JESUS CHRIST >> SECOND ADVENT
SDAH 209
That glorious day is coming,
The hour is hastening on;
Its radiant light is nearing,
Far brighter than the sun;
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: That Glorious Day Is Coming
This early Advent hymn, rich with Scripture, first appeared in 1843 in the Millennial Harp. The SDAH setting features a contemporary tune, CHEROKEE LANE, by Melvin West. Its message is unmistakable: Jesus is coming with power and great glory. May this hymn stir within us a renewed urgency and joyful anticipation.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
As a close look at the Index of Scriptural Allusions in Hymn will show, this hymn by an unknown author is saturated with Bible allusions. One key text is Matthew 24:30: “And then shall appear the sign mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” The hymn first appeared in Millenial Harp, 1843, by Joshua V. Himes. The hymn committee sent this text to some 30 Seventh-day Adventist composers, asking for an original tune. Out of all those submitted, CHEROKEE LANE, by Melvin West (1930- ; see Biographies), was selected. West writes that “Cherokees” is the name of the Lodi, California, memorial park of which his father was the president.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Stanza:
1 – Matthew 24:30
1 Thessalonians 4:17
2 – 2 Thessalonians 1:8
Matthew 13:42
3 – 1 Thessalonians 4:17
Revelation 21:4
Revelation 22:5
4 – 1 Thessalonians 5:6
Text
1
That glorious day is coming,
The hour is hastening on;
Its radiant light is nearing,
Far brighter than the sun;
In yonder clouds of heaven,
The Saviour will appear,
And gather all His chosen,
To meet Him in the air.
2
The saints, then all victorious
Will go to meet their Lord;
An earth both bright and glorious,
Will then be their reward;
And God Himself there reigning,
Will wipe all tears away;
Nor clouds nor night remaining,
But one eternal day.
3
O Christian, keep from sleeping,
And let your love abound;
Be watchful, prayerful, faithful,
The trumpet soon will sound!
O sinner, hear the warning!
To Jesus quickly fly!
Then you, in that blest morning,
May meet Him in the sky!
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Matt 24:30; 1 Thess 4:17 (b)2 Thess 1:8; Matt 13:42 (c) 1 Thess 4:17; Rev 21:4; 22:5
Author
Anonymous
Copyright
Music copyright 1984 by Melvin West
Hymn Tune
CHEROKEE LANE
Metrical Number
7.6.7.6.D.
Arranged
Melvin West (1930-)
Recommended Reading
Many Adventists are familiar with the story of William Miller’s discovery of the partially correct, but extremely crucial, interpretation of Daniel 8:14. We all know of how he made a promise to God about sharing this message to people, only if invited to preach.
For eight years, Miller was true to his promise. His itinerary kept him busy as he preached in small churches in little towns. But during the fall of 1839, he met a man who was extremely influential in changing the course of his career.
