Stay Awake (There will be signs upon the sun) - O'Hara

This is a hymn for Advent.   It is based on sections from Luke 21: 25-36 - which is the gospel reading for the 1st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C.

It was written in 1981 by English teacher, liturgical musician and composer Chris O'Hara (details TBA).

It was published in the 1994 and 2012 editions of The Celebration Hymnal for Everyone by McCrimmon Publications - and this is the only source of sheet music which has been located.

Downloads

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No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

Examples

Solo singer, very light keyboard backing - practice video

Instrumental - piano

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

There will be signs upon the sun;
the moon and stars will share Earth's agony,
....  your destiny.

Chorus:
O stay awake, do not fear the night;
the dawn will break with the Saviour's light,
your liberation is at hand; O stay awake!

2  The time is near; we must arise ...

See also

• Hymns for Advent
• Hymns about the end of days

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
There will be signs upon the sun; the moon and stars will share Earth's agony, and ev'ry nation will be fearful of the sound: the ocean's roar, the raging sea; then they will see the Son of man riding the clouds with pow'r and glory; hold up your heads, your liberation is at hand: your destiny, your destiny. Chorus: O stay awake, do not fear the night; the dawn will break with the Saviour's light, your liberation is at hand; O stay awake! 2 The time is near, we must arise, no longer living in the dark of night. So arm yourselves as people living in the way of truthfulness, integrity, and hold a dream of days to come when we will reach God's holy mountain and charge all weapons into instruments of peace to sow the seed of justice.