Wipe your tears: this song about death leaves one looking forward to the journey. For those in Christ, this is the Promise...poetically speaking in flowery 19th century glory.
Traditionally song on All Saints/All Souls Day in the liturgical church.
1 For all the saints, who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever bless’d. Alleluia, alleluia!
2 Thou wast their rock, their refuge, and their might, thou, Christ, the hope that put their fears to flight; ’mid gloom and doubt, their true and shining light. Alleluia, alleluia!
3 Oh, bless’d communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine, yet all are one in thee, for all are thine. Alleluia, alleluia!
4 The golden evening brightens in the west. Soon, soon to faithful servants cometh rest. Sweet is the calm of paradise the bless’d. Alleluia, alleluia!
5 But lo! There breaks a yet more glorious day; the saints triumphant rise in bright array, as God to glory calls them all away. Alleluia, alleluia!
6 From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, *all praising Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, alleluia!
Author: William Walsham How (1864)
Tune: SINE NOMINE FX:
TC Helicon Voicelive3 Extreme
I have always loved this hymn with its vision of unity with believers past and present!