John the Baptist

My father was a priest among his peers

My mother was barren and advanced in years

Both were righteous before God and blameless

　

When one day my dad went into the temple to burn incense

And an angel appeared and told him things that made no sense

So it was that people were made to have joy and gladness

　

The time had come for the prophecy to be unveiled at last 

What will his name be called, they asked..

On a tablet, my father wrote, "His name is John."

All who heard, kept these things in mind

Until one day in the wilderness the people did find

The one crying in the wilderness saying, "Make straight the paths of the Lord."

　

I wore a garment of camels hair and leather girdle

And people from all around Jordan river encircled

Being baptized while confessing their sins

　

But I said commit deeds worthy of repentance

Or this will be your death sentence:

Like a tree without good fruit; you will be thrown into the flames

For I baptize with water 

But He who comes after is hotter

He will baptize you with The Holy Ghost and fire

　

Then to Jordan came this Jesus from Galilee

And I told Him I had need to be baptized of thee

But He said, "suffer it now: for we must fulfill all righteousness."

　

Then when Jesus came out of the water

The heavens parted above

And the Holy Spirit descended as a dove

And a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."

　

Now before the days I was cast into prison 

There arose a question that caused some division

They asked, "What about this man you witnessed, behold He baptizes and all men come to Him." 

But I said, "He must increase; but I must decrease." He that believes in Him life shall never cease

But they that believe Him not the wrath of God abides on them.

　

Now shortly before my life was to end 

Two of my disciples to Jesus I did send

Asking, "Are you He that should come or do we look for another?"

　

He said, "Go your way, and tell John what you see and hear; how the blind see

The lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear; the dead are raised,

To the poor the gospel is preached. Blessed is whosoever is not offended in Me."

So when death is near

Don’t lose faith and fear

For He has promised to never leave nor forsake you.

　

And if in service God chooses for you to be killed

Count it a privilege, don’t resist His will

Because to be absent from the body is to be present with Him

　

Then in glory you’ll be ever with the King

 With a new song to sing

" Praise the Lamb of God for sinners slain!"