Who Are These Like Stars Appearing

This is a hymn about people who remained faithful until Christ's second coming. The words are based on, Wer sind die vor Gottes Throne, written in German by Heinrich Theobald Schenk in1719, which is turn is based on Revelation 7:3–17.

It is sometimes called Who Are They Like Stars Appearing, and is especially suitable for All Saints and All Souls.

It was translated by English academic's daughter and hymn-translator, Frances Elizabeth Cox (1812-1897). A Spanish translation, Quiénes son los que ceñidos has been madeby Juan Bautista Cabrera Ivars.

With meter 8.7.8.7.7.7, tunes it has been set to include:

ALL SAINTS (Darmstadt), composer unknown, from Geistriches Gesangbuch, Darmstadt, 1698;Würtemberger Gesangbuch, 1711 - the most-commonly-used tune. It is sometimes attributed to William H. Monk (1823–1889), who made some adaptations tot the tune.

Downloads

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PowerPoint slides

Downloadable easy piano arrangement by SilverTonalities

Downloadable SATB choir arrangement by

Examples

Choir with organ, words on-screen

Choir with organ and brass

Singer with piano, words on-screen

Small choir with worship band

Choir and congregation with organ

Small group with guitar and keyboard

Instrumental - piano

Instrumental - organ, with words on-screen

Lyrics

1 Who are these like stars appearing,
these before God's throne who stand?
Each a golden crown is wearing;
who are all this glorious band?
Alleluia! Hark, they sing,
praising loud their heav'nly King.

2 Who are these of dazzling brightness,
these in God's own truth arrayed,
clad in robes of purest whiteness,
robes whose lustre ne'er shall fade,
ne'er be touched by time's rude hand?
Whence come all this glorious band?

3 These are they who have contended
for their Savior's honor long,
wrestling on 'til life was ended,
foll'wing not the sinful throng;
these, who well the fight sustained,
triumph thro' the Lamb have gained.

4 These are they whose hearts were riven,
sore with woe and anguish tried,
who in pray'r full oft have striven
with the God they glorified;
now, their painful conflict o'er,
God has bid them weep no more.

5 These, like priests, have watched and waited,
off'ring up to Christ their will;
soul and body consecrated,
day and night to serve him still:
now in God's most holy place
blest they stand before his face.