CW 456 O Sons and Daughters of the King
Originally written in Latin, this 15th century hymn was translated into English in the mid-1800s. It is very appropriately sung on the Second Sunday of Easter. While stanzas 2 and 3 recount the Easter Gospel, stanzas 4-8 retell the Gospel reading for Easter 2, especially focusing on the apostle Thomas and his reaction to the news that Jesus was risen from the tomb. Each of the short nine stanzas is followed by a triple ‘Alleluia.’ On Transfiguration, many churches say goodbye to ‘Alleluia’ during the season of Lent. This hymn helps to reinforce the celebratory nature of the Easter season with the numerous Alleluias that are sung.
Stanza 1: O sons and daughters of the King, whom heav’nly hosts in glory sing, today the grave has lost its sting!
This stanza serves as a fine introduction to the hymn, reminding the singer that every Sunday is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection for those who are children of God – sons and daughters of the King. Even though we know we will one day die and be buried, we are comforted with the truth that because Christ lives, we now live by faith in Christ and even after we die, we will be raised from the dead. The grave has lost its sting!
Stanza 2: That Easter morn, at break of day, the faithful women went their way to seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Stanza 3: An angel bade their sorrow flee, for thus he spoke unto the three, “Your Lord will go to Galilee.”
Mark’s Gospel tells us that Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb at sunrise to embalm Jesus’ body. When they arrived, his body was gone. Instead, an angel cheered them with the news that Jesus has risen. The angel then instructed them to remind his disciples of what he told them on Maundy Thursday in the Upper Room that Jesus would meet up with them again in the region of Galilee.
Stanza 4: That night th’‿apostles met in fear; among them came their Lord most dear and said, “My peace be with you here.”
Easter evening, ten of Jesus’ apostles met behind locked doors, confused by the events of the day. They were afraid that the Jewish authorities would blame them for Jesus’ body being gone from the tomb. Jesus’ put their hearts at rest by appearing to them and speaking with them. True peace is found in the forgiveness of sins, the very message Jesus instructed them to preach and teach.
Stanza 5: When Thomas afterwards had heard that Jesus had fulfilled his word, he doubted that it was the Lord.
Stanza 6: “Thomas, behold my side,” said he, “my hands, my feet, my body see; and doubt not, but believe in me.”
Stanza 7: No longer Thomas then denied; he saw the feet, the hands, the side; “You are my Lord and God,” he cried.
Thomas was one of the original Twelve who was missing Easter Sunday when Jesus appeared behind locked doors. When the ten who were there told Thomas the news, he was skeptical. He said that he needed to see the evidence for himself. Jesus obliged. The next Sunday, Jesus appeared to the apostles again, this time with Thomas there. Seeing the evidence of Jesus’ wounds, Thomas was convinced that Jesus was truly alive.
Stanza 8: Blessèd are they that have not seen and yet whose faith has constant been; in life eternal they shall reign.
This stanza is a simple restatement of Jesus’ words after Thomas believed. The Hebrews writer reminds us what faith is: “Faith is being sure about what we hope for, being convinced about things we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1) Saving faith is a firm trust that Jesus has done everything necessary for our salvation. Because he lives, all those who believe in him are confident that they will also live and reign with him forever.
With that knowledge in our minds and on our hearts, we join the hymnwriter with this appropriate conclusion:
Stanza 9: On this most holy day of days to God your hearts and voices raise in laud and jubilee and praise. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!