Tuesday, May 5, 2009

"Awake, My Heart, with Gladness"

Yesterday was one of those days......and it ended with Grandma in the hospital. She's not well, and that's about all I can say. So if you read this, say a prayer for her and for us.

So, while I'm getting ready for another busy day -- Thank God for the flu scare that means I don't have to worry about picking one of the kids up from school!! -- I keep thinking about last March 27th (2008) when I was able to attend the Easter Choral Vespers Service with the Kantorei (Fort Wayne Seminary ). There's one piece that I carry with me ever since that night, and since I don't have a sound bite of it you'll have to deal with the words, or listen to the msuic at http://www.lutheran-hymnal.com/online/aTLH_Hymns1.htm Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676) is one of my favorite hymn writers (ok, ok, he tops out the list) and you'll see why.

Awake, my heart, with gladness,
See what today is done,
Now after gloom and sadness
Comes forth the glorious Sun!
My Savior there was laid
Where our bed must be made
When to the realms of light
Our spirit wings its flight.

The Foe in triumph shouted
When Christ lay in the tomb,
But, lo, he now is routed,
His boast is turned to gloom.
For Christ again is free;
In glorious victory
He who is strong to save
Has triumphed o'er the grave.

This is a sight that gladdens;
What peace it doth impart!
Now nothing ever saddens
The joy within my heart;
No gloom shall ever shake,
No foe shall ever take,
The hope which God's own Son
In love for me hath won.

Now hell, its prince, the devil,
Of all their power are shorn;
Now I am safe from evil,
And sin I laugh to scorn.
Grim death with all his might
Cannot my soul affright;
He is a powerless form,
Howe'er he rave and storm.

The world against me rageth,
Its fury I disdain;
Though bitter war it wageth,
Its work is all in vain.
My heart from care is free,
No trouble troubles me.
Misfortune now is play,
And night is bright as day.

Now I will cling forever
To Christ, my Savior true;
My Lord will leave me never,
Whate'er He passes through.
He rends Death's iron chain,
He breaks through sin and pain,
He shatters hell's dark thrall,
I follow through it all.

To halls of heavenly splendor
With Him I penetrate;
And trouble ne'er may hinder
Nor make me hesitate.
Let tempests rage at will,
My Savior shields me still;
He grants abiding peace
And bids all tumult cease.

He brings me to the portal
That leads to bliss untold
Whereon this rime immortal
Is found in script of gold:
"Who there My cross hath shared
Finds here a crown prepared;
Who there with Me has died
Shall here be glorified."