In the Garden

Here is the background story about a well known and much loved hymn. You might be surprised to find it is about Easter morning.

Gospel composer C. Austin Miles picked up his Bible one day and read John 20. He found in that chapter the story of Mary’s coming to the garden to the tomb of Jesus. As she looked into the tomb her heart sank because he wasn’t there. Jesus, standing nearby, spoke to her, and she recognized Him. Her heart leaped for joy!

Miles says that he imagined being present with them in the garden on that glorious occasion, witnessing the wonderful event.  Miles thought, “This is not an experience limited to a happening almost 2,000 years ago. It is the daily companionship with the Lord that makes up the Christian’s life.”

In the inspiration of those moments, he wrote a poem. He later said the words and phrases came quickly. That same evening he composed a musical setting, and in doing so gave to the world a song that has now become extremely well-known, “In the Garden.”

In the Garden

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

Read – John chapter 20 

Live your life walking and talking every day with the King!