It’s only one aspect about being back at mgpc today: the singing is great.
This morning we road-tested a song my colleague found after reading a blog post by Tim Challies.
See The Destined Day Arise is a very old wordset, the English translation of which has been adapted, given a chorus and set to a new tune by Matt Merker at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, USA.
There’s a page at their website with a variety of resources including scores and mp3s.
I think it went well. As recorded it’s a pretty slow tempo, I think we went a little quicker, but the lyrics sort of demand a more reflective pace.
The lyrics:
1.
See the destined day arise! See a willing sacrifice!
Jesus, to redeem our loss, hangs upon the shameful cross;
Jesus, who but You could bear wrath so great and justice fair?
Every pang and bitter throe, finishing your life of woe?
Chorus:
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Lamb of God for sinners slain!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Jesus Christ, we praise your name!
2.
Who but Christ had dared to drain, steeped in gall, the cup of pain,
And with tender body bear thorns, and nails, and piercing spear?
Slain for us, the water flowed, mingled from your side with blood;
Sign to all attesting eyes of the finished sacrifice.
Chorus:
3.
Holy Jesus, grant us grace in that sacrifice to place
All our trust for life renewed, pardoned sin, and promised good.
Grant us grace to sing your praise, ‘round your throne through endless days,
Ever with the sons of light: “Blessing, honor, glory, might!”
Chorus:
Lyrics: Venantius Fortunatus (c.530-600), tr. Richard Mant (1837), Public Domain;
Alt. words, chorus lyrics, and music: Matt Merker, © 2014
There’s an mp3 recording on the Capitol Hill page listed above; here’s a lovely solo rendition.
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