Not only in the words you say,
Not only in your deeds confessed.
But in the most unconscious way
Is Christ expressed.

Is a beatific smile'
A holy light upon your brow'
Oh no, I saw His presence when
You laughed just now.

To me twas not the truth you taught,
To you so clear to me so dim.
But when you came to me
You brought a sense of Him.

And from His light He beckons me,
And from your lips His love is shed.
Til I lose sight of you and see
The Christ instead.

Is a beatific smile'
A holy light upon your brow'
Oh no, I saw His presence when
You laughed just now.

From the poem, "Portrait of a Christian" by Beatrice Clelland
Lyrics Copyright 1976