Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (LUKE 15:10, quoting the Lord Jesus Christ)
ON THE CHRISTIAN CONVERSIONS OF OLAF TRYGGVASON, LEIF EIRIKSSON, AND OTHER VIKINGS: FROM VALKYRIE BATTLE-CHANTS TO ANGELIC CHORUSES
Dr. John Eidsmoe & Dr. James J. S. Johnson, co-authors
(borrowing the tune of “WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING”)
ORIGINAL CHORUS:
When Viking eyes are smiling,
Ja, ‘tis like a day in spring;
In the din of Viking plunder
You can hear the valkyries sing.
Yet Viking ears kept hearing
Of life lived a better way,
And when Viking ears were listening
Some the Gospel would obey.
1st STANZA:
Vikings made many cry,
And it’s no surprise why:
They were vicious, as they were tall;
Seizing loot made them smile,
As their victims they’d rile:
Viking swords doomed many to fall.
But laughter is wrong,
When it fills pirate song:
As pillaging underlies glee.
As some lauded Thor,
They spilt others’ gore:
Such woe! – And such tragedy!
CHORUS REPEAT:
When Viking eyes are smiling,
Ja, ‘tis like a day in spring;
In the din of Viking plunder
You can hear the valkyries sing.
Yet Viking ears kept hearing
Of life lived a better way,
And when Viking ears were listening
Some the Gospel would obey.
2nd STANZA:
Olaf T. played a part,
Sharing truth from his heart:
Preaching Christ, Olaf shone a true light;
And it was, before long,
Lucky Leif joined the song:
Trusting Christ, Leif believed what was right.
Telling father, mother,
Sister, and brothers:
Soon Leif on Vinland had landed
Ja, on ocean-wave foam,
Leif sailed east, for home:
Yet stopped, to save some who were stranded.
LATTER CHORUS:
Viking eyes now kindly smiled,
As Christian songs they’d sing;
As unto God reconciled,
Backed by Iceland’s Althing.
When Viking hearts had real joy,
Unto idols no more to pray;
For when Viking hearts are Christian,
It’s a feasting holiday!
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (LUKE 15:10, quoting the Lord Jesus Christ)
Political turmoil, of course, affects human lives at the individual and family levels. The consequences are practical, affecting opportunities for spiritual revival. Hence, this limerick about Henry VIII, who was ironically both a catalyst for and an obstacle against England’s Protestant Reformation. In God’s providential workings (and timing), Henry VIII was removed from office — and, many “bumps” later England settled into its Reformation era, which lasted for centuries, with highlights that eventually included the King James Bible, the Glorious Revolution under William & Mary, and much more.
REVIVAL’S ROYAL OBSTACLE REMOVED, IN GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL TIMING
Oft scheme-plotting, throughout all seasons,
With Thomas More, man of all treasons,
Henry the 8th was a bully
Vainglory addicted, fully
God quashed Henry, and with good reasons.
Pine Jays, Providence, Plus 