The cross he bore
is life and health,
though shame and
death to him,
his people’s hope,
his people’s wealth,
their everlasting theme.
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