JESUS CHRIST >> RESURRECTION & ASCENSION
SDAH 176
Hail the day that sees Him rise, Alleluia!
Glorious to His native skies; Alleluia!
Christ, awhile to mortals giv’n, Alleluia!
Enters now the highest heav’n! Alleluia!
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For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise
Charles Wesley wrote this joyful hymn to celebrate Christ’s ascension. The original ten stanzas, written in 1739, trace Jesus’ return to heaven, where He now intercedes for us. Set to the bold and uplifting Welsh tune LLANFAIR, the hymn celebrates Christ’s exaltation and the hope of His promised return. As we sing, may our hearts be lifted heavenward, for “He who was taken up from you… shall so come in like manner.”
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Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Charles Wesley (1707–1788; see Biographies) wrote this hymn of 10 stanzas entitled “Hymn for Ascension Day” and published it in his Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1739. There are no “Alleluias” in the original; they were added as explained in SDAH 166, and appear in G. C. White’s Hymns and Introits, 1852. There are many variations and selections from the original, which shows the hymn’s popularity.
LLANFAIR was composed by Robert Williams (1781–1821) in 1817 and arranged by John Roberts (1822–1877) in 1837. For comment, see SDAH 25, “Praise the Lord, His Glories Show.”
Stanza:
1 – Luke 24:51
2 – Psalm 24:7
3 – Revelation 3:21
4 – Luke 24:50
Text
1
Hail the day that sees Him rise, Alleluia!
Glorious to His native skies; Alleluia!
Christ, awhile to mortals giv’n, Alleluia!
Enters now the highest heav’n! Alleluia!
2
There the glorious triumph waits; Alleluia!
Lift your heads, eternal gates! Alleluia!
Wide unfold the radiant scene; Alleluia!
Take the King of glory in! Alleluia!
3
See! He lifts His hands above; Alleluia!
See! He shows the prints of love: Alleluia!
Hark! His gracious lips bestow, Alleluia!
Blessings on His Church below. Alleluia!
4
Lord beyond our mortal sight, Alleluia!
Raise our hearts to reach Thy height, Alleluia!
There Thy face unclouded see, Alleluia!
Find our heav’n of heav’ns in Thee. Alleluia!
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Luke 24:51 (b) Ps 24:7 (c) Rev 3:21 (d) Luke 24:50
Author
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Year Published
1739
Hymn Tune
LLANFAIR
Metrical Number
7.7.7.7.Alleluia
Composer
Robert Williams (1781-1821)
Arranged
John Roberts, 1837 (1822-1877)
Year Composed
1817
Theme
ASCENSION AND RESURRECTION
Recommended Reading
Charles was the other Wesley. Alongside his brother John who was considered the main guy behind the founding of Methodism, it was Charles’ hymns that pushed through the envelope of being “just another religion.” His lasting and well-known hymns have captivated Christians all around the world. Through his poetic lines, we are able to sing many hymns with such deep theology.
It was said that he wrote 8,989 hymns. That’s 10 lines of poetry every single day for 50 years. And we are privileged to have sung some of those hymns. Tell me, don’t these hymns ring a bell for you?
