This year, the 500th anniversary year of the Lutheran Reformation (1517), the commemoration of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (1530), June 25, falls on a Sunday. Here is a hymn I wrote that is appropriate for the occasion (or for Reformation Day). If you would like to use it in your service (with proper attribution), email me ([email protected]), and I can send you an email attachment with a bulletin insert to be printed out.
A Lonely Monk, Now Long Ago
A lonely monk, now long ago,
Nailed truth upon a door;
The echoes of that hammer blow
Rang out to many more.
And when he spoke his “Here I stand,”
Although he could be slain,
Throughout the realm a growing band
Soon followed in his train.
Confessors, princes, duty bound,
To Augsburg bold they came;
Before the king they stood their ground
And were not put to shame.
Their good confession made that day
Proved not to be in vain;
Gird us their sons, Lord, that we may
Still follow in their train.
With confidence in Christ alone,
Our faith we will confess;
For Jesus’ death made us His own,
And now He lives to bless.
Our Savior leads us heavenward,
Eternal life to gain;
Confessing truth that we have heard,
We follow in His train!
For Reformation Day or Presentation of the Augsburg Confession
Text: Charles Henrickson, © 2012
Tune: All Saints New (LSB 661, 678)
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