Spiritual, GospelPaul Toschi
Ascension Part 4 Gifts

Then from the throne a herald cried:

"What shall the Victor gain?
What tribute shall be brought to Him
Who now forever reigns?"

But lo, the King stretched forth His hands,
Still bearing nail-marked scars,
And from His throne there flowed abroad
Riches beyond the stars.

For earthly kings divide the spoil
Of kingdoms won by might;
Yet Christ bestows the wealth of Heaven
Upon His saints in light.

The treasures of eternal life
He freely gave away;
The riches of His Father's house
He shared that very day.

To those once burdened by their guilt
He granted peace with God;
To those who wandered in the dark
He showed the heavenly road.

The Spirit of the Living God,
The Comforter divine,
The Holy Guest, the faithful Friend,
He poured out as new wine.

The Breath of Heaven filled the weak,
The fearful found new voice;
The mourning learned to sing again,
The broken to rejoice.

He clothed His people for the war
That still on earth remained,
Not with the armor forged by men,
Nor weapons blood-stained.

He girded them with steadfast truth,
And righteousness bestowed;
He raised the shield of living faith
Along the pilgrim road.

The helmet of salvation shone
Upon each lifted head,
And in their hands He placed the sword
His living Spirit fed.

He taught them love that conquers hate,
And mercy stronger still;
The strength to bless their enemies,
To pardon every ill.

He gave the grace to reconcile
Where bitterness had grown;
To lift the weak, encourage hearts,
And seek not self but One.

He taught them how to watch and pray,
To trust when sight was dim,
To stand against the gates of Hell
By clinging fast to Him.

And still His royal bounty flowed,
No measure could contain
The gifts that from the throne proceed
Throughout His endless reign.

Then all the hosts of Heaven cried:

"All glory to the Son!
The kingdom of our God has come,
The victory is won!"

Hosanna to the King of Kings!
Let every creature sing!
The Lamb once slain, now glorified,
Forevermore shall reign!

And through the ages yet unborn,
Through every land and tongue,
The praises of the risen Christ
Shall evermore be sung.

For He who came in humility,
Upon the lowly colt,
Now reigns enthroned above the heavens,
Exalted Lord of all.

And every knee shall bow at last,
And every voice proclaim:
The King of Glory reigns forever—
Blessed be His Name.

[Triumphant Anthem Instrumental Outro]
[End]