I first sang this as an anthem in 1999 at the funeral of a choir member and then sang it again 4 years later. It’s beautiful though some would say dirge-like. It’s a re-telling of John 3:16-17a.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (KJV)