Not often thought of as Christmas carols are 5 songs from Scripture. Dr. John S. Barnett, http://www.dtbm.org/ in his excellent devotional on the Book of Revelation, entitled Living Hope for the End of Days, has this to say:
"Did you realize that at that first Christmas God introduced New Testament believers to the songs of heaven? Christ's birth was surrounded by the songs of the saints. Since Luke continued with the record of the early church in Acts, and Paul told us that Spirit-filled saints sing, we can be sure that the early church sang much and often.
Luke recorded a series of five Spirit-prompted songs:
1) Elizabeth broke into song at Mary's arrival. This was the first song of the New Testament, which is known from the first words of the Latin Vulgate as the 'Exclamavit'. (Lu. 1:42-45)
2) Mary followed with her marvelous 'Magnificat' (Lu. 1:46-55), in which she quotes over twenty different Scriptures!
3) Zacharias broke forth into his famous 'Benedictus' (Lu. 1:68-79) which means 'good saying'.
4) Angels broke into the night sky over the shepherds' fields of Bethlehem with 'Gloria' (Lu.2:14)
5) While holding the infant Jesus in his arms, Simeon lifted his eyes to God and sang his 'Nunc Dimittis' (Lu. 2:29-32).
And some day, when we at last enter into Christ's presence, Revelation says that we will be forever singing that He alone is worthy!"
(Living Hope, page 615)
As we move into the new year and have the opportunity to share the Gospel and join in Christian fellowship and study His Word, let's listen for the Spirit prompted songs in our own hearts. And let's learn to sing them. Begin singing the words of these 5 songs from Scripture during a personal worship time and begin preparations for the time when the redeemed will sing forever the glorious song that Jesus Christ alone is worthy!
May His grace, His peace and His joy be with you.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
O GO!
"You who bring good tidings to Zion, GO UP ON A HIGH MOUNTAIN. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, LIFT UP YOUR VOICE WITH A SHOUT, LIFT IT UP, DO NOT BE AFRAID; say to the towns of Judah, 'Here is your God!' " (Isaiah 40:9)
"Men everywhere must hear these glad tidings if they are to benefit from them. With absolute clarity they must hear the message, "Here is your God!" ' (Kenneth W. Osbeck)
Get the picture? Got the message? Go! Go tell it on the mountain!!
Go! This word is obvious as to what to do and you can view it as a command from God, specifically to you.
Tell - Don't assume that people 'know' about Jesus. They don't and God tells you to tell them, and as recorded in Isaiah 'Shout'!
"It" is the good news of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior - such glorious news, the Gospel!
On the mountain - This is difficult for people who live only 5 feet about sea level, but where ever your mountain is, use it as your pulpit, your speaking platform, your soapbox and let the world know your Savior. I'm glad the refrain includes "over the hills and everywhere".
I'm also glad that Isaiah told us "do not be afraid" because sometimes, when the emotion of the season fades, I am reluctant to boldly share or even share at all the good news of the Christmas message. Interesting that before the Christ was even born, we were afraid to share the good news that God was giving to us, that He is God, through His prophets. And how thankful we should be that His words were recorded for us. And that our Christmas message in carol/song form was recorded for us through the work of so many poets, pastors, composers, Sunday school teachers and those we label "traditional". Such is the case of our carol today.
John W. Work (1871-1925) who, with his brother Frederick, was instrumental in writing down and publishing Negro spirituals, published Folk Songs of the American Negro in 1907 and included this spiritual. The refrain was a traditional spiritual and John wrote the 3 stanzas that tell of the shepherds and the manger. Ending the 3rd stanza with these words: "God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn," we can't help but sing out on the rhythmic and compelling traditional refrain:
"Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere -- go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!"
Join with those shepherds, and the angels and at least 3 magi, and Christians everywhere, clap your hands, and shout out along with the music: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/o/gotitotm.htm
The wonderful message of Christmas is that Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ the Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord, Emmanuel is here!!!!!!!!!!!
"Men everywhere must hear these glad tidings if they are to benefit from them. With absolute clarity they must hear the message, "Here is your God!" ' (Kenneth W. Osbeck)
Get the picture? Got the message? Go! Go tell it on the mountain!!
Go! This word is obvious as to what to do and you can view it as a command from God, specifically to you.
Tell - Don't assume that people 'know' about Jesus. They don't and God tells you to tell them, and as recorded in Isaiah 'Shout'!
"It" is the good news of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior - such glorious news, the Gospel!
On the mountain - This is difficult for people who live only 5 feet about sea level, but where ever your mountain is, use it as your pulpit, your speaking platform, your soapbox and let the world know your Savior. I'm glad the refrain includes "over the hills and everywhere".
I'm also glad that Isaiah told us "do not be afraid" because sometimes, when the emotion of the season fades, I am reluctant to boldly share or even share at all the good news of the Christmas message. Interesting that before the Christ was even born, we were afraid to share the good news that God was giving to us, that He is God, through His prophets. And how thankful we should be that His words were recorded for us. And that our Christmas message in carol/song form was recorded for us through the work of so many poets, pastors, composers, Sunday school teachers and those we label "traditional". Such is the case of our carol today.
John W. Work (1871-1925) who, with his brother Frederick, was instrumental in writing down and publishing Negro spirituals, published Folk Songs of the American Negro in 1907 and included this spiritual. The refrain was a traditional spiritual and John wrote the 3 stanzas that tell of the shepherds and the manger. Ending the 3rd stanza with these words: "God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn," we can't help but sing out on the rhythmic and compelling traditional refrain:
"Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere -- go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!"
Join with those shepherds, and the angels and at least 3 magi, and Christians everywhere, clap your hands, and shout out along with the music: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/o/gotitotm.htm
The wonderful message of Christmas is that Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ the Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord, Emmanuel is here!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
O Come!!
Hey!! don't stop with the manger, or the star or even those lowly shepherds or high-born Magi. O COME!! all ye faithful and let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!!
When the packages are all opened and we have leftovers in the 'frig, the family and friends have gone on their way and we are faced with preparing for another turn of the calendar year, it is easy to have a let-down in emotions and enthusiasm. But, this is just the time to Come and Adore Him. All the bustle is over and you can really concentrate on the wondrous gift that was given to all mankind and that includes you. Take some extra hours and learn of the Word of the Father and read that Word for youself. Don't let this gift be the only one not opened or appreciated or not used!
O Come, All Ye Faithful is a beautiful Christmas carol and I think is best sung today, as the final verse says: "Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning." There has been some questioning of the author and when written and a possible circuitous route started by John Wade, a Roman Catholic, who may have written the words and slipped them in a manuscript he was writing while in Lisbon, Portugal in 1750. It was published in Wade's Cantus Diversi, 1751. The story goes on that 30 years later it turned up in the Portuguese chapel in London, the Duke of Leeds heard it sung and included it in repretoire of his singing group, using it yearly thereafter. We do know that it was originally in Latin and you can often hear, at least the first verse, sung "Adeste Fideles". We thank Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880) for translating it into English for his congregation and for us to sing.
We generally sing only 3 verses, although some versions contain 7. The 3 that we sing are beautiful and full of the imagery that fills so many of the carols. It has one of the most familiar refrains ever penned: "O Come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord". I just know you are singing along with those words. If you want some music, click here:http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/c/ocomeayf.htm
An interesting title is given to our Lord in the first verse -- born the King of angels. And the last verse has another very interesting title - Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. Those are good reasons for us to Come and Adore Him.
We're not quite finished with our Christmas carol overview. There are some energetic, more recent additions to the carols that remind us that once we have Come, it is time to Go.
When the packages are all opened and we have leftovers in the 'frig, the family and friends have gone on their way and we are faced with preparing for another turn of the calendar year, it is easy to have a let-down in emotions and enthusiasm. But, this is just the time to Come and Adore Him. All the bustle is over and you can really concentrate on the wondrous gift that was given to all mankind and that includes you. Take some extra hours and learn of the Word of the Father and read that Word for youself. Don't let this gift be the only one not opened or appreciated or not used!
O Come, All Ye Faithful is a beautiful Christmas carol and I think is best sung today, as the final verse says: "Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning." There has been some questioning of the author and when written and a possible circuitous route started by John Wade, a Roman Catholic, who may have written the words and slipped them in a manuscript he was writing while in Lisbon, Portugal in 1750. It was published in Wade's Cantus Diversi, 1751. The story goes on that 30 years later it turned up in the Portuguese chapel in London, the Duke of Leeds heard it sung and included it in repretoire of his singing group, using it yearly thereafter. We do know that it was originally in Latin and you can often hear, at least the first verse, sung "Adeste Fideles". We thank Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880) for translating it into English for his congregation and for us to sing.
We generally sing only 3 verses, although some versions contain 7. The 3 that we sing are beautiful and full of the imagery that fills so many of the carols. It has one of the most familiar refrains ever penned: "O Come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord". I just know you are singing along with those words. If you want some music, click here:http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/c/ocomeayf.htm
An interesting title is given to our Lord in the first verse -- born the King of angels. And the last verse has another very interesting title - Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. Those are good reasons for us to Come and Adore Him.
We're not quite finished with our Christmas carol overview. There are some energetic, more recent additions to the carols that remind us that once we have Come, it is time to Go.
Friday, December 25, 2009
There's a Song in the Air! There's a Song in my Heart!
For all of us, Christmas morning brings memories and one of my favorites is my Mother singing the Christmas carol "There's a Song in the Air!" She would have me play the carol, sing all the verses and then she would dance her funny little waltz to the rhythm of the 3/4 time of the music, all the while checking on the Rome beauty apples baking, watching for my grandparents to arrive, having my sister help her in setting her beautiful holiday table and helping Dad get a fire going in the fireplace. Whew - alot to do. But with all that activity she would stop at the end of each verse to make sure she didn't miss singing about the King that was born to all mankind. She truly knew the truth of this carol in her heart and would sing it often during the year, long past Christmas morning...or maybe getting ready for the next year!
This beautiful carol was written byJosiah Gilbert Holland who was a medical doctor and also helped originate Scribner's Magazine. The words for the song were included in a Sunday school hymnal in 1874 and it wasn't until about 25 later that Karl Harrington, a well known church musician in the Methodist church and one of the editors of the 1905 Methodist Hymnal, set the verses to the tune that we use today. And it is a lovely, lilting melody that just fits the words perfectly. Listen now: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/s/tsongair.htm
So often we hear this song sung quietly or with a kind of hushed reverence but I think Mom sang it best and as the angels sang it on Christmas morning - with exuberance, with gusto, with animation and definitely with Great Joy. And probably with dancing!
I mentioned that each verse ends with acknowledgement of the birth of The King -
vs.1 and vs2 are alike: "the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King".
The last 2 lines of vs. 3: "Every hearth is aflame -- and the beautiful sing in the homes of the nations that Jesus is King!"
And all of verse 4:
"We rejoice in the light, and we echo the song that comes down thru the night from the heavenly throng.
Ay! we shout to the lovely evangel they bring, and we greet in His cradle our Savior and King!"
After many years, when her dance was much slower, my mother's voice was still strong as she sang "There's a Song in the Air!" because she knew her Savior and King and she had the Song in her Heart. That is the greatest gift any parent can impart to a child, that knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and King, because that is the greatest gift ever given -- from our Heavenly Father to His children.
Rejoice! Sing with Joy! Celebrate the birth of our Savior and King! and go on, do a little dance!
This beautiful carol was written byJosiah Gilbert Holland who was a medical doctor and also helped originate Scribner's Magazine. The words for the song were included in a Sunday school hymnal in 1874 and it wasn't until about 25 later that Karl Harrington, a well known church musician in the Methodist church and one of the editors of the 1905 Methodist Hymnal, set the verses to the tune that we use today. And it is a lovely, lilting melody that just fits the words perfectly. Listen now: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/s/tsongair.htm
So often we hear this song sung quietly or with a kind of hushed reverence but I think Mom sang it best and as the angels sang it on Christmas morning - with exuberance, with gusto, with animation and definitely with Great Joy. And probably with dancing!
I mentioned that each verse ends with acknowledgement of the birth of The King -
vs.1 and vs2 are alike: "the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King".
The last 2 lines of vs. 3: "Every hearth is aflame -- and the beautiful sing in the homes of the nations that Jesus is King!"
And all of verse 4:
"We rejoice in the light, and we echo the song that comes down thru the night from the heavenly throng.
Ay! we shout to the lovely evangel they bring, and we greet in His cradle our Savior and King!"
After many years, when her dance was much slower, my mother's voice was still strong as she sang "There's a Song in the Air!" because she knew her Savior and King and she had the Song in her Heart. That is the greatest gift any parent can impart to a child, that knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and King, because that is the greatest gift ever given -- from our Heavenly Father to His children.
Rejoice! Sing with Joy! Celebrate the birth of our Savior and King! and go on, do a little dance!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Never Late and Always Right
Ever have one of those days when you are sure that what is happening is not right and nothing is on schedule?? I've often wondered about young Mary, heavy with child, depending on Joseph to care for her in this strange town of Bethlehem. Questions? I'll bet she had questions. Worries? Can't imagine a no-worry evening. Is this right? Why now??
When we trust our lives to and in Him, as Mary did, and when we act in faith, as did Joseph, we can know that God is never late and always right.
This morning in Our Daily Bread, a publication of Radio Bible Class, http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml we had our eyes opened and our hearts assured that God is never late and always right. What an interesting insight is given to us in this meditation:
"As a young girl in the late 1920s, Grace Ditmanson Adams often traveled with her missionary parents through inland China. Later, she wrote about those trips and the crowded places where they stayed overnight—village inns full of people coughing, sneezing, and smoking, while babies cried and children complained. Her family put their bedrolls on board-covered trestles in a large room with everyone else.
One snowy night, they arrived at an inn to find it packed full. The innkeeper expressed his regret, then paused and said, “Follow me.” He led them to a side room used to store straw and farm equipment. There they slept in a quiet place of their own.
After that, whenever Grace read that Mary “brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7), she saw the event differently. While some described the innkeeper as an example of uncaring, sinful mankind who rejected the Savior, Grace said, “I truly believe that Almighty God used the innkeeper as the arranger for a healthier place than the crowded inn—a place of privacy.”
Through eyes of faith, we see God’s provision for Mary. Look for the ways He provides for you. — David C. McCasland
Wait on the Lord from day to day,Strength He provides in His own way;There’s no need for worry, no need to fear,He is our God who is always near. —Fortna
Those who let God provide will be satisfied."
On this Silent Night, Holy Night, as we hum Away in a Manger and our hearts recall the beautiful First Noel, let us also remember that God is Never Late and He is Always Right.
Never. Always.
May God bless your heart this moment...and get ready to Sing His Praises. It's almost Christmas DAY!!!!
If needed, here is the link for words and music:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/i/silntnit.htm
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/w/awaymang.htm (scroll down for a beautiful picture)
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/frstnoel.htm (again, lovely artwork)
When we trust our lives to and in Him, as Mary did, and when we act in faith, as did Joseph, we can know that God is never late and always right.
This morning in Our Daily Bread, a publication of Radio Bible Class, http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml we had our eyes opened and our hearts assured that God is never late and always right. What an interesting insight is given to us in this meditation:
"As a young girl in the late 1920s, Grace Ditmanson Adams often traveled with her missionary parents through inland China. Later, she wrote about those trips and the crowded places where they stayed overnight—village inns full of people coughing, sneezing, and smoking, while babies cried and children complained. Her family put their bedrolls on board-covered trestles in a large room with everyone else.
One snowy night, they arrived at an inn to find it packed full. The innkeeper expressed his regret, then paused and said, “Follow me.” He led them to a side room used to store straw and farm equipment. There they slept in a quiet place of their own.
After that, whenever Grace read that Mary “brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7), she saw the event differently. While some described the innkeeper as an example of uncaring, sinful mankind who rejected the Savior, Grace said, “I truly believe that Almighty God used the innkeeper as the arranger for a healthier place than the crowded inn—a place of privacy.”
Through eyes of faith, we see God’s provision for Mary. Look for the ways He provides for you. — David C. McCasland
Wait on the Lord from day to day,Strength He provides in His own way;There’s no need for worry, no need to fear,He is our God who is always near. —Fortna
Those who let God provide will be satisfied."
On this Silent Night, Holy Night, as we hum Away in a Manger and our hearts recall the beautiful First Noel, let us also remember that God is Never Late and He is Always Right.
Never. Always.
May God bless your heart this moment...and get ready to Sing His Praises. It's almost Christmas DAY!!!!
If needed, here is the link for words and music:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/i/silntnit.htm
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/w/awaymang.htm (scroll down for a beautiful picture)
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/frstnoel.htm (again, lovely artwork)
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
Luke 2:4 "So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the Town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David."
This Christmas carol is one of my very favorites. The words are well chosen, well placed and tell the facts of the occasion beautifully. The tune is so simple with emphasis where needed and good for children's voices. The story behind the hymn is humble and uplifting. And the imagery is, well, perfect in creating the scene in the mind's eye.
Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) was, like others we have noted, Harvard educated and spent the large part of his pastorate in the Episcopal Trinity Church of Boston where he was a giant of the faith - well known for his sermons, writings and his ability to relate to his parish. In 1865 Brooks took a trip to the Holy Land and spent Christmas eve at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, and the evening made quite an impression upon him. Three years later when he was pastoring a church in Philadelphia he wanted a special song for the children to sing in their Christmas Sunday school pageant and remembering his special Christmas evening in Bethlehem wrote the words in just one sitting. His organist, Lewis Redner, was asked to put the words to music and after hearing the tune in a dream, quickly wrote it out. And the rest is history, as the carol has become a favorite with children and adults all over the world.
There are 5 verses, although only 4 are usually sung. And the theology is stunning in every verse. One of the most memorable phrases in the 1st verse is the last line: "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight." - the hope of eternal life with Christ and the fear of eternal judgement without Him became manifest at that moment of birth.
Verse 2 has the familiar hope again for peace to men on earth following acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as God the King.
Verse 3 has to be given in total:
"How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv'n! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav'n. No ear may hear His coming, but, in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still the dear Christ enters in."
The 4th verse is really a prayer and can be used as a Christmas devotional prayer. This would be an excellent word tool to help little ones learning how to pray and asking Jesus into their hearts. Again, the whole verse is:
"O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin and enter in -- be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!"
Brooks kept the focus of the hymn on Christ as the Savior, still telling the lovely story of the birth yet with the definite emphasis on Savior - the hopes, peace, impart to human hearts, meek souls receiving and be born in us today.
In all our hurrying and scurrying about this week, my prayer is that you will quiet yourself and become aware of silent stars passing by, dark streets where the everlasting LIGHT is aglow, and enjoy the pure joy of experiencing, either for the first time or again, the wondrous gift that is given - our Lord Emmanuel.
If you need the words or tune - http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/l/olittle.htm
Luke 2:4 "So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the Town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David."
This Christmas carol is one of my very favorites. The words are well chosen, well placed and tell the facts of the occasion beautifully. The tune is so simple with emphasis where needed and good for children's voices. The story behind the hymn is humble and uplifting. And the imagery is, well, perfect in creating the scene in the mind's eye.
Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) was, like others we have noted, Harvard educated and spent the large part of his pastorate in the Episcopal Trinity Church of Boston where he was a giant of the faith - well known for his sermons, writings and his ability to relate to his parish. In 1865 Brooks took a trip to the Holy Land and spent Christmas eve at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, and the evening made quite an impression upon him. Three years later when he was pastoring a church in Philadelphia he wanted a special song for the children to sing in their Christmas Sunday school pageant and remembering his special Christmas evening in Bethlehem wrote the words in just one sitting. His organist, Lewis Redner, was asked to put the words to music and after hearing the tune in a dream, quickly wrote it out. And the rest is history, as the carol has become a favorite with children and adults all over the world.
There are 5 verses, although only 4 are usually sung. And the theology is stunning in every verse. One of the most memorable phrases in the 1st verse is the last line: "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight." - the hope of eternal life with Christ and the fear of eternal judgement without Him became manifest at that moment of birth.
Verse 2 has the familiar hope again for peace to men on earth following acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as God the King.
Verse 3 has to be given in total:
"How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv'n! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav'n. No ear may hear His coming, but, in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still the dear Christ enters in."
The 4th verse is really a prayer and can be used as a Christmas devotional prayer. This would be an excellent word tool to help little ones learning how to pray and asking Jesus into their hearts. Again, the whole verse is:
"O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin and enter in -- be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!"
Brooks kept the focus of the hymn on Christ as the Savior, still telling the lovely story of the birth yet with the definite emphasis on Savior - the hopes, peace, impart to human hearts, meek souls receiving and be born in us today.
In all our hurrying and scurrying about this week, my prayer is that you will quiet yourself and become aware of silent stars passing by, dark streets where the everlasting LIGHT is aglow, and enjoy the pure joy of experiencing, either for the first time or again, the wondrous gift that is given - our Lord Emmanuel.
If you need the words or tune - http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/l/olittle.htm
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.' " (Luke 2:13)
The lovely Christmas carol is a fairly recent addition to the carol collection having been written by an American, Edmund Sears in 1849, just about the same time frame as our Longfellow carol. The tensions and uncertain political times of those years before our Civil War are reflected in the words of both songs.
Sears, who graduated from Harvard Divinity School and served in small pastorates in the East part of our country, based his words on the Scripture from Luke quoted above and from Isaiah 9:6 "And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." An interesting point is that in many of the Christmas carols, including this one, the angels are portrayed as singing but the Scripture tells us that one angel announced the Good News to the shepherds and then the "great company of heavenly host" joined the angel saying "Glory to God".
The first of the 5 verses is by far the most familiar and when sung in a program, the middle verses are often omitted. Yet, they contain the condition of man who needs peace. We read in vs. 1 that the "angels are bending near the earth" and then vs.4. records that "ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow.." Quite a contrast of bending. The last line of vs.4 is wonderful for us today - "O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing."
The last verse is based in prophcey (as prophet bards foretold) and we sing of the age of gold that is coming when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling and "the whole world give back the song which now the angels sing."
Did you notice that each verse ends with "the angels sing? And in 3 of the verses the word gold is used to remind us of "heav'n's all gracious King!"
Sing with the angels here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/itcameup.htm
A note about the words and music -- this carol, with no refrain, has a phrase which is introduced by 2 notes sung followed by 2 more notes an octave lower which creates a change in mood. The words in the first verse to emphasize this mood change are"Peace on (2 high notes) the earth (an octave lower)"; verse 4 "Look now! (high) for glad (low) " and then in verse 5 "When peace (up) shall over (down)". As you listen to this great carol you will hear the emphasis and appreciate what the author was wanting us to know - Jesus Christ is our peace!! And He gives us peace in our tense and unsettled times, just as the angels gave their heavenly pronouncement of peace at the time of the Roman rule. As we read in an earlier post, life is uncertain; Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever - Our Peace.
The lovely Christmas carol is a fairly recent addition to the carol collection having been written by an American, Edmund Sears in 1849, just about the same time frame as our Longfellow carol. The tensions and uncertain political times of those years before our Civil War are reflected in the words of both songs.
Sears, who graduated from Harvard Divinity School and served in small pastorates in the East part of our country, based his words on the Scripture from Luke quoted above and from Isaiah 9:6 "And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." An interesting point is that in many of the Christmas carols, including this one, the angels are portrayed as singing but the Scripture tells us that one angel announced the Good News to the shepherds and then the "great company of heavenly host" joined the angel saying "Glory to God".
The first of the 5 verses is by far the most familiar and when sung in a program, the middle verses are often omitted. Yet, they contain the condition of man who needs peace. We read in vs. 1 that the "angels are bending near the earth" and then vs.4. records that "ye, beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow.." Quite a contrast of bending. The last line of vs.4 is wonderful for us today - "O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing."
The last verse is based in prophcey (as prophet bards foretold) and we sing of the age of gold that is coming when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling and "the whole world give back the song which now the angels sing."
Did you notice that each verse ends with "the angels sing? And in 3 of the verses the word gold is used to remind us of "heav'n's all gracious King!"
Sing with the angels here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/itcameup.htm
A note about the words and music -- this carol, with no refrain, has a phrase which is introduced by 2 notes sung followed by 2 more notes an octave lower which creates a change in mood. The words in the first verse to emphasize this mood change are"Peace on (2 high notes) the earth (an octave lower)"; verse 4 "Look now! (high) for glad (low) " and then in verse 5 "When peace (up) shall over (down)". As you listen to this great carol you will hear the emphasis and appreciate what the author was wanting us to know - Jesus Christ is our peace!! And He gives us peace in our tense and unsettled times, just as the angels gave their heavenly pronouncement of peace at the time of the Roman rule. As we read in an earlier post, life is uncertain; Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever - Our Peace.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Bells???
"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" - poem by H. W. (1807-1882)Longfellow
"I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along the unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Till ringing, singing on its way The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, a chant sublime Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head “There is no peace on earth,” I said,“For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail With peace on earth, good will to men.”
Longfellow wrote this poem (set to music by J.B.Calkin) during the American Civil War and there are two verses that refer specifcally to the war that are now usually omitted when sung at Christmas. You can read those verses and hear the tune here:http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/h/iheardtb.htm
As in all of our lives, Longfellow had known deep sorrows and was shaken by the death of his wife and the injuries to his oldest son when he penned these words. All of us are heartened by his sentiments, yearning for peace and good will to men. The 4th vs. in particular is one full of hope when we sing "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep".
I have 2 observations: This piece is classed as a Christmas carol, but where in the song do you find the reason for Christmas? No mention of prophecies, angels, stars, mangers, geneologies, wise men or a Baby born to a virgin. True, the angels proclaimed "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Lu. 2:14 and this is right in the middle of the Christmas narrative. But no reason is given for this proclamation in Longfellow's poem. It is noted that Longfellow belonged to the Unitarian church and "he maintained a strong belief in God's goodness and personal concern for His people." (Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by K.W.Osbeck.) Thank God that as Christians we know WHO is our peace and how good will has been given to men in the Incarnation.
Obersation 2: When was the last time you heard bells on Christmas day? Or even just heard church bells ring out in all their glory.?? We have bell choirs, carillons, organ registers of bells and chimes and the ding-ding of the Salvation Army bell ringers, but I have not heard real church bells for a long time. An article recently said that alot of the magnificent cathedrals of Europe no longer have their bell towers, or bells or people who know how to ring the bells. Maybe that is a good reason for us to sing this Christmas song, to remind ourselves of the joy and glorious occasion, the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that should cause us to call out, chime out and share the Good News!!
"I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along the unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Till ringing, singing on its way The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, a chant sublime Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head “There is no peace on earth,” I said,“For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail With peace on earth, good will to men.”
Longfellow wrote this poem (set to music by J.B.Calkin) during the American Civil War and there are two verses that refer specifcally to the war that are now usually omitted when sung at Christmas. You can read those verses and hear the tune here:http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/h/iheardtb.htm
As in all of our lives, Longfellow had known deep sorrows and was shaken by the death of his wife and the injuries to his oldest son when he penned these words. All of us are heartened by his sentiments, yearning for peace and good will to men. The 4th vs. in particular is one full of hope when we sing "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep".
I have 2 observations: This piece is classed as a Christmas carol, but where in the song do you find the reason for Christmas? No mention of prophecies, angels, stars, mangers, geneologies, wise men or a Baby born to a virgin. True, the angels proclaimed "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Lu. 2:14 and this is right in the middle of the Christmas narrative. But no reason is given for this proclamation in Longfellow's poem. It is noted that Longfellow belonged to the Unitarian church and "he maintained a strong belief in God's goodness and personal concern for His people." (Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by K.W.Osbeck.) Thank God that as Christians we know WHO is our peace and how good will has been given to men in the Incarnation.
Obersation 2: When was the last time you heard bells on Christmas day? Or even just heard church bells ring out in all their glory.?? We have bell choirs, carillons, organ registers of bells and chimes and the ding-ding of the Salvation Army bell ringers, but I have not heard real church bells for a long time. An article recently said that alot of the magnificent cathedrals of Europe no longer have their bell towers, or bells or people who know how to ring the bells. Maybe that is a good reason for us to sing this Christmas song, to remind ourselves of the joy and glorious occasion, the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that should cause us to call out, chime out and share the Good News!!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Kings Worship THE KING
Camels made from broomsticks, little boys tripping over striped bathrobes, shoeboxes decorated with tin foil and overflowing with pop-it pearls -- images of Christmas pageants past and the processions of the three (average age 7 1/2 years) "kings" to the manger scene. The mystery of those kings is enhanced with the music that accompanies, an Eastern, oriental tune and a dotted note rhythmic bass line. And oh my! what that tune, rhythm and subject matter has had done it over the years, not always holy, not always Scripturally correct and not always getting the message across, but definitly memorable.
We don't know how many Magi (wise men, sages, royalty, not really kings) followed the Star of Wonder, Star of Night, Star of Royal beauty bright. The Star did lead them to the Christ, but not at the time of His birth, so the church for many years sang this hymn-carol on Jan. 6 as the last day of the 12 day celebration of Christmas. We sing about Three Wise Men or kings because we know that 3 gifts were offered to Christ from the account in Matthew 2:11: "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." There was lots of religious/political intrigue in the Holy Land then, too.
Interesting gifts to bring to a young child, don't you think? The author of the carol clearly tells us the significance of each of those gifts:
1 - Gold is for the King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign.
2 - Incense owns a Deity nigh, prayer and praising all men raising, Worship Him, God on High
3 - Myrrh, bitter perfume, sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
The last verse points to the Resurrection:
"Glorious now behold Him arise,
King (gold), and God (incense) and sacrifice (myrrh),
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Sounds through the earth and skies."
Sometimes we see the phrase "Wise men still seek Him". I like that because He is, was, and always will be King, God, Savior - and it is the wise man who knows he needs Jesus Christ, Messiah.
My cousin sent a card in which he stated that we can know we are of infinite value to God by the birth of the Savior and the sacrifice He made for us. We are worth more than gold because we are His. That's wisdom.
John H. Hopkins, Jr. (1820-1891) wrote the words and music for We Three Kings of Orient Are for a Christmas pageant being performed at the General Theological Seminary, New York, around 1860. He was an Episcopal priest and gave the eulogy at the funeral service for President Ulysses S. Grant in 1885.
Sing along here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/e/t/we3kings.htm
To learn more about those Wise Men, John MacArthur is one of the best teachers:
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/2183
We don't know how many Magi (wise men, sages, royalty, not really kings) followed the Star of Wonder, Star of Night, Star of Royal beauty bright. The Star did lead them to the Christ, but not at the time of His birth, so the church for many years sang this hymn-carol on Jan. 6 as the last day of the 12 day celebration of Christmas. We sing about Three Wise Men or kings because we know that 3 gifts were offered to Christ from the account in Matthew 2:11: "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." There was lots of religious/political intrigue in the Holy Land then, too.
Interesting gifts to bring to a young child, don't you think? The author of the carol clearly tells us the significance of each of those gifts:
1 - Gold is for the King forever, ceasing never, over us all to reign.
2 - Incense owns a Deity nigh, prayer and praising all men raising, Worship Him, God on High
3 - Myrrh, bitter perfume, sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
The last verse points to the Resurrection:
"Glorious now behold Him arise,
King (gold), and God (incense) and sacrifice (myrrh),
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Sounds through the earth and skies."
Sometimes we see the phrase "Wise men still seek Him". I like that because He is, was, and always will be King, God, Savior - and it is the wise man who knows he needs Jesus Christ, Messiah.
My cousin sent a card in which he stated that we can know we are of infinite value to God by the birth of the Savior and the sacrifice He made for us. We are worth more than gold because we are His. That's wisdom.
John H. Hopkins, Jr. (1820-1891) wrote the words and music for We Three Kings of Orient Are for a Christmas pageant being performed at the General Theological Seminary, New York, around 1860. He was an Episcopal priest and gave the eulogy at the funeral service for President Ulysses S. Grant in 1885.
Sing along here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/e/t/we3kings.htm
To learn more about those Wise Men, John MacArthur is one of the best teachers:
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/2183
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Angels! Angels!! Angels!!!
From the earthy maid Margaret singing higly pigly, we soar to the heavenly realms and such glorious words and music are given to us in three very familiar and joyous Christmas carols.
Angels from the Realms of Glory has four stanzas, each addressed to a different group of worshippers - vs. 1 Angels, vs.2 Shepherds, vs. 3 Sages and vs. 4 Saints, with the following chorus: "Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King."
The author has an interesting background:
"Other than Issac Watts and Charles Wesley, probably no writer has contributed more to the development of Christian hymns than James Mortgomery, a London journalist who championed the cause of the poor and downtrodden, as well as foreign missions. It is fitting that the music was composed by a blind organist, Henry Smart, the designer and builder of some of England's finest organs and one of the outstanding musicians of his day." from Great Songs of Faith (Tyndale).
I found the 4th vs. very exciting as, at the moment, I'm reading through The Revelation:
"Saints, before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His temple shall appear:
Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King."
Sing along here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/f/afrglory.htm
A traditional French carol, Angels We Have Heard on High, has one of the best loved and oft sung refrains in the carol library. The words of the refrain "Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo" are translated: "Glory to God in the highest, Glory to God in the highest." Choirs, particularly the sopranos, really take a deep breath and sing the refrain all in one long phrase.
Luke 2:17-20 records that the shepherds, after seeing the babe in the manger, were amazed (I'll bet they were!!) and returned "glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen." We, too, should continue the Christmas season by sharing this Good News and go to our workplaces, homes, schools "glorifying and praising God" for all we have heard and seen.
This carol has 4 beautiful and simple verses and all are followed by that thrilling refrain:http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/n/angelswe.htm
Hark! the Herald Angles Sing is usually included in most programs of carol singing and most folks can sing, at least, the first verse and the refrain. And what is it that those herald angels are singing? "Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" And then we are instructed to "With the angelic host proclaim, 'Christ is born in Bethlehem!' "
The second verse has an interesting description of the newborn King - "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity". And then in vs 3 "the heaven-born Prince of Peace" and "the Sun of Righteousness" and ends with this tremendous phrase:
"Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King!' "
And who wrote this Christmas hymn which is packed full of theology? Charles Wesley, the hymn writing brother of John Wesley, the great Methodist preacher. Charles (mentioned above) Wesley is responsible for over 6,000 hymn texts. This link will have 2 more, rarely sung, verses also packed with glorying names for the newborn King:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/h/a/hhangels.htm
I hope you can take the time to scroll down each of the above sites because you will see a beautiful piece of artwork, depicting the Christmas carol on canvas. The woodcut for the Wesley hymn is charming. And then, go ahead and join the heavenly choirs, raising your voice to the heavens in Praise and Joy.
"Worship Christ, the newborn King!" "Gloria in excelsis Deo!" "Glory to the newborn King!"
Angels from the Realms of Glory has four stanzas, each addressed to a different group of worshippers - vs. 1 Angels, vs.2 Shepherds, vs. 3 Sages and vs. 4 Saints, with the following chorus: "Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King."
The author has an interesting background:
"Other than Issac Watts and Charles Wesley, probably no writer has contributed more to the development of Christian hymns than James Mortgomery, a London journalist who championed the cause of the poor and downtrodden, as well as foreign missions. It is fitting that the music was composed by a blind organist, Henry Smart, the designer and builder of some of England's finest organs and one of the outstanding musicians of his day." from Great Songs of Faith (Tyndale).
I found the 4th vs. very exciting as, at the moment, I'm reading through The Revelation:
"Saints, before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His temple shall appear:
Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King."
Sing along here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/f/afrglory.htm
A traditional French carol, Angels We Have Heard on High, has one of the best loved and oft sung refrains in the carol library. The words of the refrain "Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo" are translated: "Glory to God in the highest, Glory to God in the highest." Choirs, particularly the sopranos, really take a deep breath and sing the refrain all in one long phrase.
Luke 2:17-20 records that the shepherds, after seeing the babe in the manger, were amazed (I'll bet they were!!) and returned "glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen." We, too, should continue the Christmas season by sharing this Good News and go to our workplaces, homes, schools "glorifying and praising God" for all we have heard and seen.
This carol has 4 beautiful and simple verses and all are followed by that thrilling refrain:http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/n/angelswe.htm
Hark! the Herald Angles Sing is usually included in most programs of carol singing and most folks can sing, at least, the first verse and the refrain. And what is it that those herald angels are singing? "Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" And then we are instructed to "With the angelic host proclaim, 'Christ is born in Bethlehem!' "
The second verse has an interesting description of the newborn King - "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity". And then in vs 3 "the heaven-born Prince of Peace" and "the Sun of Righteousness" and ends with this tremendous phrase:
"Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King!' "
And who wrote this Christmas hymn which is packed full of theology? Charles Wesley, the hymn writing brother of John Wesley, the great Methodist preacher. Charles (mentioned above) Wesley is responsible for over 6,000 hymn texts. This link will have 2 more, rarely sung, verses also packed with glorying names for the newborn King:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/h/a/hhangels.htm
I hope you can take the time to scroll down each of the above sites because you will see a beautiful piece of artwork, depicting the Christmas carol on canvas. The woodcut for the Wesley hymn is charming. And then, go ahead and join the heavenly choirs, raising your voice to the heavens in Praise and Joy.
"Worship Christ, the newborn King!" "Gloria in excelsis Deo!" "Glory to the newborn King!"
Friday, December 18, 2009
Time out....
I'll let your voice take a rest from singing all those wonderful Christmas carols and chat abit about the origin of the Christmas carols, hymns and songs.
"The birthplace of the true Christmas carol is Italy where, in the 13 c. St. Francis brought religion out from its "Latin" cloister and made of it a warm and human thing, a part of, rather than separated from, life. Here, in the 13 c., in the poems of another inspired Franciscan, Jacopone da Todi, come the first real outburst of Christmas joy in a popular tongue. From Italy the carol then spread quickly to all those countries where Christianity existed. Although the word "carol" originally meant ring dance and did not necessarily apply to Christmas, during the 15 c. it gradually came to mean "song" not necessarily accompanied by dancing. Before 1550, "carol" was defined by a definite form -- a group of uniform stanzas with a burden [refrain] which begins the song and is repeated after each stanza. Today the word "carol" is synonymous for most people with any song relating to Christmas." from A Book of Christmas Carols by H.& R. Shekerjian
There are carols of the shepherds -- While Shepherds Watched their flocks by night.
Dance carols - In Dulci Jubilo.
The beautiful, rocking Lullaby Carols -- Away in a Manger.
Nativity carols, which include the Magi -- We Three Kings and Silent Night.
And carols are sung that contain stories and legends -- The Friendly Beasts.
Carols that have customs from many lands -- Oh Christmas Tree.
Finally, there are those carols which are traditional, fun and have more to do with the holiday than the Holy Day -- The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Don't let the repetition and shallow use of the carols rob you of the joy that singing the Carols can bring. As the Trademan says to Christmas, in Make Room for Christmas (1675):
"We will send for some of our loving
Neighbors and be merry altogether,
until Childermas-day be past and gone.
In Which time my wife Joan shall lay
Apples in the fire to Roast,
my Man William shall tell thee a merry tale,
and my Maid Margaret shall sing the melodious Carrols of several pleasant Tunes;
And so, we'l be higly pigly one with another."!!
"The birthplace of the true Christmas carol is Italy where, in the 13 c. St. Francis brought religion out from its "Latin" cloister and made of it a warm and human thing, a part of, rather than separated from, life. Here, in the 13 c., in the poems of another inspired Franciscan, Jacopone da Todi, come the first real outburst of Christmas joy in a popular tongue. From Italy the carol then spread quickly to all those countries where Christianity existed. Although the word "carol" originally meant ring dance and did not necessarily apply to Christmas, during the 15 c. it gradually came to mean "song" not necessarily accompanied by dancing. Before 1550, "carol" was defined by a definite form -- a group of uniform stanzas with a burden [refrain] which begins the song and is repeated after each stanza. Today the word "carol" is synonymous for most people with any song relating to Christmas." from A Book of Christmas Carols by H.& R. Shekerjian
There are carols of the shepherds -- While Shepherds Watched their flocks by night.
Dance carols - In Dulci Jubilo.
The beautiful, rocking Lullaby Carols -- Away in a Manger.
Nativity carols, which include the Magi -- We Three Kings and Silent Night.
And carols are sung that contain stories and legends -- The Friendly Beasts.
Carols that have customs from many lands -- Oh Christmas Tree.
Finally, there are those carols which are traditional, fun and have more to do with the holiday than the Holy Day -- The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Don't let the repetition and shallow use of the carols rob you of the joy that singing the Carols can bring. As the Trademan says to Christmas, in Make Room for Christmas (1675):
"We will send for some of our loving
Neighbors and be merry altogether,
until Childermas-day be past and gone.
In Which time my wife Joan shall lay
Apples in the fire to Roast,
my Man William shall tell thee a merry tale,
and my Maid Margaret shall sing the melodious Carrols of several pleasant Tunes;
And so, we'l be higly pigly one with another."!!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Friendly Beasts
Who of us, as a child or with our child, has not enjoyed singing about the animals that were with Baby Jesus on Christmas night?! Perhaps you even played the part of the donkey, cow, sheep or dove or one of the others added to the song at a later date, ie: camel, rooster or mouse. Well, as familiar as this child's selection might be, very little is known.
The author? unknown
The date written? perhaps 12 c. France
The music? could have been taken from a Latin song used in the Mass, Orientis Partibus Adventavit Asinus, which translated means From the East the Donkey came. This song was used for The Donkey's Festival in the 13 c. church to commemorate the Flight into Egypt. At the end of each verse, the congregation would sing "Heh! Sir Ass, oh Heh" as a live donkey was led into the sanctuary! The modern church has nothing on the medieval church for drama and entertainment!
Well, thinking about the occasion for the song -- were there really animals present at the birth? There are none in the Gospel accounts of the birth. Was the birth really in a stable?
And were the animals (if present) aware of their awesome guest? We've been enjoying a Teaching Course on Art of the Northern Renaissance and such a variety of stables, some quite ornate, and settings are portrayed and almost all of them included the ox, the donkey, some sheep.
Rather than getting bogged down in the facts, let's just enjoy the simplicity of the 6 verses. The first begins:
Jesus our brother, strong and good, Was humble born in a stable rude;
And the friendly beasts around Him stood, Jesus our brother, strong and good.
Verse 2 is "sung" by the donkey, shaggy and brown who carried His mother to Bethlehem;
Verse 3 has the cow, all white and red, giving his manger for His bed.
Verse 4 is the sheep with the curly horn, giving his wool for a blanket warm.
And the dove in vs. 5 cooed Him to sleep so He would not cry.
The final verse:
And every beast, by some good spell, In the stable dark was glad to tell,
Of the gift He gave Emmanuel,
The Gift He gave Emmanuel.
Animals have played important roles throughout Scripture and we some immediately come to mind like the serpent in the Garden, Jonah and the whale, the ravens that fed Elijah and another famous donkey belonging to a prophet called Balaam. All of the animals mentioned served God in one capacity or another and we can know that if there were animals to greet the Christ Child, they, too, were there not by accident but because ALL CREATION is to give praise to God. The Psalms are full of all creation joining in Praise to God and Isaiah tells us that mountains and hills will burst into song and trees will clap their hands! (Isaiah 55:12)
Burl Ives recorded this song in a Christmas album in 1952 and from then it became very popular as a standard for albums, TV shows and children's programs. A recent rendition was sung by Brian Stokes Mitchell, baritone, along with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with Mitchell sounding like the animals as he sang their verse. Beautiful and very different.
So you can enjoy the song for yourself: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/friendbe.htm
The author? unknown
The date written? perhaps 12 c. France
The music? could have been taken from a Latin song used in the Mass, Orientis Partibus Adventavit Asinus, which translated means From the East the Donkey came. This song was used for The Donkey's Festival in the 13 c. church to commemorate the Flight into Egypt. At the end of each verse, the congregation would sing "Heh! Sir Ass, oh Heh" as a live donkey was led into the sanctuary! The modern church has nothing on the medieval church for drama and entertainment!
Well, thinking about the occasion for the song -- were there really animals present at the birth? There are none in the Gospel accounts of the birth. Was the birth really in a stable?
And were the animals (if present) aware of their awesome guest? We've been enjoying a Teaching Course on Art of the Northern Renaissance and such a variety of stables, some quite ornate, and settings are portrayed and almost all of them included the ox, the donkey, some sheep.
Rather than getting bogged down in the facts, let's just enjoy the simplicity of the 6 verses. The first begins:
Jesus our brother, strong and good, Was humble born in a stable rude;
And the friendly beasts around Him stood, Jesus our brother, strong and good.
Verse 2 is "sung" by the donkey, shaggy and brown who carried His mother to Bethlehem;
Verse 3 has the cow, all white and red, giving his manger for His bed.
Verse 4 is the sheep with the curly horn, giving his wool for a blanket warm.
And the dove in vs. 5 cooed Him to sleep so He would not cry.
The final verse:
And every beast, by some good spell, In the stable dark was glad to tell,
Of the gift He gave Emmanuel,
The Gift He gave Emmanuel.
Animals have played important roles throughout Scripture and we some immediately come to mind like the serpent in the Garden, Jonah and the whale, the ravens that fed Elijah and another famous donkey belonging to a prophet called Balaam. All of the animals mentioned served God in one capacity or another and we can know that if there were animals to greet the Christ Child, they, too, were there not by accident but because ALL CREATION is to give praise to God. The Psalms are full of all creation joining in Praise to God and Isaiah tells us that mountains and hills will burst into song and trees will clap their hands! (Isaiah 55:12)
Burl Ives recorded this song in a Christmas album in 1952 and from then it became very popular as a standard for albums, TV shows and children's programs. A recent rendition was sung by Brian Stokes Mitchell, baritone, along with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with Mitchell sounding like the animals as he sang their verse. Beautiful and very different.
So you can enjoy the song for yourself: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/friendbe.htm
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Once in Royal David's City
Magnificent! Profound. Simple and ordinary. Glorious processional! These are some of the adjectives used to describe this English Christmas hymn. How can one piece of basic chords, basic meter structure and words written for a child to understand have those attributes?
Cecil F. Alexander, the wife of the Anglican chief bishop of Ireland, wrote over 400 hymn texts, many for children. This hymn was part of a collection of songs for children to teach them the various parts of The Apostles Creed. You may be acquainted with the hymn, "All Things Bright and Beatiful" which she wrote for the first part of the Creed about God the Father, "maker of heaven and earth." Once in Royal David's City has the lines "conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary" as it's text focus. She wrote these verses in 1848 and they were set to music in the following year.
What makes this hymn special for all of us becomes evident when you read the words. I'll share the verses and music now: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/n/onceirdc.htm
This quote is from this site: http://www.hymnary.org/text/once_in_royal_davids_city
"A good mingling of the biblical story and Christian theology, the text sets the nativity of Christ into a much larger framework-the history of salvation. Alexander's words enable us to look back and to look forward from this historic event. Stanzas 1 and 2 recall Christ's humble birth. Stanza 3 focuses on Christ's childhood and identity with humanity. Stanzas 4 and 5 look forward to the sharing of Christ's glory with his children."
This is SO important for us to understand - that Christmas is not just about the birth of our Savior, although that is very important; but that we see the virgin birth of Jesus Christ as the integral manifestation of the Covenant of God with man. If you become aware of this point of theology, you will enjoy singing the Christmas carols even more because you will know that Jesus Christ is from the beginning, for all time, unto eternity! What a magnificent, profound, simple, glorious TRUTH!!
How very blessed we are that Cecil Alexander cared so much for children (as well as all the poor in her parish) that she wrote for them and thus enabled all of us to understand and sing The Christmas Story.
On a personal note: over 40 years ago, my sister gave me a vinyl 33 rpm recording of the combined choirs of the King's College, Cambridge, presenting the Christmas Story in song and Scripture, as a Christmas gift. What a gift! I wore it out, playing it all year long for many years. This hymn was used as the processional, after the great chiming bells had called the faithful to come and celebrate, and the actual recording caught the echoing of the organ, choirs and congregation as they processed from the entrance to the loft. I need to say THANKS again, sister, for that gift!
Cecil F. Alexander, the wife of the Anglican chief bishop of Ireland, wrote over 400 hymn texts, many for children. This hymn was part of a collection of songs for children to teach them the various parts of The Apostles Creed. You may be acquainted with the hymn, "All Things Bright and Beatiful" which she wrote for the first part of the Creed about God the Father, "maker of heaven and earth." Once in Royal David's City has the lines "conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary" as it's text focus. She wrote these verses in 1848 and they were set to music in the following year.
What makes this hymn special for all of us becomes evident when you read the words. I'll share the verses and music now: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/n/onceirdc.htm
This quote is from this site: http://www.hymnary.org/text/once_in_royal_davids_city
"A good mingling of the biblical story and Christian theology, the text sets the nativity of Christ into a much larger framework-the history of salvation. Alexander's words enable us to look back and to look forward from this historic event. Stanzas 1 and 2 recall Christ's humble birth. Stanza 3 focuses on Christ's childhood and identity with humanity. Stanzas 4 and 5 look forward to the sharing of Christ's glory with his children."
This is SO important for us to understand - that Christmas is not just about the birth of our Savior, although that is very important; but that we see the virgin birth of Jesus Christ as the integral manifestation of the Covenant of God with man. If you become aware of this point of theology, you will enjoy singing the Christmas carols even more because you will know that Jesus Christ is from the beginning, for all time, unto eternity! What a magnificent, profound, simple, glorious TRUTH!!
How very blessed we are that Cecil Alexander cared so much for children (as well as all the poor in her parish) that she wrote for them and thus enabled all of us to understand and sing The Christmas Story.
On a personal note: over 40 years ago, my sister gave me a vinyl 33 rpm recording of the combined choirs of the King's College, Cambridge, presenting the Christmas Story in song and Scripture, as a Christmas gift. What a gift! I wore it out, playing it all year long for many years. This hymn was used as the processional, after the great chiming bells had called the faithful to come and celebrate, and the actual recording caught the echoing of the organ, choirs and congregation as they processed from the entrance to the loft. I need to say THANKS again, sister, for that gift!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
This hymn-carol-song-verse is often not included in our traditional church hymn books since it is considered by some to be secular even though the verses do include the Christmas story. Although published in 1827, it was well known as an old English carol " sung in the streets of London". We also learn that "old London had municipal watchmen who were licensed to perform certain tasks, including the singing of Christmas carols" and this carol was one of those performed. Mind where you breathe on the comma -- Ye rest merry, gentlemen and not God rest ye, merry gentlemen.
It was included, to great effect, in A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. You might remember that Ebenezer Scrooge hears it being sung on Christmas eve and yells at the singers that he will hit them with a ruler if they continue to sing. Merry, indeed -- bah! humbug!
The verse tune is in a minor key, unusual to our ear for Christmas and the chorus is short and in the relative major key, so that the song does end on a more positively sounding note, which is in keeping with the words of the refrain:
O, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy:
O, tidings of comfort and joy!
I'm sure that just reading the above refrain has you humming the tune.
The first verse and the last verse give the title of the carol particular meaning. "Let nothing you dismay" and "save us from Satan's power when we were gone astray" from the first verse set the focus of the words. And then we sum up the merry attitude in "Now to the Lord sing praises" and "true love and brotherhood each other now embrace". Those are wonderful reasons to be merry!
I really like the last line:
"This holy tide of Christmas all other doth deface."
Think about that. The holiness of Christmas puts all other "holidays" to shame. And what a shame that so many think of this Blessed Holy Day as just another holiday for worldly merriment and not the merry (blessed, happy) JOY that is ours, given to us, in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The words for all verses are here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/o/godrest.htm
Here is a gift for your eyes - a reproduction of an old carol book.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bramley/carols/files/jpg/0007=2.htm
Turn some of the pages to see the lovely art work, not only for God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen but some others, as well.
It was included, to great effect, in A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. You might remember that Ebenezer Scrooge hears it being sung on Christmas eve and yells at the singers that he will hit them with a ruler if they continue to sing. Merry, indeed -- bah! humbug!
The verse tune is in a minor key, unusual to our ear for Christmas and the chorus is short and in the relative major key, so that the song does end on a more positively sounding note, which is in keeping with the words of the refrain:
O, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy:
O, tidings of comfort and joy!
I'm sure that just reading the above refrain has you humming the tune.
The first verse and the last verse give the title of the carol particular meaning. "Let nothing you dismay" and "save us from Satan's power when we were gone astray" from the first verse set the focus of the words. And then we sum up the merry attitude in "Now to the Lord sing praises" and "true love and brotherhood each other now embrace". Those are wonderful reasons to be merry!
I really like the last line:
"This holy tide of Christmas all other doth deface."
Think about that. The holiness of Christmas puts all other "holidays" to shame. And what a shame that so many think of this Blessed Holy Day as just another holiday for worldly merriment and not the merry (blessed, happy) JOY that is ours, given to us, in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The words for all verses are here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/o/godrest.htm
Here is a gift for your eyes - a reproduction of an old carol book.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bramley/carols/files/jpg/0007=2.htm
Turn some of the pages to see the lovely art work, not only for God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen but some others, as well.
Monday, December 14, 2009
From Heaven Above to Earth I Come
Perhaps you won't recognize this Christmas hymn by it's title or it's music. But I'm pretty sure the you will know the giant of a man who wrote the words-- Martin Luther. Those of us who claim a Reformation heritage and cling to the Reformed doctrines know Luther for his monumental stand against the abuses of the Roman Catholic clergy and their practices. And we know him for his prodigious output of translating the Bible into the common language so the church could read the Word for itself and on his Scripture commentaries. And we may know him for the mighty hymns (no pun intended) he wrote (A Mighty Fortress is our God).
But here is a Christmas hymn, authored by Luther. This charming song was written specifically for his 5 year old son, Hans, and it was to be sung at all family Christmas celebrations. Interesting to know that as God communicated with us by sending His Son into the world, Luther communicated the Gospel to his son with this story-song.
It contains 15 4-line verses and a man dressed as an angel would come into the gathering and sing:
"From heaven above to earth I come;
To bear good news to every home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
Whereof I now will say and sing."
Then follows the verses that tell the glorious story until verse 8 where the assembled children and adults answer:
"Welcome to earth, Thou noble Guest,
Through Whom e’en wicked men are blest!
Thou com’st to share our misery,
What can we render, Lord, to Thee!"
The verses then tell of the humble surroundings for the birth and remind us that Jesus Christ is for everyone - young, old; rich, poor, wise, simple. Christmas is beyond our understanding, and yet presented in a way that even small children can grasp.
I imagine the last 2 verses were sung with great feeling and a swelling of joyful, grateful voices:
"My heart for very joy doth leap,
My lips no more can silence keep,
I too must sing, with joyful tongue,
That sweetest ancient cradle song.
Glory to God in highest Heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given,
While angels sing, with pious mirth,
A glad New Year to all the earth."
I would hope that all parents would love telling THE Christmas story, finding unique ways to impress upon their children the "Glad tidings of great joy" while young hearts and eager minds can hear The Truth in all it's Glory!
All of the verses are here:http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/fromheav.htm
But here is a Christmas hymn, authored by Luther. This charming song was written specifically for his 5 year old son, Hans, and it was to be sung at all family Christmas celebrations. Interesting to know that as God communicated with us by sending His Son into the world, Luther communicated the Gospel to his son with this story-song.
It contains 15 4-line verses and a man dressed as an angel would come into the gathering and sing:
"From heaven above to earth I come;
To bear good news to every home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
Whereof I now will say and sing."
Then follows the verses that tell the glorious story until verse 8 where the assembled children and adults answer:
"Welcome to earth, Thou noble Guest,
Through Whom e’en wicked men are blest!
Thou com’st to share our misery,
What can we render, Lord, to Thee!"
The verses then tell of the humble surroundings for the birth and remind us that Jesus Christ is for everyone - young, old; rich, poor, wise, simple. Christmas is beyond our understanding, and yet presented in a way that even small children can grasp.
I imagine the last 2 verses were sung with great feeling and a swelling of joyful, grateful voices:
"My heart for very joy doth leap,
My lips no more can silence keep,
I too must sing, with joyful tongue,
That sweetest ancient cradle song.
Glory to God in highest Heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given,
While angels sing, with pious mirth,
A glad New Year to all the earth."
I would hope that all parents would love telling THE Christmas story, finding unique ways to impress upon their children the "Glad tidings of great joy" while young hearts and eager minds can hear The Truth in all it's Glory!
All of the verses are here:http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/fromheav.htm
We live in uncertain times...
That was a comment I heard from a radio commenter this morning. As believers we know that we always live in uncertain times...
But even from the world's point of view, we should see that we always live in uncertain times...
1760s-1770s ~ the American Revolution
1790s ~ the French Revolution
1800-1815 ~ Napoleonic era
1820s & 1830s ~ restlessness in Europe following the French Revolution
1848 ~ Europe convulsed with revolution
1860 ~ American Civil War
1870s ~ Louis Napoleon's delusions of grandeur ~ Franco-Prussian war ~ Bismarck & the unification of Germany
1880s-1910s ~ Tensions between Germany - France - Austro-Hungary - England
1914 ~ World War One
1920s ~ illusion of less uncertain times...
1930s ~ worldwide economic collapse
1940s ~ World War Two - Korean War
1950s ~ illusion of less uncertain times...
1960s ~ assasination of JFK - "revolutions" on the campuses - Viet Nam
1970s ~ stagflation
1980s ~ continued economic angst - Reagan - Berlin Wall comes down
1990s ~ glastnost - internet - dot com - illusion of less uncertain times...
2000s~ 9/11 & its fallout - almost worldwide economic collapse - likely to happen yet...
What was/is happening in Asia, South America, Africa & the rest of the world...
We always live in uncertain times...we live in a fallen world.
That will change~ Psalm 2
But even from the world's point of view, we should see that we always live in uncertain times...
1760s-1770s ~ the American Revolution
1790s ~ the French Revolution
1800-1815 ~ Napoleonic era
1820s & 1830s ~ restlessness in Europe following the French Revolution
1848 ~ Europe convulsed with revolution
1860 ~ American Civil War
1870s ~ Louis Napoleon's delusions of grandeur ~ Franco-Prussian war ~ Bismarck & the unification of Germany
1880s-1910s ~ Tensions between Germany - France - Austro-Hungary - England
1914 ~ World War One
1920s ~ illusion of less uncertain times...
1930s ~ worldwide economic collapse
1940s ~ World War Two - Korean War
1950s ~ illusion of less uncertain times...
1960s ~ assasination of JFK - "revolutions" on the campuses - Viet Nam
1970s ~ stagflation
1980s ~ continued economic angst - Reagan - Berlin Wall comes down
1990s ~ glastnost - internet - dot com - illusion of less uncertain times...
2000s~ 9/11 & its fallout - almost worldwide economic collapse - likely to happen yet...
What was/is happening in Asia, South America, Africa & the rest of the world...
We always live in uncertain times...we live in a fallen world.
That will change~ Psalm 2
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
My Dad and Mom enjoyed roses. Dad became quite involved, learning and always trying out new methods of growing and became the family expert with his various rose gardens, working hard to keep them blooming. And Mother got the greatest joy going to visit folks who needed her cheery smile, carrying a small bouquet or even just one of Dad's prize roses. It was a rare treat to have a rose bush keep blooming until Thanksgiving and I can remember no time that we had fresh roses on the Christmas table. Certainly , no "Flower bright, amid the cold of winter, when half-spent was the night."
The German composer, Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) set this piece to music sometime around 1605. The words had been written earlier in the 15 century and there is no definite author given. It was not translated from the German to English until the late 1800's.
The title comes from the Song of Songs 2:1, "I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys." Early on The Rose was assigned to Jesus Christ and the Rose became another name for our Lord. Often, it is used in conjunction with the well known passage from Isaiah 11:1-2: "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him -- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord--".
As with the Christmas hymn "In the Bleak Midwinter", the tune is simple and matches the simplicity of the words. The image of the rose and the branch prophecy of the lineage of King David, in the first verse, are woven easily together:
"Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from Tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming as men of old have sung.
It came, a Flower bright, Amid the cold of winter,
When half-spent was the night."
The phrase "When half-spent was the night" is repeated at the end of verse 2. Was the author referring to the actual event or is this a more theological point -- that the night is still with us and we are waiting for the Day of the Lord? This Rose bloomed and the fragrance has sweetened the whole world but Christians all await the beauty and overpowering presence of that morning when, at His 2nd coming, Christ will be revealed as the Ruler of all, for all times.
"This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God, From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load." verse 3.
Those of us who live in the part of the country where we can enjoy roses all year long, have the privilege of being reminded of this lesson of the Rose. As we come up the walk approaching our home, our rose bush, Don Juan, is a colorful and beautiful reminder of this beautiful Christmas hymn.
The verses and tune can be heard here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/h/lhowrose.htm
The German composer, Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) set this piece to music sometime around 1605. The words had been written earlier in the 15 century and there is no definite author given. It was not translated from the German to English until the late 1800's.
The title comes from the Song of Songs 2:1, "I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys." Early on The Rose was assigned to Jesus Christ and the Rose became another name for our Lord. Often, it is used in conjunction with the well known passage from Isaiah 11:1-2: "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him -- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord--".
As with the Christmas hymn "In the Bleak Midwinter", the tune is simple and matches the simplicity of the words. The image of the rose and the branch prophecy of the lineage of King David, in the first verse, are woven easily together:
"Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from Tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming as men of old have sung.
It came, a Flower bright, Amid the cold of winter,
When half-spent was the night."
The phrase "When half-spent was the night" is repeated at the end of verse 2. Was the author referring to the actual event or is this a more theological point -- that the night is still with us and we are waiting for the Day of the Lord? This Rose bloomed and the fragrance has sweetened the whole world but Christians all await the beauty and overpowering presence of that morning when, at His 2nd coming, Christ will be revealed as the Ruler of all, for all times.
"This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God, From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load." verse 3.
Those of us who live in the part of the country where we can enjoy roses all year long, have the privilege of being reminded of this lesson of the Rose. As we come up the walk approaching our home, our rose bush, Don Juan, is a colorful and beautiful reminder of this beautiful Christmas hymn.
The verses and tune can be heard here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/h/lhowrose.htm
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Bleak Midwinter JOY
We don't know for sure the month that our Savior was born, we are just told that "the time came for her baby to be born" in Luke 2:6-7. But for alot of us we celebrated the Christmas season during the bleak midwinter. Sometimes we enjoyed a break with mild temps, so one could ride a new 2-wheeler (with Dad holding on to the seat for safety) the very day that it was found under the tree (or on the front porch as Santa could not get it down the chimney). But there were other times when the thermometer plunged down to -25 on Christmas eve and, although there might be protests, Mom would bundle everyone up, Dad would warm up the car and we would all join in our traditional candle lit service at church.
Christina Rosetti wrote a simple yet powerful poem, In the Bleak Midwinter, that has some vivid images of that night. Look at some of the phrases in vs. 1, "Snow on snow, snow on snow" and "earth stood hard as iron" to describe the winter-ness of the night. The 2nd verse gives us the paradox of that occasion, "He comes to reign...a stable place sufficed". The 3rd verse is precious as the"cherubim and seraphim thronged the air" and "His mother...worshiped the beloved with a kiss."
But perhaps it is in the 4th verse that we are confronted with our inadequacy as humans to present HIM with a gift and Rosetti sums up this simple, profound hymn with these words: "Yet what I can I give Him: Give my heart."
Christina Rosetti (1830-1894) was part of a family that was interesting and influential in arts and letters. This poem was set to music 12 years after her death by the English composer, Gustav Holst, better know for his large orchestral compositions (The Planets). Holst wrote the music early in his career. And Christina, a devout Anglican, was well known and respected for her books of poetry which were largely religious.
The words to this beautiful hymn are here:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/n/intbleak.htm
If you are in bleak circumstances, climate or heart, I pray this will help you focus on the GIFT of the Lord Jesus Christ and that your joy may be full as your give your heart to HIM.
Christina Rosetti wrote a simple yet powerful poem, In the Bleak Midwinter, that has some vivid images of that night. Look at some of the phrases in vs. 1, "Snow on snow, snow on snow" and "earth stood hard as iron" to describe the winter-ness of the night. The 2nd verse gives us the paradox of that occasion, "He comes to reign...a stable place sufficed". The 3rd verse is precious as the"cherubim and seraphim thronged the air" and "His mother...worshiped the beloved with a kiss."
But perhaps it is in the 4th verse that we are confronted with our inadequacy as humans to present HIM with a gift and Rosetti sums up this simple, profound hymn with these words: "Yet what I can I give Him: Give my heart."
Christina Rosetti (1830-1894) was part of a family that was interesting and influential in arts and letters. This poem was set to music 12 years after her death by the English composer, Gustav Holst, better know for his large orchestral compositions (The Planets). Holst wrote the music early in his career. And Christina, a devout Anglican, was well known and respected for her books of poetry which were largely religious.
The words to this beautiful hymn are here:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/n/intbleak.htm
If you are in bleak circumstances, climate or heart, I pray this will help you focus on the GIFT of the Lord Jesus Christ and that your joy may be full as your give your heart to HIM.
Friday, December 11, 2009
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
I have always been inspired, comforted, challenged, informed and sometimes even convicted in spirit by the words of our Christmas Carols and Hymns. And I would like to share some of these precious gifts of music with you.
The first one is very appropriate to be first as the title suggests: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, which is taken from the book of Isaiah 7:14 - Behold, a virgin shall conceive and shall bear a son and his name shall be Emmanuel.
The tune used is called plainsong which was the music of the medieval church. There is a lack of a strict rhythm and you can feel a freedom in the meter which creates a sense of the melody rebounding back and forth from the stone cathedral walls.
O Come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
The text is interesting as it originally had no chorus, the one that we sing being:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Each stanza of the verse was part of a liturgical phrase used during Advent and each stanza had a different name for Christ and an emphasis on that particular name so that the hymn could be used for Christian meditation. That would be a good practice for us to continue today. The names used are:
Emmanuel - God with us;
Wisdom from high;
Desire of nations;
Lord of might;
Rod of Jesse;
Dayspring;
and Key of David.
As we approach the time to celebrate God fulfilling His Covenant Promise in the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, it would be pleasing in His sight and balm for your soul to contemplate these names. They really have nothing to do with a baby, and yet that Baby is all of the these names!
The melody and some information as well as the words for all the verses can be found here:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/c/ocomocom.htm
The first one is very appropriate to be first as the title suggests: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, which is taken from the book of Isaiah 7:14 - Behold, a virgin shall conceive and shall bear a son and his name shall be Emmanuel.
The tune used is called plainsong which was the music of the medieval church. There is a lack of a strict rhythm and you can feel a freedom in the meter which creates a sense of the melody rebounding back and forth from the stone cathedral walls.
O Come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
The text is interesting as it originally had no chorus, the one that we sing being:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Each stanza of the verse was part of a liturgical phrase used during Advent and each stanza had a different name for Christ and an emphasis on that particular name so that the hymn could be used for Christian meditation. That would be a good practice for us to continue today. The names used are:
Emmanuel - God with us;
Wisdom from high;
Desire of nations;
Lord of might;
Rod of Jesse;
Dayspring;
and Key of David.
As we approach the time to celebrate God fulfilling His Covenant Promise in the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, it would be pleasing in His sight and balm for your soul to contemplate these names. They really have nothing to do with a baby, and yet that Baby is all of the these names!
The melody and some information as well as the words for all the verses can be found here:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/c/ocomocom.htm
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