In 1887, Sir John Stainer composed an oratorio entitled The Crucifixion: A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer. He intended this work to be within the scope of most parish churches and is written for two soloists, choir, and organ. The twenty movements include five congregational hymns as well as the famous God So Loved the World. This is the only movement that is without accompaniment and is also often sung by itself outside the scope of the oratorio. The text of this anthem is John 3:16-17.

Today, remembering God’s sacrifice for us, let us meditate on these words: “For God so loved the world that He gave us His Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”