教會的傳統詩歌

今天教會唱了這首很熟悉的西方傳統詩歌：Come Sing，O Church，in Joy！從Youtube找到，好像是一個人從某長老會的禮拜場地自錄的。



這是一首十八世紀英國聖公會的老歌，格調很雄偉，最初是為詩篇148篇的讚美詩譜寫的，查理衛斯理作詞時加入了基督救恩的內容：

Rejoice, the Lord is King:
Your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing,
And triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!...

1990年長老會的一位牧師把它改寫了歌詞，把「審判」和「地獄」的字樣挪去，成為歡喜歌唱上帝同在和基督得勝，以及教會生活的喜樂滿足：

1. Come sing, O church, in joy! Come join, O church, in song!
For Christ the Lord has led us through the ages long!
（副歌）In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!

2. Long years have come and gone, And still God reigns supreme,
Empowering us to catch the vision, dream the dream!
（副歌）

3. Let courage be our friend, Let wisdom be our guide,
As we in mission magnify the Crucified!
（副歌）

4. Come sing, O church, in joy! Come join, O church, in song!
For Christ the Lord has triumphed o'er the ages long!
（副歌）

但我所在的長老會以老人和白人居多，他們唱詩似乎唱不出來詩篇中那股歡樂讚美的勁頭，說不出是為甚麼。