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| Bishop Phillips Brooks |
The text of Phillips Brooks hymn printed below is taken from The Wartburg Hymnal, that remarkable hymnbook so influential upon the editors of The Hymnal 1940. The text deserves a new hymn tune, but it can be sung to the tune 'ST GERTRUDE' (Onward, Christian Soldiers) which many still know. But for now let us read it, pray it, and ruminate upon it:
GOD hath sent His angels to the earth again,
Bringing joyful tidings to the Sons of men.
They who first at Christmas, thronged the heav'nly way,
Now beside the tomb-door sit on Easter Day.
Angels, sing His triumph as you sang His birth,
“Christ, the Lord is risen.”
“Peace, good will on earth.”
In the dreadful desert, where the Lord was tried,
There the faithful angels gathered at His side;
And when, in the garden, grief and pain and care
Bowed Him down with anguish, they were with Him there.
Angels, sing His triumph as you sang His birth,
“Christ, the Lord is risen.”
“Peace, good will on earth.”
Yet the Christ they honor, is the same Christ still,
Who, in light and darkness, did His Father's will;
And the tomb deserted, shineth like the sky,
Since He passed out from it, into victory.
Angels, sing His triumph as you sang His birth,
“Christ, the Lord is risen.”
“Peace, good will on earth.”
God has still His angels, helping at His Word,
And His faithful children, like their faithful Lord;
Soothing them in sorrow, arming them in strife,
Opening wide the tomb-doors, leading into life.
Angels, sing His triumph as you sang His birth,
“Christ, the Lord is risen.”
“Peace, good will on earth.”
Father, send Thine angels unto us, we pray;
Leave us not to wander, all alone our way;
Let them guard and guide us, whereso'er we be,
Till our resurrection brings us home to Thee.
Angels, sing His triumph as you sang His birth,
“Christ, the Lord is risen.”
“Peace, good will on earth.”
The Right Reverend Phillips Brooks
Christmas Songs and Easter Carols
1877
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