Onward Christian Soldiers
When I was young, my grandmother would play this song on the piano and I would march around her oriental rug banging a pan. The warmongering lyrics did not appeal to me so much when I reached my teenage years during the conflict in Viet Nam. In middle age, fighting my own war against breast cancer, I have reclaimed this hymn as my song of victory. I refuse to allow fear or shame to keep my from expressing my love for God, my unity with his church body, my belief that standing together we can vanquish any foe in Jesus' name.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Sisters lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Sisters, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
What the saints established that I hold for true.
What the saints believèd, that I believe too.
Long as earth endureth, we the faith will hold,
Kingdoms, nations, empires, in destruction rolled.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
But the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Lyrics by Sabine Baring-Gould, with three modifications by Karen Shaw Weber to reflect the female fight against breast cancer. In two places, the word "brothers" has been changed to "sisters." In one place, the word "men" has been changed to "we." I feel certain that Mr. Baring-Gould, if he were alive today, would appreciate the reason for these changes.
