Journeysongs (2nd ed.) ‎#450

450. Hail Thee, Festival Day

Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day to be hallowed for ever;
Day when our Lord was raised,
Breaking the kingdom of death.

[Easter]
1 All the fair beauty of earth
From the death of the winter arising!
Ev'ry good gift of the year
Now with its Master returns: [Refrain]

2 Rise from the grave now, O Lord,
The Author of life and creation.
Treading the pathway of death,
New life you give to us all: [Refrain]

[Ascension]
3 He who was nailed to the cross
Is Ruler and Lord of all people.
All things created on earth
Sing to the glory of God: [Refrain]

4 Daily the loveliness grows,
Adorned with the glory of blossom;
Heaven her gates unbars,
Flinging her increase of light: [Refrain]

[Pentecost]
5 Bright in the likeness of fire,
On those who await his appearing,
He whom the Lord had foretold,
Suddenly, swiftly descends: [Refrain]

6 Forth from the Father he comes
With sevenfold mystical off'ring,
Pouring on all human souls
infinite riches of God: [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: All the fair beauty of earth
• Title: Hail Thee, Festival Day
• Author: Venantius Honorius Fortunatus, ca. 530-609
• Refrain First Line: Hail thee, festival day!
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2003
• Scripture:
  Psalm 118:14-28
• Topic: Resurrection; Sunday, the Lord's Day
• Source: Tr. composite

Tune Information

• Name: SALVE FESTA DIES
• Composer: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958
• Meter: 77 77 with refrain
• Key: F Major or modal