This Sunday we will sing a revered hymn, dedicated to the Feast of the Transfiguration. Words and music written by two church members, the Transfiguration Hymn holds special memories of the prayerful planning and unique construction of our house of worship, so named The Church of the Transfiguration. The beautiful hymn’s poetry recalls the story of Jesus mystically transformed and reads:
Transfigured, Jesus stands in rays of light.
His three disciples cringe in awe and fear.
They shield their eyes before the glory bright,
The Majesty divine is dawning here!
Two others stand beside the Vision fair,
They talk together of Jerusalem.
They speak of what must be accomplished there,
The suffering and the cross awaiting him.
A cloud of mist enfolds the holy three:
The Vision fades; a heavenly Voice they hear:
“This is my Son, this is the chosen One,”
Then Jesus says, “Arise, and have no fear.”
Grant us to be transformed as we behold,
O blessed Lord, this heavenly vision fair;
Your light and truth and love our souls enfold;
By grace may we at last your glory share.
Words by Hal M. Helms
In the final stanza, the composer adds a soaring descant that hovers like an overlay of angel-voices, witnesses to the love God sent in Jesus His Son.