January 1st - Feast of the Holy Name

This great tune by Ralph Vaughn Williams was published in 1925. It is inspired by the Biblical exaltation of Christ in Philippians 2:1-11. Here are the lyrics from the Episcopal Church's Hymnal 1982, #435:

At the Name of Jesus
every knee shall bow,
every tongue confess him
King of glory now;
'tis the Father's pleasure
we should call him Lord,
who from the beginning
was the mighty Word.

Humbled for a season,
to receive a Name
from the lips of sinners,
unto whom he came,
faithfully he bore it
spotless to the last,
brought it back victorious,
when from death he passed;

Bore it up triumphant,
with its human light,
through all ranks of creatures,
to the central height,
to the throne of Godhead,
to the Father's breast;
filled it with the glory
of that perfect rest.

Name him, Christians, name him,
with love as strong as death,
but with awe and wonder
and with bated breath;
he is God the Savior,
he is Christ the Lord,
ever to be worshiped,
trusted, and adored.

In your hearts enthrone him;
there let him subdue
all that is not holy,
all that is not true;
crown him as your Captain
in temptation's hour;
let his will enfold you
in its light and power.

Christians, this Lord Jesus
shall return again,
with his Father's glory
o'er the earth to reign;
for all wreaths of empire
meet upon his brow,
and our hearts confess him
King of glory now.