The A.M.E. Zion Hymnal ‎#188

188. Hail Thee, Festival Day

Refrain:
Hail thee, festival day!
blest day to be hallowed forever;

[Easter]
Refrain:
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!
Every 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]

Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day to be hallowed forever;
[Ascension]
day when our risen Lord ascends,
rose 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 Daily the loveliness grows,
adorned with the glory of bloom;
heaven her gates unbars,
flinging her increase of light; [Refrain]

Hail thee, festival day!
Blest day to be hallowed forever;
[Pentecost]
day when the Holy Ghost
shone in the world full of grace.

1 Bright and 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 offering,
pouring on all human souls
infinite riches of God: [Refrain]

[All seasons)
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 power,
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
• Author: Venantius Honorious Fortunatus
• Refrain First Line: Hail thee, festival day!
• Meter: 79 77 with Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1999
• Topic: Eastertide
• Source: Tr.: The English Hymnal, 1906, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: SALVE FESTA DIES
• Composer: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1906)
• Meter: 79 77 with Refrain
• Key: F Major or modal