Scripture References:
st. 1 = Rev. 5:9
st. 2 = Rev. 5:12
Like many other Hispanic choruses, this is a true folk song in that it has an anonymous author, composer, and source. 'Worthy Is Christ" was submitted by members of the Hispanic task force that provided recommendations to the Psalter Hymnal Revision Committee. The task force knew the song from memory and presented it to the committee by singing it. Psalter Hymnal editor Emily R. Brink (PHH 158) notated the hymn during the meeting.
The text is a personal testimonial of praise derived from two of the great doxologies in the last book of the New Testament, which are sung in praise of the Lamb, Jesus Christ:
You are worthy. . .
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased men for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation. . . .
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!
-Revelation 5:9, 12
Liturgical Use:
As a sung response to Scripture reading; as a doxology anytime but, given the second stanza, especially during Lent and at Easter services.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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