The last canticle sung at the Easter Vigil is the Song of the Three Youth.  It was first sung by Hananiah, Mishael, and Azairah (Shadrach, Mishach, Abednego) while King Nebuchadnezzar tried to incinerate them in his burning, fiery furnace. I wrote this versification so we could sing it. I used the tune Holy Manna, but it will work as well with Beethoven’s Hymn to Joy. It’s offered for your Easter celebration.

Works of God, praise him forever.
All you heavens, bless the Lord.
Pow’rs of God, praise him forever.
Angel host, O bless the Lord.
Sun and moon, you stars of heaven,
Showers, dew, O bless the Lord.
All creation sing forever,
Praise and magnify the Lord

Fire and heat, you winds of Most High,
Winter, Summer, bless the Lord.
Dews and frost, you cold so bitter,
Ice and snow, O bless the Lord.
Nights and days, you light and darkness,
Light’ning, clouds, O bless the Lord.
All creation sing forever,
Praise and magnify the Lord.

Mountains, hills, you earth in splendor,
All you green things, bless the Lord.
Wells and springs, you seas and rivers,
Whales and fish, O bless the Lord.
Birds up high, you beasts and cattle,
Human kind, O bless the Lord.
All creation sing forever,
Praise and magnify the Lord.

Priests of God, you chosen servants,
Holy people, bless the Lord.
Spirits, souls of all the righteous,
Humble hearts, O bless the Lord.
Bless the Father, Son, and Spirit.
As it was, is now, will be.
All creation sing forever,
Praise and magnify the Lord.

Read Daniel 3-4 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne