01 Apr The story behind the song… April 2017

 

Its Easter and it’s hard to decide which hymn or worship song to choose as there are many with poignant words and beautiful tunes.  So I am choosing two ‘Thine be the Glory’ and ‘Happy Day’. Click the links to listen!

However, during Holy Week there will be Easter hymns and songs to listen to on the website each day.

Hope you enjoy,

Berenice Page

 

Thine be the Glory was written by a French speaking Swiss evangelist Edmond Burdy in 1884 and it was not translated into English until 1923 by a Baptist Minister Richard Birch Hoyle.  This hymn, despite its words, would not have been such a success without the accompanying tune composed by George Frederick Handel.

The hymn has strong theology based on the gospel accounts of the resurrection; the first line being about the risen Lord which was foretold in the old testament. The hymn perfectly displays the glory and brilliance of Christ’s resurrection and tells us to shed our doubt. Verse two talks about death loosing its sting and is based on 1 corinthians 15:55.  The last verse is talking about Thomas who doubted and perhaps represents many of us asking hard questions. The refrain is the central message of the Christian faith ..’risen conquering son, endless is the victory thou o’er death has won.’

 

Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son;
Endless is the victory, thou o’er death hast won;
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave clothes where thy body lay.
     Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son,
     Endless is the victory, Thou o’er death hast won.

Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;
Lovingly He greets us, scatters fear and gloom;
Let the church with gladness, hymns of triumph sing;
For her Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting.
     Thine be the glory….

No more we doubt Thee, glorious Prince of life;
Life is naught without Thee; aid us in our strife;
Make us more than conquerors, through Thy deathless love:
Bring us safe through Jordan to Thy home above.
     Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son,
     Endless is the victory, Thou o’er death hast won.

 

 

Happy Day  is a contemporary worship song written by the worship leaders Ben Cantelon and Tim Hughes.  This song is  about the resurrection and sacrifice and based on Matthew 28:5-7 ‘The angel said to the women. ‘Do not be afraid for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he is risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.’ (NIV).  Again the refrain is the heart of our Christian faith and how forever we are changed.

 

The greatest day in history
Death is beaten, You have rescued me
Sing it out, Jesus is alive

The empty cross, the empty grave
Life eternal, You have won the day
Shout it out, Jesus is alive
He’s alive

Oh, happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh, happy day, happy day
I’ll never be the same
Forever I am changed

When I stand in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am yours, Jesus, You are mine

Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate, Jesus is alive
He’s alive

And oh, happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh, happy day, happy day
I’ll never be the same
Oh no, forever I am changed