Page 16 - The Wondrous Cross - CD Booklet

10. Peace I leave with you
This hymn was written by yours truly! It does depart a little from the other hymns
included here in that it has no strict meter nor does it have rhyming couplets.
Both these were common, particularly in less contemporary hymns, so that the
congregation could more easily commit to memory.

I composed the piece for remembrance, that time when we reflect on the
sacrifice of others and so to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross. I take as
my text the upper room discourse between Jesus and the disciples in John 14-16.
Here, three words struck me – peace, love and joy. These form the basis of the
three stanzas. The discourse was to be a great encouragement to the disciples as
they would soon be embarking on a road without the physical presence of Jesus.
The tune and structure are simple and reflective with a complimentary keyboard
accompaniment. The choir sings unison, harmony a cappella then a stronger final
verse with descant. We are finally reminded of those three gifts God gives us for
our own journey through life – peace, love and joy.
Peace I leave with you; Joy I bring to you;
My peace I give to you. An everlasting joy.
Not as the world gives, No-one will take away
not as the world gives. my joy from you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Now comes your time for grieving
Do not be afraid. But I will see you again.
Peace I leave with you. Joy I bring to you.
Love I give to you. Peace, love, joy I give to you.
No greater love is this
That a man lay down his life Words and Music: © Peter Burton 2018.
for his friends.
So then love one another
As I have loved you. Love I give to you.