November 15th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Who are these like stars appearing
Translator: Frances Elizabeth Cox; Author: Heinrich Theobald Schenk (1719)
Tune: ALL SAINTS (Darmstadt)


1 Who are these like stars appearing,
These before God's throne who stand?
Each a golden crown is wearing;
Who are all this glorious band?
Alleluia! hark, they sing,
Praising loud their heavenly King.
2 Who are these of dazzling brightness,
These in God's own truth arrayed,
Clad in robes of purest whiteness,
Robes whose lustre ne'er shall fade,
Ne'er be touched by time's rude hand?
Whence come all this glorious band?
3 These are they who have contended
For their Saviour's honor long,
Wrestling on till life was ended,
Following not the sinful throng;
These, who well the fight sustained,
Triumph through the Lamb have gained.
4 These are they whose hearts were riven,
Sore with woe and anguish tried,
Who in prayer full oft have striven
With the God they glorified;
Now, their painful conflict o'er,
God has bid them weep no more.
5 These like priests have watched and waited,
Offering up to Christ their will;
Soul and body consecrated,
Day and night to serve him still:
Now in God's most holy place
Blest they stand before His face.
6 Lo, the Lamb Himself now feeds them
On Mount Zion's pastures fair;
From His central throne He leads them
By the living fountains there;
Lamb and Shepherd, Good Supreme,
Free He gives the cooling stream.
Amen.

The Hymnal: Published by the authority of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., 1895

8.7.8.7.7.7

Hymn text Bill Lynch

Michael arise before us now.

Creation cries painfully.

Wipe all the tears from every brow.

Names recorded in the book

Deliver us to God now.

Arise from sleep we now look

Some will rise to shame and contempt.

Others shine like brightest stars.

The stars lead many to repent.

See the brightest love so far,

Jesus our eternal King.

Hear our voices ever sing.

Prayer

Lord, we look to that day when you will return to us. We look to that fulfillment of your Kingdom. We look and listen for the resurrection of all your people in the hope and joy your gracious salvation has provided... today... tomorrow and into eternity. --- Amen