“An Ancient Hymn with Eternal Beauty”

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

This past Sunday, one of our brothers led us in a song whose lyrics have been known to Christians since the second century. Since it was probably unfamiliar to most of us, here are the lyrics again, to allow for some time to really reflect on them.

Shepherd of tender youth,
guiding in love and truth
through devious ways,
Christ, our triumphant King,
we come your name to sing
and here our children bring
to join your praise.

You are our holy Lord,
Christ, the incarnate Word,
healer of strife.
You did yourself abase
that from sin's deep disgrace
you might now save our race,
and give us life.

You are the great High Priest,
you have prepared the feast
of holy love;
and in our mortal pain
none calls on you in vain;
our plea do not disdain;
help from above.

O ever be our guide,
our shepherd and our pride,
our staff and song.
Jesus, O Christ of God,
by your enduring Word
lead us where you have trod;
make our faith strong.

So now and till we die
sound we your praises high
and joyful sing:
infants and all the throng
who to your Church belong,
unite to swell the song
to Christ, our King!

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