About the Hymns

Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise

“Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise” joyfully evokes the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and is often sung during the Easter season. But it was actually written to commemorate another sacred event: the Ascension, when the resurrected Savior ascended to heaven after spending 40 days preparing His disciples to take His gospel to the world.

The author of this 18th-century text, Charles Wesley, is considered to be one of the greatest English hymn writers of all time. Wesley wrote hymns for many religious and personal occasions—more than 6,000 in all. He was a traveling preacher when he wrote this hymn to celebrate Ascension Day.

Hymns—For Home and Church pairs Wesley’s text with music composed in 1817 by Robert Williams, a basket maker from the Isle of Anglesey in Wales. Blind from birth, Williams was a talented musician who could write down a tune perfectly after hearing it only once.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise

Scriptures

• Mark 16:19

• 1 Nephi 21:14–16

• Psalm 24:7–10

• Matthew 28:5–9

• 1 Nephi 11:32–33

• Doctrine and Covenants 20:23–24

• Luke 24:5–6

• 3 Nephi 11:14–15

• John 1:29

• 2 Nephi 9:10

• Mosiah 16:7–8

• 3 Nephi 18:39

Principles

• Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, who was slain for the sins of the world.

• The resurrected Jesus Christ retained the marks of His Crucifixion, which are evidence of His love for us.

• Because of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we all will be resurrected.

Questions to Ponder

• When has your knowledge of the Savior’s Resurrection brought hope to you?

• How has learning about the Resurrection increased your gratitude for Jesus Christ?

• How can your belief in the Resurrection prepare you to minister to others?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

• Resurrection

• Salvation

Activities for Families

• Sing “Alleluia” with joy and gratitude. Explain to your children that alleluia is a word we use to praise God, especially when we feel joy and gratitude. Listen to one verse of the hymn together, count how many times you hear “Alleluia,” and ask your children if the “Alleluias” all sound the same. Point out that the first, second, and fourth are the same, but the third is different. Encourage your children to express their praise and gratitude to God for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ by singing along with the “Alleluias.” Ask them to think of blessings we receive because of Christ’s Resurrection. Sing the hymn again and then invite your children to share the blessings they thought of.

• Help your children learn about Jesus Christ. Begin by singing or listening to the hymn together. Invite your children to listen to the phrases that precede each “Alleluia” and to identify things they learn about the Savior. You may want to display images of the resurrected Christ as you sing the hymn together. Invite your children to sing with love and gratitude each time they hear this hymn and to reflect on all Jesus Christ has done and will continue to do for them.