The Sands of Time

1 The sands of time are sinking,

The dawn of heaven breaks,

The summer morn I’ve sighed for,

The fair sweet morn awakes;

Dark, dark hath been the midnight,

But day-spring is at hand,

And glory, glory dwelleth

In Emmanuel’s land.

          We have all seen the “clock” that uses the sand to keep track of the passing time. This figure is used to indicate the end of time and the fact that our time on earth must come to an end. We look forward to God’s calling us to “Emmanuel’s land”—the land (heaven that is) of Christ, God’s Emmanuel!

2 The King there in his beauty

Without a veil is seen;

It were a well-spent journey

Though sev’n deaths lay between:

The Lamb with his fair army

Doth on Mount Zion stand,

And glory, glory dwelleth

In Emmanuel’s land.

Although we must endure many trials here, we know that in the place (the Land) to which we journey will be worth it all. We will be accepted and dwell in that perfect place with the King!

3 O Christ, he is the fountain,

The deep sweet well of love!

The streams on earth I’ve tasted

More deep I’ll drink above:

There to an ocean fulness

His mercy doth expand,

And glory, glory dwelleth

In Emmanuel’s land.

Jesus the “well of love” will welcome us to that heavenly land one day. The hymn says that we have tasted the joys of earth but the joys of heaven will be far better, with the mercy and grace of God awaiting His servants.

4 The bride eyes not her garment,

But her dear bridegroom’s face;

I will not gaze at glory,

But on my King of grace;

Not at the crown he gifteth,

But on his pierced hand:

The Lamb is all the glory

Of Emmanuel’s land.

Amen.

According to the song, we will not be that concerned about the blessings and pleasure of God’s gifts, but our concentration will be on Jesus, the King” Himself. Let us remember that He died for us, with His pierced hands and feet, thus our enjoyment of His presence will be increased by our realization that we are there because of His redeeming love!

As we sing this song, let us relish in the blessings of His love and mercy. Let us recall the joys of His presence. Yes, we can rejoice in the delights of the sights, the sounds, and the blessings of fellowship, but the greatest blessing of all will be the “King of glory” Himself—not our own clothing but His delightful presence.

Anne R. Cousin (1857)

Author: Samuel Rutherford, 1600-1661