Awake O Sleeper

In 2006 I wrote a poem (song) based on Ephesians chapter five, “Awake O Sleeper.” I forgot I wrote it though. But I was just digging through a pile of papers and there it was!

According to Ralph Martin, Worship In The Early Church, the Ephesians hymn was a very early hymn used at baptism. I picture it used at church as well, which very likely included baptisms. I imagine it used on the first day of the week, Sunday at sunrise. Paul speaks of “light” in chapter five. I imagine the first light of sunrise breaking across the gathered people and they recite and sing this hymn:

Wake up O sleeper,
rise from the dead
and Christ will shine on you!

I believe we need richer, deeper and more victorious modern hymnody. I believe we need this victory to not be “split” – not escaping earth and traveling up to heaven, but awakening to the divine presence, waiting and ready for Christ’s return. Upon his arrival we must be ready to show him all that we’ve been working on: stopping violence and oppression, feeding the poor, housing the homeless. I think that’s a proper thought for this day, Saint Francis of Assisi Day. Anyway, I have written a few songs attempting this goal over the past few years. But I don’t share them. Here’s the poem:

Wake Up, O Sleeper (Ephesians 5:14)

Wake up, O Sleeper
Rise from the dead
And Christ will shine on you

Now comes an end to this present age
When powers fall and empires rage
At dawn’s first light and darkness ends
Fall at his feet, revolution begins

Tell the poor and sojourners true
Christ our King walks upon the morning dew
Tell the waves and the angry deep,
“Here ends death’s three day sleep”

Don’t be afraid! But grab a hold
Not swords or spears, but love’s pure hope
Come join the song for this world’s sake
Arise O Sleeper, it is time to wake

Who will tell, who will go
To the earth’s far ends so all may know
The future’s here and in your midst
Your nail pierced hand stops violent fist