524. Hail Thee, Festival Day

[Easter]
Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day to be hallowed forever;
Day when our Lord was raised,
breaking the kingdom of death.

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]
Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day to be hallowed forever;
Day when our Lord ascends,
high in the heavens to reign.

1 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]

2 Show us your face, Jesus Christ,
That we may rejoice in your brightness.
Give us the light of your day,
Darkened on earth at your death. [Refrain]

[Pentecost]
Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day to be hallowed forever;
Day God renews the earth,
sending the Spirit of Life.

1 Bright, in the likeness of fire,
On those who await your appearing
You, whom the Lord had foretold,
Suddenly, swiftly descend. [Refrain]

2 Forth from the Father you come
With sevenfold mystical off'ring,
Pouring on all human souls
Infinite riches of God. [Refrain]

3 God the Almighty, the Lord,
The ruler of earth and the heavens,
Guard us from harm without;
Cleanse us from evil within. [Refrain]

4 Jesus, the health of the world,
Enlighten our minds, great Redeemer,
Son of the Father supreme,
Only-begotten of God. [Refrain]

5 Spirit of life and of pow'r,
Now flow in us, fount of our being,
Light that enlightens us all,
Life that in all may abide. [Refrain]

6 Praise to the Giver of good!
O Lover and Author of concord,
Pour out your balm on our days;
Order our ways in your peace. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: All the fair beauty of earth
Title: Hail Thee, Festival Day
Latin Title: Salve festa dies
Author: Venantius Fortunatus, c. 530-609
Refrain First Line: Hail thee, festival day!
Meter: Irregular with refrain
Language: English
Publication Date: 2011
Topic: Easter
Source: Tr. composite
Tune Information
Name: SALVE FESTA DIES
Composer: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958
Meter: Irregular with refrain
Key: d minor



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