By Kayla DeKraker
THE FIRST HYMN, a powerful documentary about how an ancient manuscript brought a historic Christian song back to life, will arrive in theaters later this month.
“THE FIRST HYMN is the story of an ancient scrap of papyrus uncovered in the deserts of Egypt that contains the remnants of the oldest known Christian hymn,” a press release reads. “In its lyrics, Professor John Dickson discovers evidence of beliefs that some say Christians never held this early in history. However, uncovering this ancient treasure is only the first step.”
The release continues, “With the help of world-renowned Christian composers, Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding, Professor Dickson sets out on an epic journey to record the First Hymn as a modern worship song for the new millennium.”
Chris Tomlin worked alongside Ben Fielding to reimagine the hymn.
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Fielding said of the project, “I couldn’t be more excited to hear congregations sing this song. Our hope is to give back to the modern church the very hymn that echoed through the halls of the early church. That we can still sing today those same words written 2,000 years ago, in unity, is a profound gift.”
Grammy Award winner Tomlin added, “The First Hymn is a precious gift from early believers, some who literally gave their life for the Gospel. And now, 2,000 years down the road, we can stand in that long line of faithful believers and sing with them.”
The lyrics to the special 1,800-year-old hymn read:
Let all be silent: The shining stars not sound forth, All rushing rivers stilled, As we sing our hymn To the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, As all Powers cry out in answer, “Amen, Amen.” Might, praise, and glory forever to our God. The only Giver of all good gifts. Amen. Amen.
In a statement last year about the project, Tomlin explained, “This song reminds us of the history of our faith — it’s not a trend, it’s not a fad, and it’s certainly not 30 minutes old. It’s ancient, it’s historical, and it’s eternal. The worship of the one true God — the giver of all good gifts — has echoed through generations.”
“I am incredibly grateful and humbled to join my friend Ben Fielding and the Undeceptions Documentary Team in honoring those who came before us and helping bring this powerful hymn back to life — and back into the voice of the Church,” the beloved worship singer continued.
The trailer for THE FIRST HYMN, which dropped last month, shows clips takes viewers to archeological digs and in the recording studio with Tomlin.
THE FIRST HYMN will be in theaters March 24 and 26. Tickets can be found at FathomEntertainment.com.
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