Christ liveth in me

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. - Galatians 2.20

When I was first saved in 1974 (ouch) I was at Widener College (now university) just south of. Philadelphia. Like most new believers I was super excited about my new found faith in Christ. I went to church every chance I could. I joined the campus Christian fellowship sponsored by InterVarsity. My first Christian friends still have a fond place in my memory. 

One year we entered a float in the homecoming parade. It was a simple float, and I don't even remember the theme. But I do remember the fellowship and the singing the night we worked on the float. 

I wish could remember how it went, but one of the songs I remember was based on this verse. As a result this eve has been a favourite through the many years since then. 

First of all is the wonderful truth of being crucified with Christ. Because I am crucified with Him the old man had been put to death. Though I must continue to dwell in this body of flesh, I have Christ dwelling in me in the power of His resurrection. Christ in me has replaced me in the Law. I still have to live my life, but as I live this life I put my faith in Christ and the fact that He loved me and gave himself for me. 

I couldn't survive apart from Christ in me. 

I can't remember the words to that chorus, but I do remember this great old hymn:

Once far from God and dead in sin,

No light my heart could see;

But in God’s Word the light I found,

Now Christ liveth in me.

Refrain

Christ liveth in me,

Christ liveth in me,

Oh! what a salvation this,

That Christ liveth in me.

As rays of light from yonder sun,

The flowers of earth set free,

So life and light and love came forth

From Christ living in me.

As lives the flower within the seed,

As in the cone the tree,

So, praise the God of truth and grace,

His Spirit dwelleth in me.

With longing all my heart is filled,

That like Him I may be,

As on the wondrous thought I dwell

That Christ liveth in me.