581. Lo, in the likeness of fire

Refrain:
1 Hail thee, Festival Day!
blest day that art hallowed forever;
day when the Lord from heaven
shone in the world with his grace.

2 Lo! in the likeness of fire,
on those who await his appearing,
he whom the Lord foretold
suddenly, swiftly descends. [Refrain]

3 Forth from the Father he comes
with his sevenfold mystical dowry,
pouring on human souls
infinite riches of God. [Refrain]

4 Hark! in a hundred tongues
Christ's own, his chosen apostles,
preach to a hundred tribes
Christ and his wonderful works. [Refrain]

5 Praise to the Spirit of Life,
all praise to the fount of our being,
light that now lightens all,
life that in all now abides. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: Lo, in the likeness of fire
Translator: Gabriel Gillett (1873-1948)
Refrain First Line: Hail thee, Festival Day!
Meter: Irregular
Language: English
Publication Date: 2008
Scripture:
Topic: The Holy Spirit: The Coming of the Spirit; Christian Year: Pentecost; Holy Spirit: name and images for
Source: c. 14th century (York Processional)
Tune Information
Name: SALVE FESTA DIES
Composer: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Meter: Irregular
Key: F Major
Copyright: From "The English Hymnal," 1906, Oxford University Press, Reproduced by permission



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