Come Behold The Wondrous Mystery
Matt Papa's modern hymn, "Come Behold The Wondrous Mystery" was written with Matt Boswell and Michael Bleecker. Matt Papa's version was originally recorded as a part of his "Look and Live" project.
The song also appears on Messenger Hymns, and Sovereign Grace Music. It is frequently performed at The Gospel Coalition Conferences, Together For The Gospel, at churches like The Village Church and is a part of the "Hymns of Grace" hymnal published by The Master's Seminary Press. Most recently the song was recorded at Sing! The Getty Worship Conference.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Come behold the wondrous mystery
In the dawning of the King
He the theme of heaven’s praises
Robed in frail humanity
In our longing, in our darkness
Now the light of life has come
Look to Christ, who condescended
Took on flesh to ransom us
Verse 2
Come behold the wondrous mystery
He the perfect Son of Man
In His living, in His suffering
Never trace nor stain of sin
See the true and better Adam
Come to save the hell-bound man
Christ the great and sure fulfillment
Of the law; in Him we stand
Verse 3
Come behold the wondrous mystery
Christ the Lord upon the tree
In the stead of ruined sinners
Hangs the Lamb in victory
See the price of our redemption
See the Father’s plan unfold
Bringing many sons to glory
Grace unmeasured, love untold
Verse 4
Come behold the wondrous mystery
Slain by death the God of life
But no grave could e’er restrain Him
Praise the Lord; He is alive!
What a foretaste of deliverance
How unwavering our hope
Christ in power resurrected
As we will be when he comes
What a foretaste of deliverance
How unwavering our hope
Christ in power resurrected
As we will be when he comes
A hymn for the church
This hymn has been sung and performed by choirs, orchestras, bands and by worship leaders in churches big and small all over the world. The power of “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery" is in it’s simple folk-like melody, paired with it’s ancient/poetic and gospel-rich lyric. Because of this, it lends itself to so many settings and interpretations
I (Matt) read once in a book on art, that one mark of a great song or a great work of art is that the song or work becomes “the people’s”. As time passes it begins to belong to the community, more than it does the writers/artists….to be associated with the community more than the writers. I feel that way about this song. “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” is not mine or Matt Boswell’s or Michael Bleecker’s song. It’s the Church’s song. And I praise God for that.
Use “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” in your church
This website, www.mattpapa.com, has created multiple resources for local church use including chord charts, lead sheets, an orchestration for churches who use choir and orchestra as well as various other resources.
Love Your Enemies Publishing is the publishing company for Matt Papa's song catalog.
For licensing, payment or any other publishing related questions, please email us at info@mattpapa.com
ASCAP Publisher Number: 160234 // ASCAP Writer Number: 1721724 (Matt Papa)
