Sound the note of praise above

Continuing our Ascension hymns, this week's is an oldie that I am disappointed to say we do not sing at College Church. To my discredit, I must admit. Let us begin the restoration process by setting out this marvelous text by Thomas Kelly.

Hark! ten thousand harps and voices
sound the note of praise above;
Jesus reigns and heaven rejoices,
Jesus reigns, the God of love.
See, he sits on yonder throne:
Jesus rules the world alone.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
Sing how Jesus came from heaven,
how he bore the cross below,
how all power to him is given,
how he reigns in glory now.
'Tis a great and endless theme -
Oh, 'tis sweet to sing of him.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
Jesus, hail! Thy glory brightens
all above and gives it worth;
Lord of life, thy smile enlightens,
cheers and charms thy saints on earth.
When we think of love like thine,
Lord, we own it love divine.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
King of glory, reign forever!
Thine an everlasting crown.
Nothing from thy love shall sever
those whom thou hast made thine own:
Happy objects of thy grace,
destined to behold thy face.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.
Savior, hasten thine appearing!
Bring, oh bring the glorious day,
when, the awful summons hearing,
heaven and earth shall pass away.
Then with golden harps we'll sing,
"Glory, glory to our King!"
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

Thomas Kelly (1806)

tune in Hymns for the Living Church: HARWELL (Lowell Mason, 1840)

A common, and completely biblically based, theme of Ascension hymns is the assurance of Jesus' return. In fact, as a logical matter, Jesus can not return to us from heaven if he has not ascended to heaven in the first place. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:3) And the first word of the angels to the disciples, watching Jesus taken up: "Why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)

Oh, this day is important in the redemption history, it is one of the mighty acts of God for his people. At the culmination of Jesus' teaching ministry, post-resurrection, we find Jesus highly exalted, understand that he takes his throne, have confidence in his rule, and rest in his promised return.

"Glory, glory, to our King!"

Sing on!