Sunday, April 19, 2009

Hymn of the Week: The Day of Resurrection

Easter should not be forgotten. The resurrection of Christ is far too important!

This is another ancient hymn, written originally (in Greek) by John of Damascus about thirteen centuries ago. It was translated to English in 1862 by John M. Neale.

Notice the words of this hymn. The first clear message is the natural yearning we should have to tell everyone about Christ's resurrection—in today's lingo, to "share the Gospel" with the world around us. The second stanza emphasizes what we need to do: Cleanse ourselves from evil, and look and listen for the news.

Do you believe that Christ arose? How does it impact your life and your message today?

The Day of Resurrection

The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;
The Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.
From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over, with hymns of victory.

Our hearts be pure from evil, that we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light;
And listening to His accents, may hear, so calm and plain,
His own “All hail!” and, hearing, may raise the victor strain.

Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth the song begin!
Let the round world keep triumph, and all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen their notes in gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord hath risen, our joy that hath no end.

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