“Who Is This Host Arrayed in White,” ELW 425
1. Who is this host, arrayed in white,
like thousand snow-clad mountains bright,
That stands with palms and sings its psalms
before the throne of light?
These are the saints who kept God's Word;
They are the honored of the Lord.
He is their prince who drowned their sins,
so they were cleansed, restored.
They now serve God both day and night;
They sing their songs in endless light.
Their anthems ring when they all sing
with angels shining bright.
2. On earth their work was not thought wise,
but see them now in heaven's eyes;
Before God's throne of precious stone
They shout their victory cries.
On earth they wept through bitter years;
Now God has wiped away their tears,
Transformed their strive to heavenly life,
and freed them from their fears.
For now they have the best at last;
They keep their sweet eternal feast.
At God's right hand our Lord commands;
He is both host and guest.
3. O blessed saints, now take your rest;
A thousand times shall be your blest
For keeping faith firm unto death
and scorning worldly trust.
For now you live at home with God
and harvest seeds one cast abroad in tears and sighs.
See with new eyes the pattern in the seed.
The myriad angels raise their song.
O saints, sing with that happy throng;
Lift up one voice; let heaven rejoice in our Redeemer's song!
Devotion
Our old country churches, with their white steeples and nearby tombstones, were the setting of many farewell hymns. One such hymn is ELW #425. It was often sung by a soloist in its mother tongue. Some old Norwegians didn't know they were dead yet until the beloved "Den Store Hvide Flokk" was sung for them. It is touching, but exultant. A great choir singing sacred music is one of life's greatest gifts. All of us robed in "robes of righteousness" will one day sing God's praises together. The scriptures picture it as being about the throne of God. Weary travelers have this ultimate goal in mind while they journey here. God offers new life even while earthly life recedes. This hymn may not claim to contain the entire text of the Nicene Creed, nor the musical depth and wonder of Bach's Mass in B Minor. It does, however, express the final triumph of God's faithful child who at last is received into the Father's loving embrace. Oh, the joy!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we all triumph because of your resurrection life which is promised even to those who sing slow funeral songs. Amen.