Today’s author is Pastor Walter Still.
The Book of Revelation is a rich resource for the faith of God’s people in their pilgrimage. The images of John of Patmos have inspired some great works of music, many of which are used in our Sunday worship. “This is a Feast” was introduced in the Lutheran Book of Worship. Its popularity in worship has brought several variations. It is often sung during Easter when the faithful celebrate the victory of Christ over evil.
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:11-13 NRSV)
In Revelation 5:12-13, the Apostle John recorded the text sung by “myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,” a song of praise beginning, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” Countless musicians throughout history have written settings for this Canticle of Praise in which we join our earthly praise with all the heavenly beings and saints who have gone before us.
This Is the Feast of Victory | Hymnary.org
This text was prepared by Lutheran pastor John W. Arthur as an alternate to the Gloria traditionally sung near the beginning of historic Christian liturgy, to provide heightened praise especially during Eastertide. Richard Hillert composed his joyful FESTIVAL CANTICLE for this text in 1969. It is now included in many hymnals from many traditions.
We can sing this canticle in our prayers today:
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
Power and riches and wisdom and strength,
and honor and blessing and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing and honor and glory and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God,
for the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Pr Walter