585. When Christ Was Lifted From the Earth

When Christ was lifted from the earth
His arms stretched out above
Through every culture, every birth,
To draw an answering love.

Still east and west His love extends
And always, near or far,
He calls and claims us as His friends
And love us as we are.

Where generation, class or race
Divides us to our shame
He sees not labels but a face,
A person and a name.

Thus freely loved, tho' fully known
May I in Christ be free
To welcome and accept His own
As Christ accepted me.