Next Thursday will be Veterans Day, a time when we should remember our veterans who gave themselves to protect and earn the freedoms that we experience today. Unfortunately the meaning and purpose of this special day of remembrance has lost its impact for most people today. On Friday we led a special hymn sing at Pinebrook to remember and honor our veterans. It was a special day and a special program and many veterans were in attendance. It was just one small way for us to say "thank you" to those who served. But there is also a sense that all Christians are veterans. For we are involved in a spiritual battle that we often take for granted. Many hymns have been written about this battle but most of them are no longer sung today. That is probably because it is not "politically correct" to talk about "war" in our churches today. But that doesn't mean that this war is not being waged. One of the hymns that talks about this theme is this week's choice, written by Sabine Baring-Gould. But while this hymn speaks about this spiritual battle, it was really written for a different purpose. According to the author, "Whit-Monday is a great day for school festivals in Yorkshire. One Whit-Monday, thirty years ago, it was arranged that our school should join forces with that of a neighboring village. I wanted the children to sing when marching from one village to another, but couldn't think of anything quite suitable; so I sat up at night, resolved that I would write something myself. "Onward, Christian Soldiers" was the result. It was written in great haste, and I am afraid some of the rhymes are faulty. Certainly nothing has surprised me more than its popularity. I don't remember how it got printed first, but I know that very soon it found its way into several collections. I have written a few other hymns since then, but only two or three have become at all well-known". So while you mediate upon this "marching" sing, be reminded of the spiritual battle which we face each day and our need to "march on" in the power and under the leadersip of Jesus.
(1) Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
(2) At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
(3) Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
(4) Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
(5) Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
You can listen to it here. LISTEN
1 comment:
I remember that song as being used in Bible School when I was young.
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