Theme Hymn
The words of the song are based very much on scripture and the liturgical texts.
The Refrain
The refrain, calling out twice “Jesus, Saviour”, brings home to us what the name of Jesus means, “God saves” and that Jesus is the One who saves us. We are reminded that “of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved” (Acts 4:12). The refrain has a twofold theme; firstly that of worship and praise, because Jesus is Lord and all praise is due to Him and secondly, realising that He is our saviour, we call on Him to be merciful to us, all in a spirit of praise of His glorious, holy name.
‘Holy is Your Name’ (Luke 1:49) borrows the words of Our Lady, when she burst forth in the praises of God during her visit to Elizabeth.
Other References include
Verse 1
The ‘You are gentle, strong and true’ of the first verse picks up the text of the ancient ‘O Antiphon’ for the 17th of December, which brings together these three traits of Jesus. This antiphon has been sung in the Church since the seventh century:
O Wisdom, You come forth from the mouth of the Most High, You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner; Come and teach us the way of truth
| Full of mercy, slow to anger | based on Psalm 102(103)vs8 |
| The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. | Psalm 102(103)vs8 |
| Now we come into Your Presence, Call Your Name and know You’re here. | based on Psalm 90(91) vs14 |
| Those who love me I will deliver, I will protect those who know My Name. | Psalm 90(91) vs14 |
| Lay our cares before You now Pray You’ll cast out all our fear. | based on 1 Peter 5:7 and many references to ‘do not be afraid in Scripture |
| Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. | 1 Peter 5:7 |
Verse 2
| Prince of peace, our mighty saviour, God with us Emmanuel | based on Isaiah 9:6 and Matthew 1:23-24 |
| He is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 The virgin is with child and will give birth to a son whom they will call Immanuel, a name which means ‘God is with us. | Matthew 1:23-24 |
| All we ask of God the Father In Your name, You’ve said He’ll do. | based on John 16:23 |
| Very truly I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in My Name He will give it to you. | John 16:23 |
Verse 3
| In Your name all power is given Demons even have to flee Those with sickness will recover You have come to set us free. | based on Mark 16:17-18 |
| And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using My Name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover. | Mark 16:17-18 |
| When the road leads into darkness, There is nothing I should fear, When I call Your name with trust Then I know that You are near. | based on Psalm 22(23) 3-4 |
| He leads me in right paths for His Name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley I fear no evil. | Psalm 22(23) 3-4 |