635b. The Church of God a kingdom is

1 The Church of God a kingdom is,
where Christ in pow'r doth reign;
where spirits yearn till, seen in bliss,
their Lord shall come again.

2 Glad companies of saints possess
this Church below, above;
and God’s perpetual calm doth bless
their paradise of love.

3 An altar stands within the shrine
whereon, once sacrificed,
is set, immaculate, divine,
the Lamb of God, the Christ.

4 There rich and poor, from countless lands,
praise God on mystic rood;
there nations reach forth holy hands
to take God’s holy food.

5 There pure life-giving streams o’erflow
the sower’s garden-ground;
and faith and hope fair blossoms show,
and fruits of love abound.

6 O King, O Christ, this endless grace
to all your people bring,
to see the vision of your face
in joy, O Christ, our King.

Text Information
First Line: The Church of God a kingdom is
Title: The Church of God a kingdom is
Author: Lionel Muirhead, 1845-1925
Meter: CM
Language: English
Publication Date: 2000
Topic: Patronal Festivals; The Communion of Saints
Tune Information
Name: CAPEL
Arranger: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958
Meter: CM
Key: D Major
Source: Traditional English carol collected by Lucy Broadwood, 1858-1929



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