Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
719Resource Type:
Keys included:
Dm
About this Hymn
This hymn, based on a liturgical declaration from the fifth century, speaks with ever fresh color into our moment in time. We can see the darkness pressing, pressing, pressing in all around this world. But the light does not just descend and make a little space in the shadows; he comes to clear the darkness completely away. We are small. Our flesh, our homes, our endeavors are so fragile. But the treasure that Christ has placed within his people is an inextinguishable, ever-growing light.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly minded, for, with blessing in his hand, Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.
Verse 2
King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood, Lord of lords, in human vesture, in the body and the blood. He will give to all the faithful his own self for heav'nly food.
Verse 3
Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way, as the Light of light descendeth from the realms of endless day, that the pow'rs of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away.
Verse 4
At his feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim with sleepless eye, veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, "Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Lord Most High!"
Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly minded, for, with blessing in his hand, Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.
Verse 2
King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood, Lord of lords, in human vesture, in the body and the blood. He will give to all the faithful his own self for heav'nly food.
Verse 3
Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way, as the Light of light descendeth from the realms of endless day, that the pow'rs of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away.
Verse 4
At his feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim with sleepless eye, veil their faces to the presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, "Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Lord Most High!"
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Liturgy of St. James, 5th c.; adapt. Gerard Moultrie, 1864
Music: Chansons Populaires des Provinces de France, 1860
Music: Chansons Populaires des Provinces de France, 1860