Wednesday, September 7, 2011

O Sacred Feast in Holy Place

What: This is a catechetical hymn on the Lord's Supper. That is, it reminds the singers what they are receiving when they eat and drink the bread and wine. And yet the hymnwriter doesn't just set a dissertation to rhyme, but eloquently and poetically speaks from the heart on why the Lord's Supper is so special.
Who: This hymn was originally written in Latin by G.W. Wettmann, put into German by in 1868, and "Englished" in 1925, presumably by Emanuel Cronenwett.
Note: I cannot find G. W. Wettmann on the internet, nor the German title, "O welch ein heilig Abendmahl." Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Changes: I've updated the text a little, although there are still some awkward phrases.
Tune: The meter is LM (88 88). I think that WENN WIR IN HÖCHSTEN NOTEN SEIN (LSB 615) would be the most appropriate tune, but if that's too difficult, DUNEDIN (LSB 599) would also work.

O sacred feast in holy place,
Whose food and drink is saving grace,
Communion of Christ's Brotherhood
With Christ Himself as Host and Food.

"In, with, and under" earthly bread,
The Lamb once offered in our stead,
As very Bread of Life from heav'n
For our soul's hunger here is giv'n.

Mysteriously, with cup e'er blest,
As to disciples first address'd,
Christ graciously imparts His Blood
Unto our soul's eternal good.

Hence, present at this Board we face
Not merely Christ's forth-given grace;
That He Himself is present here,
Hold this in faith and trust sincere.

To Christ triumphant, this is giv'n:
Almightiness in earth, in heav'n;
His Word is truth and verity,
Both now- and thru eternity.

"This is My body, is My blood:"
This designates the unseen Good,
Which orally each guest receives,
Yes, even those who disbelieve.

With lips and faith the worthy guest
Here seeks and finds in Christ's soul-rest,
And though unworthy also come:
They give up blessing, to their doom.

O Lord, have mercy!, grant us grace
With thankful hearts Thy Name to praise,
And laud Thee someday face-to face.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
O welch ein heilig Abendmahl
From the Latin of G. W. Wettman
German version comp. Rev. G. Cronenwett and Prof. W. Lehmann, 1868
Tr. Emanuel Cronenwett, 1926, alt.

No comments:

Search This Blog