Hymns of Hope and Comfort: O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing

During this time of fear and uncertainty in the COVID-19 wilderness, I’ve decided to do something a little different. I’m going to be daily using my blog to share texts and videos of hymns that pass along hope and comfort until the restrictions are lifted, and we can worship in our buildings once again. I hope you find them to be encouraging and edifying during this time.

Take care, everyone. Wash your hands. And keep the faith.

Here is a fantastic Easter hymn. Pardon the nature of the recording, but I love the music of St. Bartholemew’s Church in New York City. Hymnary.com says this about Jean Tisserand:

A Fran­cis­can monk, Tis­ser­and found­ed an or­der for pen­i­tent wo­men. He is al­so said to have writ­ten a wor­ship ser­vice com­mem­o­rat­ing Fran­cis­cans mar­tyred in Mo­roc­co in 1220.

Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia, alleluia!

O sons and daughters of the King,
whom heavenly hosts in glory sing,
today the grave has lost its sting.
Alleluia!

That Easter morn at break of day,
the faithful women went their way
to seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia!

An angel clad in white they see,
who sat and spoke unto the three,
“Your Lord has gone to Galilee.”
Alleluia!

When Thomas first the tidings heard
that some had seen the risen Lord,
he doubted the disciples’ word.
Lord, have mercy!

At night the apostles met in fear;
among them came their Master dear
and said, “My peace be with you here.”
Alleluia!

“My pierced side, O Thomas, see,
and look upon my hands, my feet;
not faithless but believing be.”
Alleluia!

No longer Thomas then denied;
he saw the feet, the hands, the side.
“You are my Lord and God!” he cried.
Alleluia!

How blest are they who have not seen
and yet whose faith has constant been,
for they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia!

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

– attr. Jean Tisserand, 15th cent.; trans. J. M. Neale

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