A Mighty Fortress
A lively setting of the great hymn "Ein feste Burg" by Martin Luther - it begins sprightly in the style of a Renaissance dance, and builds to a rousing climax with an optional congregational join-in. 2-part + organ (with optional SATB/congregation on the last verse). And, lest you forget, traditionally, October 31, 1517 is widely held to be the day Brother Martin nailed his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the All Saints' Church in Wittenberg. Yes, Reformation Day - the 500th anniversary!
A mighty Fortress is our God,
A Bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He amid the flo,Od
Of mortal ills prevailing.
But still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow’r are great;
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.
That Word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.