Shine Forth O New Jerusalem – Hymn Lyric
“Shine Forth O New Jerusalem” is a joyful hymn that celebrates the glory of the Lord shining upon the new and transformed city of Jerusalem. The hymn encourages us to listen to Christ's voice and find hope in His guidance as we journey through life. It reminds us of the victory won by God's Son and invites us to rejoice in the promise of a new and glorious future in the eternal realm of Christ.
Table of Contents
Shine Forth O New Jerusalem – Hymn Lyric
Shine forth, O new Jerusalem!
O Zion, shout with glee!
For now the glory of the Lord
Is risen upon thee;
O mother pure of God's own Son,
Rejoice-His victory is won!
O dear and sweetest voice divine,
O Christ, Thou wilt befriend,
And lead Thy people safely on
E'en to their journey's end;
Thy faithful people hear Thy voice,
And in that steadfast hope rejoice.
O Christ, our sacred Paschal feast,
The Word, the might of God,-
His wisdom most ineffable
By Thee is shed abroad;
O may we feast on Thee for aye
In Thy blest realm of endless day.
Meaning of Shine Forth O New Jerusalem
Shine Forth O New Jerusalem: A Hymn of Joy and Hope
In the hymn “Shine Forth O New Jerusalem,” we are invited to celebrate the glory of the Lord shining upon the city of Jerusalem. The verses encourage us to rejoice in the victory of God's Son and to listen to His voice as He leads us on our journey. The title itself, “Shine Forth O New Jerusalem,” captures the essence of the hymn and serves as a reminder of the hope and joy found in the promise of a new and glorious Jerusalem.
The hymn begins with the declaration, “Shine forth, O new Jerusalem! O Zion, shout with glee!” These words evoke a sense of excitement and anticipation. The new Jerusalem represents a fresh start, a renewed and transformed city, where the presence of the Lord is fully realized. It is a call to rejoice and be glad, for something remarkable is happening.
The following lines, “For now the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee; O mother pure of God's own Son, rejoice-His victory is won!” emphasize the significance of Jerusalem as the chosen city where God's glory is revealed. It is described as a mother, a nurturing and protective figure, as the birthplace of God's Son. The victory mentioned here refers to the triumph of Christ over sin and death, reminding us of His sacrifice and the hope it brings.
In the next verse, we encounter the divine voice of Christ, our beloved guide and companion on our journey. The hymn attests, “O dear and sweetest voice divine, O Christ, Thou wilt befriend, and lead Thy people safely on, e'en to their journey's end.” These words convey both a deep sense of comfort and trust. We are assured that Christ will be by our side, providing guidance and protection until we reach our final destination. It encourages us to listen attentively to His voice and follow His lead.
Christ's voice is not just a source of comfort but also a reason for hope, as stated in the final couplet of this verse: “Thy faithful people hear Thy voice, and in that steadfast hope rejoice.” The hymn highlights the importance of faith and hope in the lives of believers. We find joy in having a steadfast hope, rooted in the promises of Christ. This hope encourages us to persevere and remain faithful, regardless of the circumstances we face.
The hymn then shifts its focus to Christ as the sacred Paschal feast, symbolizing His sacrifice and the redemption it brings. It proclaims, “O Christ, our sacred Paschal feast, the Word, the might of God,- His wisdom most ineffable by Thee is shed abroad.” Here, the hymn emphasizes Christ as the embodiment of God's wisdom and power. His sacrifice on the cross becomes the ultimate feast, through which we are nourished both spiritually and emotionally.
The hymn concludes with a prayer-like plea, “O may we feast on Thee for aye in Thy blest realm of endless day.” It expresses the desire for perpetual communion with Christ, feasting on Him forever in the blissful realm of eternity. This final verse serves as a reminder of the eternal hope we have in Christ, a hope that sustains us through all seasons of life.
In summary, “Shine Forth O New Jerusalem” is a hymn that instills a sense of joy and hope in the hearts of believers. It reminds us of the glory of the Lord shining upon the chosen city, and the victory won through the sacrifice of God's Son. The hymn encourages us to listen to Christ's voice and find comfort in His guidance. It emphasizes the importance of faith and hope, and the eternal feast we have in Christ. “Shine Forth O New Jerusalem” invites us to celebrate the joy and hope found in our Savior and the promise of a new and glorious future.
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