Exploring the Hymn ‘Alleluia! Sing to Jesus’ by W. Chatterton Dix

When looking at hymns related to the ascension of Jesus in the book of Acts, another beautiful hymn is “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!” written by William Chatterton Dix.

The Author

William Chatterton Dix was given his middle name due to his father’s love of Thomas Chatterton’s poetry. While naming someone after a poet who committed suicide may seem a bit strange, when you consider that Dix became a prolific writer of many beautiful hymns and carols, it does seem very fitting.

My personal favorite carol that Dix wrote is “What Child is This?”

The Hymn

While the original version of “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!” had five stanzas, most hymnals only print three. The last stanza was a repeat of the first, and while no one seems to really know why the fourth was removed, it did have references to both Mary and the holy eucharist. One theory is that these are Catholic themes that the protestant hymnal producers may have wanted to avoid; simply omitting the stanza could have been an easy way to avoid the issue.

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus;
his the scepter, his the throne;
Alleluia! his the triumph,
his the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood:
“Jesus, out of ev’ry nation
has redeemed us by his blood.”
1st Stanza: “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!” by W. Chatterton Dix

This first stanza was inspired by Revelation 5:9, where 4 creatures and 24 elders have harps and are singing a song of joy about the victory and reign of Jesus. To non-Christians, the words of this song may be quite strange. Why would people be singing songs of joy over a slain lamb?

And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
    and with your blood you purchased for God
    persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
2nd Stanza: Revelation 5:9 (NIV)

But when we consider that Jesus is our lamb who was slain, we quickly realize that death could not keep him down. The praise and joy is not for Jesus death, but instead for his resurrection and the conquering of death. When Jesus finally claims victory, there will be world peace and people from every nation will choose to be redeemed and follow him.

Alleluia! Bread of heaven,
here on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! here the sinful
flee to you from day to day.
Intercessor, friend of sinners,
earth’s Redeemer, hear our plea
where the songs of all the sinless
sweep across the crystal sea.
3rd Stanza: “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!” by W. Chatterton Dix

The second stanza also has strange words for non-Christians. The whole idea of eating Jesus body and drinking his blood has always been quite repulsive, particularly when the meaning has not been explained.

He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.” Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Luke 22:19-20 (WEB)

When we understand that forgiveness of Jesus gives us life, the analogy that Jesus uses in Luke 22:19-20 is quite helpful. God finds sin repulsive and punishable by death. Jesus chose to take this punishment on himself by allowing his body to be destroyed and his blood poured out. The good news is that he didn’t stay dead, but was instead raised back to life, and tells us that no matter what happens to our bodies, we too can claim this life. All we need to do is believe his promise and choose to follow him.

Jesus instructs us to remember this amazing gift by eating bread that represents his body and drink wine that represents his blood. When we do this, we are telling the world that we believe his promise and are accepting his gift. This stanza tells us that we need Jesus to feed us with the gift of life; that we are all sinful, needing an intercessor and friend. Jesus gives us this and carries our pleas with God as far as is needed to gain redemption and true life.

Alleluia! Not as orphans
are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! he is near us;
faith believes, nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received him
when the forty days were o’er,
shall our hearts forget his promise:
“I am with you evermore”?
“Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!” by W. Chatterton Dix

This last stanza deals with the Ascension of Jesus talked about in the book of Acts.

When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Acts 1:9 (WEB)

When Jesus died, his followers were left alone, as orphans in sorrow. Fortunately, when Jesus was raised back to life, his followers became a real community and found joy again. They didn’t understand the scientific process of how Jesus’ resurrection was possible, but they chose to have faith, believe, and not force answers to questions they were not ready for. But there were plenty of answers that they were ready for, so Jesus spent 40 days instructing them in these more useful and immediately relevant areas, telling them that when he departed they were to go teach the rest of the world these things. The primary theme of Jesus teachings was that through his death and resurrection he would be with us “evermore.” What good news!

Respond

Music can pack powerful messages in just a few words. Can you think of other songs, hymns, or poems related to Jesus’ ascension? If so, post the title and musician/author in the comments!