The Holy City

Frederick Edward Weatherly wrote lyrics to many popular songs, including “Danny Boy.” But perhaps his most important contribution resulted from a dream he had in 1892. The words inspired by this dream became “The Holy City.”

In this dream, he stood beside the temple in old Jerusalem and heard children singing. He also heard angels singing, “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna to your King!”

Then, he pictured the day that Jesus was crucified. The hosannas were gone, “the sun grew dark with mystery,” and “the morn was cold and chill.” Yet the angels still sang “Hosanna.”

Next, Weatherly saw the new earth and the Holy City. But everything was different. “The light of God was on its streets, the gates were open wide.” This was “the new Jerusalem, that would not pass away.” It was a place filled with praises and with singing, “for the night is o’er!” All troubles were gone. Everyone was filled with praises: “Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna for evermore!”

If you serve Jesus, you can look forward to that great day. You will join the angels and all who have gone before you, standing in the new Jerusalem. All of life’s cares and troubles will be gone. There will be no pain and suffering.

Make sure you are ready, as “a bride adorned for her husband.” Live for Him. Trust Him. Worship Him. Sing hosanna to His name!