Hymn: "To mock your reign"

The staff musicians of Christ Church in Pelham, New York offer the hymn "To mock your reign" as part of our Holy Week celebration in 2021.
To mock your reign, O dearest Lord,
they made a crown of thorns;
set you with taunts along that road
from which no one returns.
They did not know, as we do now,
that glorious is your crown;
that thorns would flower upon your brow,
your sorrows heal our own.
In mock acclaim, O gracious Lord,
they snatched a purple cloak,
your passion turned, for all they cared,
into a soldier's joke.
They did not know, as we do now,
that though we merit blame
you will your robe of mercy throw
around our naked shame.
A sceptered reed, O patient Lord,
they thrust into your hand,
and acted out their grim charade
to its appointed end.
They did not know, as we do now,
though empires rise and fall,
your Kingdom shall not cease to grow
till love embraces all.
Words: Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000), alt.
Music: The Third Tune, Thomas Tallis (c. 1505-1585); ed. John Wilson (1905-1992).
Words: Copyright © 1973 by Hope Publishing Company, Carl Stream, IL 60188. All Rights Reserved.
Music: Copyright © Oxford University Press.
Licensed under OneLicense.net A-713125.
Performed by Laurelyn Watson Chase, Jann Degnan, Douglas Purcell, & Simon Cram, singers.
Jeffrey Hoffman conductor.
Recorded live in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.
Recording and video production by Jeffrey Hoffman.
This presentation copyright © 2021 by the Parish of Christ the Redeemer (Christ Church), Pelham, New York.
All rights reserved.