One of Heinrich Hofmann’s most notable works is his painting of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is likely one of the most copied paintings in the world. One such copy has hung in my childhood home for as long as I can remember.
It was passed to my mom through her mother, who received it as a gift from her mother-in-law way back in 1937. As a child gazing up at it, it brought me both joy and sadness at the same time. Reflecting on what my Savior was willing to endure sometimes put me in a somber mood and yet I was thrilled knowing that He loved me enough to do it. It was a happiness colored by sorrow. The picture, aged and worn now, still holds a sacred place in my heart.
He died! The great Redeemer died,
And Israel’s daughters wept around.
A solemn darkness veiled the sky;
A sudden trembling shook the ground.
Come, Saints, and drop a tear or two
For him who groaned beneath your load;
He shed a thousand drops for you,
A thousand drops of precious blood.
Here’s love and grief beyond degree;
The Lord of glory died for men.
But lo! what sudden joys were heard!
The Lord, though dead, revived again.
The rising Lord forsook the tomb.
In vain the tomb forbade him rise.
Cherubic legions guard him home
And shout him welcome to the skies.
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
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