John 1:1-7: "1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
"6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him."
Hebrews 2:14-15: "14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."
Romans 5:17: "For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ."
Romans 15:5-6: "5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
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The passage from John 1 is alluded to at the end of the first verse: "Thy Word meant life triumphant hurled / In splendor through Thy broken world. / Since light awoke and life began, / Thou hast desired Thy life for man."
The passage from Hebrews 2 appears at the end of the second verse ("Thy servant, Prince of Peace, / Breached all its walls for our release"), but most of the verse comes from Romans 5:17.
The passage from Romans 15 is the basis for the fourth verse: "O Spirit... Breathe on Thy cloven Church once more, / That... There may be those whose life is praise, / Each life a high doxology / To Father, Son, and unto Thee."
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The title "Prince of Peace" in the second verse comes from Isaiah 9:6: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
The phrase "How beautiful the feet," which occurs twice in the third verse, refers to Isaiah 52:7: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'" This verse is also cited in Romans 10:15.
