I just noticed that I picked another hymn beginning with the letter ‘A’. I don‘t know how this is happening, but incidentally I seem to be writing hymn-of-the-month posts in alphabetical order! Lol
So, for this month I picked the hymn All Hail the Power of Jesus Name. I would have to say I am partial to the Diadem version with its awesome counterpoint and flowing melodic chorus. (I actually have an arrangement of this version of the hymn on my website. It is suitable for beginner-intermediate ensembles with more advanced pianists.)
The diadem version of the hymn can be found in most hymn book, and is great for teaching to your church if you do not already sing it. Here are the lyrics. I will give them in the coronation arrangement of the lyrics because it makes for easier reading that way.
1. All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown him Lord of all!
2. Ye chosen seed of Israel's race
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
And crown him Lord of all.
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
And crown him Lord of all!
3. Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all;
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all!
4. Oh, that with yonder sacred throng
We at his feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song
And crown him Lord of all.
We'll join the everlasting song
And crown him Lord of all.
About the Author
Our lyricist, Edward Perronet, was born in Kent, England, 1726. His parents were French Huguenots who fled Swiss religious persecution. Edward interned, so to speak, with the Wesley brothers for a while, but soon separated from them, as he had very strong anti-Anglican convictions- too strong for the Wesleys' comfort. He eventually took an independent pastorship at Canterbury, where he appears to have remained for the rest of his life.
Edward does not seem to be completely in line with Baptistic doctrine, but it does look like he understood and believed the gospel message. During his time at Canterbury, he wrote the words to the hymn that we’re looking at today, words that proclaim the power and glory of Jesus‘ name.
Citations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Hail_the_Power_of_Jesus%27_Name
A Few Thoughts…
I love the way this hymn brings us through all walks of life and eras to praise our matchless Redeemer! Angels, Israel, every ransomed Christian, martyrs, all of Earth, and all of Heaven are called to hail the power of Jesus‘ name. Wherever we are, whatever we may be doing, let’s exalt Christ’s worthy name! At church, at home, at work, and even in leisure, make sure Jesus’ name is ever lifted high.