I love LOTS of hymns. Very hard to choose which I love the most. But when it comes to the Distribution of the Holy Eucharist, I must confess that I don't think there's a hymn out there that packs more in such a small space as the four stanzas of the following:
Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor,
First-begotten from the dead,
You alone our strong defender,
You lift up Your people's head.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Jesus, true and living bread!
Jesus, true and living bread!
Though the lowliest forms now veil You
As of old in Bethlehem.
Here as there Your angels hail You,
Branch and Flow'r of Jesse's stem.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
We in worship join with them!
We in worship join with them!
Paschal Lamb, Your offering finished
Once for all when You were slain,
In its fullness undiminished
Shall forevermore more remain,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Cleansing souls from ev'ry stain;
Cleansing souls from ev'ry stain.
Life-imparting heavenly manna,
Stricken rock with streaming side,
Heaven and earth with loud hosanna
Worship You, the Lamb who died,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Risen, ascended, glorified!
Risen, ascended, glorified! (LSB #534)
Add to those awesome words the powerful Welsh melody of Bryn Calfaria and you have one splendid hymn to sing as our Lord's Body and Blood are given into us for forgiveness, life and immortality, and eternal salvation. Glory to You, Lord Jesus Christ! Glory to You!
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