Iam Christus astra ascenderat

John Sheppard's Jam Christus astra ascenderat is a sacred work setting a Latin text that recounts the events of Pentecost. The hymn describes Christ's return to heaven and the sending of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It vividly portrays the miraculous events of the third hour, the descent of the Holy Spirit in tongues of fire, and the apostles speaking in diverse languages, proclaiming God's mighty deeds to all nations. This setting, for SATTBB or SATTBarB voices, captures the awe and spiritual fervour of this foundational event in Christian theology. The text contrasts the divine revelation with the disbelief of the incredulous Jews.