Christ the Victorious, Give to Your Servants

“Christ the Victorious, Give to Your Servants” is a modern hymn of faith and courage written by the American hymnologist and poet Carl P. Daw Jr. in 1984. Deeply rooted in Scripture, the hymn celebrates Christ’s victory over sin and death, drawing inspiration from 1 Corinthians 15:57, which declares, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Unlike older hymns of triumph that emphasize militant imagery, Daw’s composition balances strength with humility. It portrays Christ not only as the conquering Savior but also as the gentle Shepherd who imparts peace, perseverance, and spiritual endurance to His people. The hymn calls believers to live as reflections of Christ’s victory, not through self-confidence, but through quiet faith and steadfast service.

Carl P. Daw’s writing style in this hymn demonstrates his distinctive blend of biblical precision and lyrical clarity. Each stanza is shaped around a petition: “Give to your servants…” This repeated phrase anchors the text in prayer, inviting the worshiper to receive Christ’s strength for daily living. The hymn unfolds as a dialogue between the believer and the risen Lord, a conversation of dependence and devotion that reaches its climax in gratitude for divine triumph.

Musically, “Christ the Victorious” is often set to stately, reverent tunes that complement its tone of holy confidence. The text avoids sentimentality, focusing instead on the steadfast hope that flows from the resurrection. Its message is not only eschatological (pointing to the final victory in eternity) but also practical, urging Christians to embody the power of the risen Christ in their earthly struggles.

Daw’s hymn stands as a bridge between traditional and contemporary worship traditions. Written in modern English but steeped in the language of the early church, it reminds congregations that victory in Christ is not limited to the ancient saints or martyrs, but belongs to every believer who abides in faith. It resonates particularly in times of difficulty or transition, when the call to trust Christ’s conquering power becomes most meaningful.

“Christ the Victorious, Give to Your Servants” is thus both a hymn of thanksgiving and a prayer for renewal. It teaches that victory in Christ is not about earthly success but about endurance, holiness, and the assurance of eternal life. Through its carefully chosen words, Daw gives the modern church a timeless confession of faith, one that proclaims Christ’s triumph not as a past event only, but as a living reality in the hearts of all who serve Him.

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