Epiphany Hymn of the Week: Thy Strong Word

Hymn 381 Thy Strong Word

Tune: Ton-y-Botel (Thomas John Williams 1869-1944)

Text: Martin H. Franzmann (1907-1976)

(Concordia University, Irvine, CA, 2017, concert arrangement by Carl Schalk)

The tune has been given the name "Ton-y-Botel", which means, ‘it was found in a bottle.’ This tune was set in previous hymnals to the text "Once to Every Man and Nation," a poem of James R. Lowell opposing our war against Mexico. This text, written in the 20th century, seems especially appropriate in the later Epiphany season, a time when we as Church stop to reflect on the whole meaning of Christ's incarnation and our response. We see Jesus coming into our lives as light, the beacon of hope and life we follow even in the dark times, as in mid-winter. Here, in this brilliant marriage of text and music, is a jewel which lifts us up as we sing, at once more confident and joyous, journeying on in God's shining light.

- The Rev. Ned Gammons

Full hymn (Our hymnal includes 4 of these verses)

Thy strong word did cleave the darkness;
At thy speaking it was done.
For created light we thank thee
While thine ordered seasons run.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

Lo, on those who dwelt in darkness,
Dark as night and deep as death,
Broke the light of thy salvation,
Breathed thine own life-giving breath.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous;
Bright with thine own holiness,
Glorious now, we press toward glory,
And our lives our hope confess.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

From the cross thy wisdom shining
Breaketh forth in conqu'ring might;
From the cross forever beameth
All thy bright redeeming light.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

Give us lips to sing thy glory,
Tongues thy mercy to proclaim,
Throats to shout the hope that fills us,
Mouths to speak thy holy name.
Alleluia! Alleluia! May the light which thou dost send
Fill our songs with alleluias, Alleluias without end!

God the Father, light-creator,
To thee laud and honor be.
To thee, Light from Light begotten,
Praise be sung eternally.
Holy Spirit, light-revealer, Glory, glory be to thee.
Mortals, angels, now and ever Praise the holy Trinity!