Masibulele Ku Yesu

The story of this hymn

'Let us give thanks to Jesus, for He died for us' — the whole hymn unfolds from that one sentence of gratitude. It has stood in isiXhosa hymnals for generations, and most congregations know it by heart rather than from the page. Choirs across South Africa perform it, but its home is congregational singing, and at a funeral it does quiet, necessary work — thanking Christ for the very death that answers the family's own grief.

Where it sits in the service

Often sung after the message or toward the close, when the service turns from mourning to thanksgiving; it also suits the thanksgiving portion of a memorial service. The tune is gentle and widely known, so it needs no choir to carry it. Hymnal wording varies slightly, so print the hymn number from your congregation's hymnal rather than copying a version from elsewhere.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Hymn — Masibulele Ku Yesu” with the leader or choir named beside it.

How it is actually sung

A hymn of thanksgiving, sung readily and in harmony, and it suits the part of a service that gives thanks for the life rather than the part that mourns it. Common at both funerals and unveilings, which makes it a natural choice for a family using one design across both occasions — the same hymn a year apart ties the two days together.

Printing the words

Traditional isiXhosa hymnody. The first line in the printed order is normal practice; ask the church before reproducing a full hymnal text.

This is practical guidance rather than legal advice. Reproduction rights vary by territory, by hymnal edition and by the licence your church holds — the church office is the right place to ask, and they answer this question often.