The Poetry and Music of Jan Kilian

Jan Kilian was the leader of the group of Wendish Lutherans who left Germany for Texas back in the 1800's. He wrote a bunch of hymns and hymn-tunes for his congregants and now my Alma Mater, Concordia University Texas, has published them in English for the very first time. Almost every tune is easily sung and the translations are good, overall. I highly recommend it.

Since I'm pretty sure copyright forbids me to publish these hymns online, I'll only post verses of various hymns as a teaser/advertisement. For those interested, the book can be found here and purchased here.

Under "A Believer's Desire:"

"God's elect shall live by faith alone,"

Yet I struggle mightily.

Spirit, help me put that armor on

That will save and strengthen me.

Under "Awakening to Song:"

Oh, praise the Lord with joyful songs;

Sing, church of Jesus Christ.

You bride of love, the chosen one

For whom Christ paid the price.

His gift has made us rich again,

Tho we were worthless in our sin.

Christ's love has set us free!

Sing, people, thankfully.

Under "Journey through the Sea of Life:"

From the heavens descends our Deliverer:

Thru the clouds comes our conquering Lord.

As the God of creation, He watches us;

Cruel waves overtake us no more.

He commands and the seas lose their amplitude;

He directs and the storms cease to blow.

When God speaks, when we hear the incarnate Word,

Waves subside, their fierce surging is drowned.

Under "Hope:"

Here we behold the Christ revealed to us

In sacraments and written Word;

There we shall stand and see Him face-to-face

As His eternal voice is heard.

Under "God the Mighty Lord:"

For protection, Mighty God,

Servants now are calling:

Be our rock and hiding place;

Skies around are falling.

Hear the crowds of Zion praise

Your power, doom forestalling.

Under "Reformation:"

Scripture's power seemed to fade,

All hope and comfort gone.

Our deeds as saving hope were raised

Instead of God's own Son.

The lies of men drowned human lays;

The faithful, one true sigh could raise:

Send Zion's help, O Master.

Under "At the Grave of a Dear Son:"

Sleep well now, my dear little son,

Until the break of dawn;

Under the blanket that covers you now

There are now worries;

Until Jesus will call you again

You can rest in the grave,

Sleep well, sleep!

Under "Members of Christ's Body:"

With that new dawn new earth, new heavens

Shall invite you with their light;

From the vale of tears and sorrow

You're allowed to make your flight.

Bride of Jesus, you are chosen

To inhabit mansions bright

Where all things are set aright.