From the recording White Linen
This song was written while camping. As it was coming to me for over an hour people came from other campsites to listen. Even deer came close. Finally the park rangers sat down and listened. Afterward I wrote down what I could remember.
Lyrics
Jesus of Nazareth - D
As I sit by the fire and I play my guitar
And I watch the dusk turn into night
I remember you said you had no place
To lay Your head
The creator of all that I see
As the wind in the trees plays a song through the leaves
I can feel Your spirit move my heart
As I look at the flame I seem to be framed
By the stars Your hand set into place
Chorus
Yes Jesus of Nazareth came walking by this way (2x)
As I gaze at my tent my thoughts turn to when
Fire and cloud led the children night and day
Now your church is Your tent and the spirit within
Testifies ‘neath heavens canopy
Many songs have been sung of the passion of love
By the poets and minstrels through the years
But the song that endures began with the tears
That you cried out on dark Calvary
Chorus
Yes the blood that You shed set me free from the dead
Shows the plan You weave through history
How long before I knew the one who’s faithful and true
With Your hand had shaped my destiny
© 1980 Charles Ellsworth Smith