Awake O Sleeper

by Rev. Dr. Daniel C. Wilburn

In 2006 I wrote a poem (song) based on Ephesians chapter five, “Awake O Sleeper.” I forgot I wrote it though. But I was just digging through a pile of papers and there it was!
According to Ralph Martin, Worship In The Early Church, the Ephesians hymn was a very early hymn used at baptism. I picture it used at church as well, which very likely included baptisms. I imagine it used on the first day of the week, Sunday at sunrise. Paul speaks of “light” in chapter five. I imagine the first light of sunrise breaking across the gathered people and they recite and sing this hymn:
Wake up O sleeper,
rise from the dead
and Christ will shine on you!
I believe we need richer, deeper and more victorious modern hymnody. I believe we need this victory to not be “split” – not escaping earth and traveling up to heaven, but awakening to the divine presence, waiting and ready for Christ’s return. Upon his arrival we must be ready to show him all that we’ve been working on: stopping violence and oppression, feeding the poor, housing the homeless. I think that’s a proper thought for this day, Saint Francis of Assisi Day. Anyway, I have written a few songs attempting this goal over the past few years. But I don’t share them. Here’s the poem:
Wake Up, O Sleeper (Ephesians 5:14)
Wake up, O Sleeper 
Rise from the dead 
And Christ will shine on you
Now comes an end to this present age 
When powers fall and empires rage 
At dawn’s first light and darkness ends 
Fall at his feet, revolution begins
Tell the poor and sojourners true 
Christ our King walks upon the morning dew 
Tell the waves and the angry deep, 
“Here ends death’s three day sleep”
Don’t be afraid! But grab a hold 
Not swords or spears, but love’s pure hope 
Come join the song for this world’s sake 
Arise O Sleeper, it is time to wake
Who will tell, who will go 
To the earth’s far ends so all may know 
The future’s here and in your midst 
Your nail pierced hand stops violent fist