This Is the Feast of Victory

Hymn Information

First Line: Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain
Paraphraser: John W. Arthur, 1922-1980
Tune Name: FESTIVAL CANTICLE
Composer: Richard Hillert, 1923-2010
Topic: Jesus Christ: Lamb · Jesus Christ: Reign · Responses: To Benediction · Elements of Worship: Lord's Supper

Copyright Information

Text Copyright

Tune Copyright

Reprint/Projection Information

Words: Permitted with a license from OneLicense.net. If you do not own this license, please contact the copyright holder for permission.
Music: Please contact LicenSing Online.

Scripture References

Revelation 5:12-14

Further Reflections on Scripture References

This song is Revelation 6:12-14 put to heavenly music. The stanzas are pure praise to the risen Lord and to the Lamb who was slain. Note the seven (a symbolic number) adjectives ascribed to the Lamb in stanza 2: power, riches, wisdom, strength, and honor, blessing and glory are his!

Sing! A New Creation

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This Is the Feast of Victory

Call to Worship

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and praise!

Then every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth

and on the sea, and all that is in them, sang,

“To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be praise and honor and glory and power

for ever and ever!” Amen.

—from Revelation 5:12-13, NIV

— Worship Sourcebook Edition Two

Words of Praise

An Acclamation

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.
Power is his.

He is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of God’s being.
Riches and wisdom are his.

Yet he gave up his life for us all.
Strength and honor are his.

Nobody took his life; he freely gave it.
Blessing and glory are his now and forever. Amen.

Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

— Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

Blessing/Benediction

Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

and honor and glory and blessing!

—Revelation 5:12, NRSV

— Worship Sourcebook Edition Two

Additional Prayers

The following is a guide for extemporaneous prayers. The pattern provides a suggested text

for the opening and closing of each part of the prayer and calls for extemporaneous prayers of

thanksgiving, petition, and intercession.

Lamb of God,

being human, you knew the pain the cross would inflict;

being divine, you knew it was the only way we could be redeemed.

We praise you for willingly suffering a cruel death so that we may experience the

glories of heaven. And so we thank you

for the redemption of creation . . .

for the sacrifice of your servants around the world . . .

for your work as it continues in our community . . .

for the sacrifice of those who serve us in your name . . .

for our redemption . . .

While your death and resurrection assure us of your victory

over evil, we have yet to experience that reality in its fullest.

And so today we pray

for creation and its care . . .

for the nations of the world . . .

for our nation and its leaders . . .

for this community and those who are in authority . . .

for the church universal as it works on your behalf . . .

for this local church in its ministry . . .

for persons with particular needs . . .

With the angels and those encircling your throne

we join in proclaiming, “Worthy is the lamb that was slaughtered

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor

and glory and blessing” forever and ever. Amen.

—based on Revelation 5:12, NRSV

[The Worship Sourcebook]

— Worship Sourcebook Edition Two

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This Is the Feast of Victory

Tune Information

Name: FESTIVAL CANTICLE
Key: D Major
Meter: 9.11 refrain 11.12

Recordings

Woodlawn Ave CRC - Grand Rapids, MI

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This Is the Feast of Victory

Hymn Story/Background

In Revelation 5:12-13, the Apostle John recorded the text sung by “myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,” a song of praise beginning, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” Countless musicians throughout history have written settings for this Canticle of Praise in which we join our earthly praise with all the heavenly beings and saints who have gone before us.

This particular versification was prepared by Lutheran pastor John W. Arthur as an alternate to the Gloria traditionally sung near the beginning of historic Christian liturgy, to provide heightened praise especially during Eastertide. He likely versified this canticle when he served as a member of Liturgical Text Committee of the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship. Richard Hillert composed his joyful FESTIVAL CANTICLE for this text in 1969. It is now included in many hymnals from many traditions.

— Emily Brink

Author Information

John W. Arthur (b. 1922; d. 1980) was ordained in 1946 and served as campus pastor as well as pastor of several churches in Lutheran settings across the United States. He also taught worship and was involved in many Lutheran liturgical committees and projects; among his publications is Table of the Lord (1968).

— Emily Brink

Composer Information

Richard Hillert (b. 1923; d. 2010) was professor of music from 1959-1994 at his alma mater, Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University College) in River Forest, Illinois. A noted teacher of composition, he is especially remembered for his many compositions and contributions to music for worship. He also wrote many articles on church music and served as associate editor for Church Music from 1966-1980.

— Emily Brink