Suggested Hymns from HymnSite.com

Transfiguration Sunday
(Last Sunday After Epiphany)

Unifying Theme:
Going into the light, coming out of the light;
The presence of God, the source of the light.
Scripture Theme Hymns
2 Kings 2:1-12 Elijah taken up 358: Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
452: My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Psalm 50:1-6 The presence of God Almighty 621: Be Present at Our Table, Lord
700: Abide with Me
2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Light shines at God's direction 539: O Spirit of the Living God
651: Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
Mark 9:2-9 The transfiguration story 203: Hail to the Lord's Annointed
258: O Wondrous Sight! O Vision Fair

Featured Hymn
O Wondrous Sight! O Vision Fair

Hymn #258
Text: Sarum Breviary; trans. by John Mason Neale
Music: William Knapp; harm. from Hymns Ancient and Modern
Tune: WAREHAM

All of the scripture passages this week have an element of light. Elijah was taken into heaven by a firey chariot. The Psalmist proclaims the glory of God, shining forth from Zion. The second letter to the Corinthians revels in the light at creation as well as the Light which is Christ shining in our hearts. This week's featured hymn, though, focuses on the light of the transfiguration, when Christ stood on the hillside with Moses and Elijah. How amazing it must have been! Peter, always the man of action, immediately decided that they needed to do something--build some shelters. But God spoke. Christ is the Son. We should listen to Him. The dazzling account of this moment captures our imaginations so powerfully that all too often we fail to listen. In the closing words of Mark's transfiguration account he tells us, "Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead." Today we know that the Son of Man has already risen from the dead. It is time to tell the wonderful stories now!

The Sarum Breviary was a daily order of service used in the Church of England before The Book of Common Prayer. Although seldom used for nearly half a millenium, the Sarum Breviary's celebration of the Transfiguration inspired John Mason Neale to translate it into common English. Rejoice in the message that we now can share with the whole world:

1. O wondrous sight! O vision fair
of glory that the church shall share,
which Christ upon the mountain shows,
where brighter than the sun he glows!
2. From age to age the tale declares
how with the three disciples there
where Moses and Elijah meet,
the Lord holds converse high and sweet.
3. The law and prophets there have place,
two chosen witnesses of grace;
the Father's voice from out the cloud
proclaims his only Son aloud.
4. With shining face and bright array,
Christ deigns to manifest that day
what glory shall be theirs above
who joy in God with perfect love.
5. And faithful hearts are raised on high
by this great vision's mystery;
for which in joyful strains we raise
the voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.

Throughout the Bible God creates the light so that we can see. Having received the Light, may we share it boldly and joyfully.

God bless you--
Lection at HymnSite.com


Links please

Please add a link to http://www.HymnSite.com/lection on your site if you find our resources are useful to you or your ministry.

God bless you!

Passages suggested are from The Revised Common Lectionary: Consultation on Common Texts (Abingdon Press, 1992) copyright © by the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), P.O. Box 340003, Room 381, Nashville TN 37203-0003. Reprinted with permission of CCT.