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29 December 2013

This Holy Light





Refrain:
Come follow the star,
this holy light!
People, look East,
look to the sky:
Christ, our Savior, is born.
 1. In a world of suffering,
In a world of pain,
Where do we seek answers
to understand our faith?

2. In a world of conflict,
In a world at war,
Where do we seek answers
To the violence we abhor?

3. In a world of hunger
Where all we want is more,
Where do we seek answers
To welcome in the poor?

4. In a world of bloodshed,
In a world of hate,
Where do we seek answers
Before it's all too late?

5. In a world of mystery,
Where no one can be sure,
Where do we seek answers
To open wide our doors?


Composer: Ricky Manalo 

See other songs by Ricky Manalo

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

25 December 2013

2013 Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols (Live Recording) from King's College, Cambridge

Live Sound Recording from BBC Radio of the 2013 Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, sung by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge at 3:00pm, 24 December 2013.

PART 1 of 2:  COMPLETE SERVICE (excl. organ postludes):


PART 2 of 2: ORGAN POSTLUDES:


ALTERNATIVE RECORDING - PART 1 of 2:



ALTERNATIVE RECORDING - PART 2 of 2:


Link: Program Booklet for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 2013

See also other live voice recordings of the "Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" at 3:00 pm every Christmas Eve:
 See also: King's College, Cambridge's Carols from King's from previous years:
The Choir of King's College, Cambridge's recent CD release: Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
.

24 December 2013

2013 Carols from King's (Choir of King's College, Cambridge)

SET 1: COMPLETE "CAROLS FROM KINGS 2013" (WITH PRAYERS & READINGS)


SET 2: CAROLS ONLY




Carols from King's 2013, as televised on BBC TWO. There are a few variations in the list of carols sung on this TV version and the live performance at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2013.

See also: the live voice recordings of the "Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" at 3:00 pm every Christmas Eve:
See also: King's College, Cambridge's Carols from King's from previous years:
The Choir of King's College, Cambridge's recent CD release: Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
.

22 December 2013

O Come, O Come Emmanuel







See also the Latin Version: Veni, Veni Emmanuel

O come, O come Emmanuel!
Redeem thy captive Israel,
That into exile drear is gone,
Far from the face of God’s dear son,

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou branch of Jesse! Draw
The quarry from the lion’s claw,
From the dread caverns of the grave,
From nether hell, thy people save.

O come, O come, thou dayspring bright!
Pour on our souls thy healing light,
Dispel the long night’s lingering gloom,
And pierce the shadows of the tomb.

O come, thou lord of David’s key!
The royal door fling wide and free;
Safeguard for us the heavenward road,
And bar the way to death’s abode.

O come, O come, Adonai,
Who in thy glorious majesty,
From that high mountain clothed with awe,
Gavest thy folk the elder law.

See also the Latin Version: Veni, Veni Emmanuel

Words: circa 9th century, trans. Thomas Alexander Lacey (1906)
Music: Plainchant, Mode I

Hark! The Glad Sound! (Tune: RICHMOND)



Hark! the glad sound! the Savior comes,
the Savior promised long:
let every heart prepare a throne,
and every voice a song.

He comes the prisoners to release
in Satan's bondage held;
the gates of brass before him burst,
the iron fetters yield.

He comes, the broken heart to bind,
the bleeding soul to cure;
and with the treasures of his grace
to enrich the humble poor.

Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
thy welcome shall proclaim;
and heaven's eternal arches ring
with thy beloved Name.

Text: Philip Doddridge (1735) Tune: RICHMOND, CM

Lord Christ, when first you came to earth (Tune: MIT FREUDEN ZART)



1 Lord Christ, when first you came to earth,
Upon a cross they bound you,
And mocked your saving kingship then
By thorn with which they crowned you;
And still our wrongs may weave you now
New thorns to pierce that steady brow,
And robe of sorrow round you.

2 O wondrous love, which found no room
In life, where sin denied you,
And, doomed to death, must bring to doom
The power which crucified you,
Till not a stone was left on stone,
And all a nation's pride, o'erthrown,
Went down to dust beside you.

3 New advent of the love of Christ,
Shall we again refuse you,
Till in the night of hate and war
We perish as we lose you?
From old unfaith our souls release
To seek the kingdom of your peace
By which alone we choose you.

4 O wounded hands of Jesus, build
In us your new creation;
Our pride is dust, our vaunt is stilled,
We wait your revelation.
O Love that triumphs over loss,
We bring our hearts before your cross;
Come, finish your salvation.

Text: Walter Russell Bowie, 1928
Tune: MIT FREUDEN ZART 87 87 887

Ciel, répands ta rosée (Taizé)



Antiphon:
Ciel, répands ta rosée. 
Nuée, fais pluvoir le juste. 
Terre, enfante le Sauveur.
 See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

O Antiphons (Taizé)



O Antiphons / Grandes antiennes « Ô » de l'Avent / O-Antiphonen / O antifone

17 December
 O Wisdom, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: come, and teach us the way of prudence.
O Sagesse, sortie de la bouche du Très-Haut, qui enveloppez toutes choses d'un pôle à l'autre et les disposez avec force et douceur, venez nous enseigner le chemin de la prudence.
O Mudrosti, što Svevišnjem iz usta vječnih izvireš, i s kraja jednog do drugog po cijelom svijetu dopireš sve snažno, blago redeći: dođi među nas, uči nas, da pravi put nam pokažeš!

18 December
O Lord and Ruler the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and redeem us with outstretched arms.
Ô Adonaï, guide du peuple d'Israël, qui êtes apparu à Moïse dans le feu du buisson ardent, et lui avez donné vos commandements sur le mont Sinaï, armez votre bras, et venez nous sauver.
O Adonaju, Gospode, što Izraelov vodiš dom, što Mojsiju ukaza se odjeven plamnom kupinom, i dade zakon Sinajski: pohiti da nas izbaviš božanskom svojom desnicom!

19 December
O Root of Jesse, that stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: come, to deliver us, and tarry not.
Ô Fils de la race de Jessé, signe dresse devant les peuples, vous devant qui les souverains resteront silencieux, vous que les peuples appelleront au secours, délivrez-nous, venez, ne tardez plus !
O slavni Jesin korijene, što naroda si barjak svih, pred kojim tih će postati i glas sa usta kraljevskih, kog molit svi će narodi: ne kasni, dođi izbavi iz nevolja nas premnogih.

20 December
O Key of David, and scepter of the house of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: come, and lead forth the captive who sits in the shadows from his prison.
Ô Clef de la cité de David, sceptre du royaume d'Israël, vous ouvrez, et personne alors ne peut fermer ; vous fermez, et personne ne peut ouvrir ; venez, faites sortir du cachot le prisonnier établi dans les ténèbres et la nuit de la mort.
O divni ključu Davidov i vladaoče roda svog, što otvaraš i zatvaraš i nema stvora nikakvog, što spriječit bi te mogao: dođi dobrostiv, sužnjeve iz mraka vodi tamničkog.

21 December
O dawn of the east, brightness of light eternal, and sun of justice: come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Ô Orient, splendeur de la Lumière éternelle, Soleil de justice, venez, illuminez ceux qui sont assis dans les ténèbres et la nuit de la mort.
O Istoče, o sjaju svet u svjetlosti vjekovitoj, ti sunce pravde istinske: ograni bijedi čovječjoj, što tumara po tminama! Prosvijetli sve, što gube se u smrtnoj sjeni nemiloj.

22 December
O King of the gentiles and their desired One, the cornerstone that makes both one: come, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth.
Ô Roi des nations, objet de leur désir, pierre angulaire qui unissez les peuples opposés, venez sauver l'homme que vous avez façonné d'argile.
O Kralju sviju naroda, kog srdačni im žudi plam, od ugla silni kamene, što rajski dom i zemski hram u jedno spajaš: dođi već i čovjeka, svoj zemljan stvor, iz crnog jada spasi sam.

23 December
O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: come to save us, O Lord our God.
Ô Emmanuel, notre roi et législateur, que tous les peuples attendent comme leur Sauveur, venez nous sauver, Seigneur notre Dieu !
O Emanuele, Spase blag, Zakonošo i Kralju naš, ti nado sviju naroda, što milostiv ih izbavljaš: o dođi sa neba, Gospodine i Bože naš, da spasenje nam vječno daš.

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

O vous qui dans l'obscurité (Taizé)





See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

17 November 2013

Alleluya, A New Work (Wishart)





Alleluya!
A new work is come on hand
Through might and grace of Godès son
To save the lost of every land.
For now is free that erst was bound.
We may well sing Alleluya!

Now is fulfilled the prophecy
Of David and of Jeremy
And also of Isaiah.
Sing we therefore both loud and high, Alleluya!

Alleluya, this sweetè song
Out of a green branch it sprung;
God send us the life that lasteth long.
Now joy and bliss be him among
That thus can sing Alleluya!

Traditional English Carol (15th century)

Music: Peter Wishart (1953)

Psalm 100 / Vous qui sur la terre habitez (Taizé)



Vous qui sur la terre habitez
Chantez à pleine voix, chantez
rassemblez-vous dans le Seigneur
célebrez-le d'un même cœur.

Car il est Dieu et Créateur,
il est Sauveur et seul Seigneur
de tout son peuple qu'il bénit;
tel un berger il le conduit.

Pour toi, Seigneur, que notre amour
se renouvelle chaque jour,
qu'il s'entracine dans la joie
qui de nos cœurs monte vers toi.

See also the English version: All People That On Earth Do Dwell

From Pseaumes Octante Trois de David (Geneva, 1551)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

Psalm 95 / Venez, crions de joie pour le Seigneur (Taizé)



Antiphon: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Venez, crions de joie pour le Seigneur,
Acclamons le rocher qui nous sauve,
Allons devant sa face avec actions de grâces,
Au son des musiques, acclamons-le.

Car c'est un Dieu grand que le Seigneur,
Un Roi grand par-dessus tous les dieux.
En sa main sont les creux de la terre,
Et les hauts des montagnes sont à Lui,
A Lui la mer, c'est Lui qui l'a faite,
La terre ferme, ses mains l'ont façonnée.

Entrez, courbons-nous, prosternons-nous,
A genoux devant le Dieu qui nous a faits.
Car c'est Lui notre Dieu,
Et nous le peuple dont II est le berger,
Le troupeau que mène sa main.

Aujourd'hui puissiez-vous écouter sa voix:
"Ne fermez pas vos cœurs comme à discorde
comme aux jours de tentation dans le désert,
quand vos pères m'ont éprouvé et tenté
et pourtant ils voyaient mes actions"

Antiphon: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

16 November 2013

Joys Seven (England)







The first good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of one,
To see the blessed Jesus Christ
When he was first her son,
When he was first her son, good man,
And blessed may he be,
Both father, son, and holy ghost
Through all eternity.

The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of two,
To see her own son Jesus Christ
To make the lame to go.
To make the lame to go, good man,
And blessed may he be,
Both father, son, and holy ghost
Through all eternity.

The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of three,
To see her own son Jesus Christ
To make the blind to see.
To make the blind to see, good man,
And blessed may he be,
Both father, son, and holy ghost
Through all eternity.

The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of four,
To see her own son Jesus Christ
To read the Bible o'er.
To read the Bible o'er, good man,
And blessed may he be,
Both father, son, and holy ghost
Through all eternity.

The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of five,
To see her own son Jesus Christ
To bring the dead alive.
To bring the dead alive, good man,
And blessed may he be,
Both father, son, and holy ghost
Through all eternity.

The next good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of six,
To see her own son Jesus Christ
Upon the crucifix.
Upon the crucifix, good man,
And blessed may he be,
Both father, son, and holy ghost
Through all eternity.

The last good joy that Mary had,
It was the joy of seven,
To see her own son Jesus Christ
To wear the crown of heaven.
To wear the crown of heaven, good man,
And blessed may he be,
Both father, son, and holy ghost
Through all eternity.

Words & Music: Traditional English folk carol

Nowell sing we (Exortum Est in Love and Lysse) [setting 1]







Refrain
Nowell sing we, both all and some
Now Rex pacificus is come.
1. Exortum est in love and lysse,
Now Christ His grace He gan us gysse,
And with His body us bought to bliss,
Both all and some. (Refrain)

2. De Fructu ventris of Mary bright,
Both God and man in her alight,
Out of disease He did us dight,
Both all and some. (Refrain)

3. Puer natus to us was sent,
To bliss us bought, fro bale us blent,
Both all and some. (Refrain)

4. Lux fulgebit with love and light,
In Mary mild His pennon pight,
In her took kind with manly might,
Both all and some. (Refrain)

5. Gloria Tibi ay and bliss,
God unto His grace He us wysse,
The rent of heaven that we not miss,
Both all and some. (Refrain)

Mediaeval English Carol (15th century)

Nowell Sing We (Nowel Syng We) [setting 2]



Refrain:
Nowell sing we now all and some
For Rex Pacificus is come
1. In Bethlehem that fair city
A child was born of a maiden free
That shall a Lord and Prince be
a solis ortus cardine

2. Children were slain full great plenty
Jesu for the love of thee
Wherefore their solees saved be
Hostis Herodes impie

3. As the sun shineth through the glass
So Jesu in His Mother was
Thee to serve now grant us grace
O lux beata Trinitus

4. Now God is come to honour us
Now of Mary is born Jesus
Make we merry among us
Exultet coelum laudibus

Mediaeval English Carol (c. 15th century)

15 November 2013

The Lord af first did Adam make





1. The Lord at first did Adam make
Out of the dust and clay,
And in his nostrils breathed life,
E'en as the Scriptures day.
And then in Eden's Paradise
He placed him to dwell,
That he within it should remain
To dress and keep it well.

Chorus.
Now let good Christians all begin
An holy life to live,
And to rejoice and merry be,
For this is Christmas Eve.
2. And then within the garden he
Commanded was to stay,
And unto him in commandment
These words the Lord did say:
The fruit which in the garden grows
To thee shall be for meet,
Except the tree in the midst thereof,
Of which thou shalt not east. (Chorus)

3. For in the day that thou shalt eat,
Or do it them come nigh;
For if that thou doth eat thereof
Then surely thou shalt die.
But Adam he did take no heed
Unto that only thing,
But did transgress God's holy law,
And so was wrapt in sin. (Chorus)

4. Now mark the goodness of the Lord
Which he for mankind bore,
His mercy soon he did extend,
Lost man for to restore;
And then for to redeem our souls
From death and hellish thrall,
He said his own dear son should be
The Saviour of us all. (Chorus)

5. Which promise now is brought to pass,
Christians, believe it well;
And by the coming of God's dear Son
We are redeemed from thrall.
Then if we truly do believe,
And do the thing aright;
Then by his merits we at last
Shall live in Heaven bright. (Chorus)

6. Now for the blessings we enjoy,
Which are from Heaven above,
Let us renounce all wickedness
And live in perfect love.
Then shall we do Christ's own command,
Ev'n his own written word,
And when we die in Heaven shall
Enjoy our living Lord. (Chorus)

7. And now the tide is nigh at hand,
Int' which our Saviour came;
Let us rejoice, and merry be,
In keeping of the same.
Let's feed the poor and hungry souls,
And such as do it crave;
Then when we die, in Heaven sure,
Our reward we shall have. (Chorus)

Historical information: Wikipedia / Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Traditional English Carol

Fantasia on Christmas Carols (Ralph Vaughan Williams)









Historical Information

Composer: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1912)

No Small Wonder (Small Wonder the Star)





1 Small wonder the star.
small wonder the light,
the angels in chorus,
the shepherds in fright;
but stable and manger for God -
no small wonder!

2 Small wonder the kings,
small wonder they bore
the gold and the incense,
the myrrh, to adore;
but God gives his life on a cross -
no small wonder!

3. Small wonder the love,
small wonder the grace,
the power, the glory,
the light of his face;
but all to redeem my poor heart,
no small wonder!

Composer: Paul Edwards (b. 1955)

14 November 2013

Kommet, ihr Hirten (Traditional Bohemian Carol)










See also the English version: The Angels and the Shepherds

1. Kommet, ihr Hirten, ihr Männer und Fraun,
Kommet, das liebliche Kindlein zu schaun,
Christus, der Herr, ist heute geboren,
Den Gott zum Heiland euch hat erkoren.
Fürchtet euch nicht!

2. Lasset uns sehen in Bethlehems Stall,
Was uns verheißen der himmlische Schall;
Was wir dort finden, lasset uns künden,
Lasset uns preisen in frommen Weisen:
Halleluja!

3. Wahrlich, die Engel verkündigen heut
Bethlehems Hirtenvolk gar große Freud:
Nun soll es werden Friede auf Erden,
Den Menschen allen ein Wohlgefallen:
Ehre sei Gott!

See also the English version: The Angels and the Shepherds

Historical Information

Traditional Bohemian Carol

The Angels and the Shepherds (Kommet, ihr Hirten, English)



See also the German original: Kommet, ihr Hirten

1. Shepherds, O hark ye, glad tidings we bring,
Peace and goodwill to the world now we sing;
See in a manger Christ the Anointed,
Whom for your Saviour God hath appointed.
Alleluia.

2. In yonder manger behold now he lies,
Whom angel voices foretold from the skies.
Seeking thy mercy, we kneel before thee,
Singing thy praises, humbly adore thee.
Alleluia.

3. Still through the ages the song doth resound,
Peace and goodwill on the earth shall abound.
Bear we the tidings to every nation,
Born is the Chirst Child for man’s salvation.
Alleluia.

See also the German original: Kommet, ihr Hirten

Historical Information

Kommet, ihr Hirten, Traditional Bohemian Carol

Quittez, pasteurs (arr. John Rutter)





Quittez, pasteurs,
Vos brebis, vos houlettes,
Votre hameau
Et le soin du troupeau;
Changez vos pleurs
En une joie parfaite,
Allez tous adorer
Un Dieu, un Dieu, un Dieu qui vient vous consoler;
Un Dieu, un Dieu, un Dieu qui vient vous consoler.

Vous le verrez
Couché dans une étable,
Comme un enfant
Nu, pauvre languissant;
Reconnaissez
Son amour ineffable
Pour nous venir chercher.
Il est, il est, il est le fidèle berger;
Il est, il est, il est le fidèle berger.

Rois d'Orient
L'étoile vous éclaire;
A ce grand roi
Rendez hommage et foi.
L'astre brillant
Vous mène à la lumière
De ce soleil naissant.
Offrez, offrez, offrez l'or, la myrrhe et l'encens;
Offrez, offrez, offrez l'or, la myrrhe et l'encens.

Esprit divin
À qui tout est possible,
Percez nos coeurs
De vos douces ardeurs;
Notre destin
Par vous devient paisible;
Dieu prétend nous donner
Le ciel, le ciel, le ciel en venant s'incarner;
Le ciel, le ciel, le ciel en venant s'incarner.

Traditional French Carol, arr. John Rutter

13 November 2013

Angels from the Realms of Glory

SETTING 1: arranged by Philip Ledger
 





SETTING 2: arranged by Reginald Jacques





1. Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.

Refrain
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
2. Shepherds, in the field abiding,
Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant light: (Refrain)

3. Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen His natal star. (Refrain)

3. Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear. (Refrain)

4. Sinners, wrung with true repentance,
Doomed for guilt to endless pains,
Justice now revokes the sentence,
Mercy calls you; break your chains. (Refrain)

5. Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down: (Refrain)

6. All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’eternal Three in One. (Refrain)

Historical Information: Wikipedia / Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Words: James Montgomery (1771-1854)
Music: "Les anges dans nos campagnes" (French Carol, 18th century)

Quem Pastores Laudavere





1. Quem pastores laudavere,
quibus angeli dixere,
absit vobis jam timere,
natus est rex gloriæ.

2. Ad quem reges ambulabant,
aurum, thus, myrrham portabant,
immolabant hæc sincere
Leoni victoriæ.

3. Exultemus cum Maria
In cœlesti heirarchia
Natum promat voce pia
Laus honor et gloria.

4. Christo regi, Deo nato,
per Mariam nobis dato,
merito resonet vere
Dulci cum melodia.

Historical Information

Words: 14th century, Hoenforth MS
Music: German, Breslau, 1555

12 November 2013

Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Setting 3: Mack Wilberg)









See also other arrangements by: David Willcocks / Charles Wood

1. Ding dong! merrily on high
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with Angel singing.

Refrain: 
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

2. E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen. (Refrain)

3. Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers. (Refrain)

See also other arrangements by: David Willcocks / Charles Wood

Historical Information: Wikipedia / Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Words:  George Radcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
Music: "Branle de L'Official," in "Orchesographie," (1588), by Jehan Tabourot (1519-1595)

Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Setting 2: David Willcocks)


 

See also other arrangements by: Charles Wood / Mack Willberg

1. Ding dong! merrily on high
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with Angel singing.

Refrain: 
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

2. E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen. (Refrain)

3. Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers. (Refrain)

See also other arrangements by: Charles Wood / Mack Willberg

Historical Information: Wikipedia / Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Words:  George Radcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
Music: "Branle de L'Official," in "Orchesographie," (1588), by Jehan Tabourot (1519-1595)

Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Setting 1: Charles Wood)







 

See also other arrangements by: David Willcocks / Mack Willberg

1. Ding dong! merrily on high
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with Angel singing.

Refrain: 
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

2. E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen. (Refrain)

3. Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers. (Refrain)

See also other arrangements by: David Willcocks / Mack Willberg

Historical Information: Wikipedia / Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Words:  George Radcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
Music: "Branle de L'Official," in "Orchesographie," (1588), by Jehan Tabourot (1519-1595)

11 November 2013

Maria wallt zum Heiligtum (Johannes Eccard)





See also the English version: When to the Temple Mary Went

Maria wallt zum Heiligtum
und bringt ihr Kindlein dar,
das schaut der greise Simeon,
wie ihm verheißen war.
Da nimmt er Jesum in den Arm
und singt im Geiste froh:
Nun fahr' ich hin mit Freud,
dich, Heiland, sah ich heut,
du Trost von Israel, das Licht der Welt.

See also the English version: When to the Temple Mary Went


Composer: Johannes Eccard (1553-1611)

When to the Temple Mary Went (Johannes Eccard)











See also Original German Version: Maria wallt zum Heiligtum

When to the temple Mary went,
And brought the Holy Child,
Him did the aged Simeon see,
As it had been revealed.
He took up Jesus in his arms
And blessing God he said:
In peace I now depart, my Saviour having seen,
The Hope of Israel, the Light of men.

Help now thy servants, gracious Lord,
That we may ever be
As once the faithful Simeon was,
Rejoicing but in Thee;
And when we must from earth departure take,
May gently fall asleep and with Thee wake.

See also Original German Version: Maria wallt zum Heiligtum

Composer: Johannes Eccard (1553-1611)

Sleep! Holy Babe!



Sleep! Holy Babe! upon Thy mother’s breast;
Great Lord of earth and sea and sky,
How sweet it is to see Thee lie
In such a place of rest,
In such a place of rest.

Sleep! Holy Babe! Thine angels watch around,
All bending low with folded wings,
Before th’incarnate King of kings,
In reverent awe profound.
In reverent awe profound.

Sleep! Holy Babe! while I with Mary gaze
In joy upon that face awhile,
Upon the loving infant smile
Which there divinely plays.
Which there divinely plays.

Sleep! Holy Babe! ah! take Thy brief repose;
Too quickly will Thy slumbers break,
And Thou to lengthened pains awake
That death alone shall close,
That death alone shall close.

Historical Information

Words: Edward Caswall (1814-1878)
Music: John B. Dykes (1823-1876), in Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Steiner, Christmas Carols New and Old, First Series (Novello, 1871)

10 November 2013

2003 Carols from King's at King's College, Cambridge




The complete video recording of the carols sung at the recorded-for-TV version, Carols from King's  at King's College, Cambridge.

 This version is broadcast on BBC TV on Christmas Day. There are a few variations in the list of carols sung on this TV version and the live performance at 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2003.

Link: Program Booklet

See also: King's College, Cambridge's Carols from King's from previous years.

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge's recent CD release: Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols

The Shepherd's Carol (Bob Chilcott)









We stood on the hills, Lady,
Our day’s work done,
Watching the frosted meadows
That winter had won.

The evening was calm, Lady,
The air so still,
Silence more lovely than music
Folded the hill.

There was a star, Lady,
Shone in the night,
Larger than Venus it was
And bright, so bright.

Oh, a voice from the sky, Lady,
It seemed to us then
Telling of God being born
In the world of men.

And so we have come, Lady,
Our day’s work done,
Our love, our hopes, ourselves,
We give to your son.

Composer: Bob Chilcott (b. 1956)

Past Three O'Clock





Refrain.
Past three a clock,
And a cold frosty morning,
Past three a clock;
Good morrow, masters all!
1. Born is a Baby,
Gentle as may be,
Son of the eternal
Father supernal. (Refrain.)

2. Seraph quire singeth,
Angel bell ringeth;
Hark how they rime it,
Time it and chime it. (Refrain.)

3. Mid earth rejoices
Hearing such voices
e'ertofore so well
Carolling Nowell. (Refrain.)

4. Hinds o'er the pearly,
Dewy lawn early
Seek the high Stranger
Laid in the manger. (Refrain.)

5. Cheese from the dairy
Bring they for Mary
And, not for money,
Butter and honey. (Refrain.)

6. Light out of star-land
Leadeth from far land
Princes, to meet him,
Worship and greet him. (Refrain.)

7. Myrrh from full coffer,
Incense they offer;
Nor is the golden
Nugget withholden. (Refrain.)

8. Thus they: I pray you,
Up, sirs, nor stay you
Till ye confess him
Likewise and bless him. (Refrain.)

Historical Background

Words: Refrain Traditional, Verses - George Radcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
Music: "London Waits" (Traditional English)

Unto us is born a Son




Unto us is born a Son,
King of quires supernal:
See on earth his life begun,
Of lords the Lord eternal.

Christ, from heaven descending low,
Come on earth a stranger;
Ox and ass their owner know,
Becradled in the manger.

This did Herod sore affray,
And grievously bewilder,
So he gave the word to slay,
And slew the little childer.

Of his love and mercy mild
This the Christmas story;
And O that Mary's gentle child
Might lead us up to glory.

O and A, and A and O,
Cum cantibus in choro,
Let our merry organ go,
Benedicamus Domino.

Historical Information

Words: XV Century Latin, tr. George Radcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
Music: Piae Cantiones

08 November 2013

Videntes Stellam





Videntes stellam
magi gavisi sunt gaudio magno:
et intrantes domum obtulerunt
Domino aurum
thus et myrrham.

Music: Francis Poulenc

God is with us / A Christmas Proclamation (John Tavener)









God is with us.
Hear ye people,
Even to the uttermost end of the earth.
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.
The people that dwell in the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.
For unto us a child is born!
For unto us a son is given!
And the government shall be upon his shoulder,
And his name shall be called Wonderful! Counsellor!
The Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Hear ye people,
Even to the uttermost end of the earth.
God is with us,
Christ is born!

Words: from the Orthodox Great Compline for Christmas Eve
Music: John Tavener (b. 1944)

Drop, Drop, Slow Tears







Drop, drop, slow tears, and bathe those beauteous feet,
which brought from heaven the news and Prince of Peace.

Cease not, wet eyes, his mercies to entreat;
to cry for vengeance sin doth never cease.

In your deep floods drown all my faults and fears;
nor let his eye see sin, but through my tears.

Words: Phineas Fletcher (1582-1650)
Music: Song 46, in G. Wither's The Hymnes and Songs of the Church (London, 1623), by Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625)

06 November 2013

The Cherry Tree Carol (arr. Cleobury)







Joseph was an old man
and an old man was he,
When he wedded Mary,
in the land of Galilee.

Joseph and Mary walked
through an orchard good,
Where was cherries and berries,
so red as any blood.

O then bespoke Mary,
so meek and oh, so mild:
‘Pluck me one cherry, Joseph,
for I am with child.’

O then bespoke Joseph,
with words most unkind:
‘Let him pluck thee a cherry
that brought thee with child.’

O then bespoke the baby,
within his mother’s womb:
‘Bow down then the tallest tree,
for my mother to have some.’

Then bowed down the highest tree
unto his mother’s hand;
Then she cried, ‘See, Joseph,
I have cherries at command.’

O then bespoke Joseph:
‘I have done Mary wrong;
But cheer up, my dearest,
and be ye not cast down.’

Then Mary plucked a cherry,
as red as any blood,
Then Mary she went homewards
all with her heavy load.

Historical Background

Text: English Traditional
Music: Stephen Cleobury

Myn Lyking




I saw a fair mayden sytten and sing
She lulled a little childe, a sweete Lording.

Refrain:
Lullay mye lyking, my dere sonne, my sweeting.
Lully mydere herte, myn own dere derling.

That same Lord is he that made alle thing,
Of alle lord is his is lord, of alle kynges King. (Refrain)

There was mickle melody at that chylde's birth
All that were in heav'nly bliss, they made mickle myrth. (Refrain)

Angels bright sang their song to that chyld;
Blyssid be thou, and so be she, so meek and so mild. (Refrain)

Historical Background

Words: Traditional, 15th Century (Sloane MS 2593)
Music: Richard Ruciman Terry (1865-1938)

03 November 2013

Christians Let Us Love One Another (Tune: PICARDY)







1. Christians let us love one another
as we share the true living bread
Jesus is our God and our brother;
with his flesh and blood we are fed.

Refrain:
Everyone who lives is born of God
Jesus is our life, God is love.
2. We who break this bread are one body,
we who share this cup are all one
Children of our Father in heaven,
we are heirs of God’s only Son. (Refrain)

3. We who eat and drink at this table
die and rise again with our Lord.
Drawing from our rock living water
giv’n to all who thirst for accord. (Refrain)

4. Wheat and grape incarnate a mystery;
Jesus is the true living bread
Let us eat with joy and thanksgiving,
trusting in the word he has said. (Refrain)

5. Jesus is the vine, we the branches;
we are grains of wheat, Christ the bread.
Those who eat this bread live forever,
one with Christ our Lord and our head. (Refrain)

Words: Armand Nigro & Cladia Foltz (1973)
Tune: PICARDY 98.98 + Refrain

02 November 2013

The Voice of God (Tune: TOULON)



The voice of God goes out to all the world;
God's glory speaks across the universe.
The great King's herald cries from star to star:
With power, with justice, he will walk his way.

The Lord has said: 'Receive my messenger,
My promise to the world, my pledge made flesh,
A lamp to every nation, light from light':
With power, with justice, he will walk his way.

The broken reed he will not trample down,
Nor set his heel upon the dying flame.
He binds the wounds, and health is in his hand:
With power, with justice, he will walk his way.

Anointed with the Spirit and with power,
He comes to crown with comfort all the weak,
To show the face of justice to the poor:
With power, with justice, he will walk his way.

His touch will bless the eyes that darkness held,
The lame shall run, the halting tongue shall sing,
And prisoners laugh in light and liberty:
With power, with justice, he will walk his way.

Text: Luke Connaughton (1970)
Tune: TOULON 10.10.10.10 (Genevan Psalter, 1551)

公義、權能正進行 (Tune: TOULON)



See the English Original: The Voice of God

[1] 神發出呼聲廣佈遍全球,
祂神聖光榮充溢滿宇宙。
至高者信息傳揚遍眾星:
公義和權能祂作道路行。

[2] 祂曾說:接待我差傳訊人,
世人得應許,聖道化肉身,
真光照萬民,仰瞻光之光:
公義和權能祂作道路行。

[3] 壓傷的蘆葦祂不會折斷,
將殘的燈光不會吹滅。
祂包裹傷處,祂親手醫治:
公義和權能祂作道路行。

[4] 蒙聖靈膏抹,天父賜大能,
祂普施安慰,勉勵軟弱人,
福音濟貧窮,十架彰正義:
公義和權能祂作道路行。

[5] 瞎子祂撫摸,得重見光明,
跛子再走動,啞巴要唱頌,
囚者獲釋放,歡然得自由:
公義和權能祂作道路行。

See the English Original: The Voice of God


Text: Luke Connaughton (1970)
Tune: TOULON 10.10.10.10 (Genevan Psalter, 1551)

Joshua fit de battle (African American Spiritual)









Joshua fit de battle ob Jericho, Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fit de battle ob Jericho
An’ de walls come tumblin’down.

You may talk about yo’ king ob Gideon
You may talk about yo’ man ob Saul
Dere’s none like good ole Joshua
At de battle ob Jerico

Up to de walls ob Jericho
He marched with spear in han’
“Go blow dem ram horns”, Joshua cried,
“Kase de battle am in my han’.”

Den de lam’ ram sheep begin to blow,
Trumpets begin to soun’
Joshua commanded de children to shout
An’ de walls come tumblin’ down
Dat mornin’

Joshua fit the battle ob Jericho, Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fit de battle ob Jericho
An’ de walls come tumblin’down.

Historical Information

Traditional African American Spiritual
 

01 October 2013

Lift Thine Eyes (Mendelssohn)











Lift Thine eyes, O lift Thine eyes,
to the mountains, whence cometh,
whence cometh, whence cometh help.

Thy help cometh from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
He hath said, thy foot shall not be moved.

Thy Keeper will never slumber,
will never slumber, never slumber.

Lift Thine eyes, O lift Thine eyes,
to the mountains, whence cometh,
whence cometh, whence cometh help.
whence cometh, whence cometh,
whence cometh help.

Composer: Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)

Love is his word





1. Love is his word, Love is his way,
Feasting with kin, fasting alone,
Living and dying, rising again
Love only love is his way.

Refrain:
Richer than gold
Is the love of my Lord.
Better than splendour and wealth.
2. Love is his way, love is his mark,
Sharing his last Passover feast.
Christ at the table, host to the Twelve
Love, only love, is his mark.

3. Love is his mark, love is his sign,
Bread for our strength,
wine for our joy,
This is my body, this is my blood
Love, only love is his sign.

4. Love is his sign, love is his news,
Do this he said Lest you forget
All my deep sorrow, all my dear blood,
Love, only love, is his news.

5. Love is his news, Love is his name,
We are his own, chosen and called,
Family, brethren, cousins and kin.
Love, only love is his name.

6. Love is his name, love is his law,
Hear his command, all who are his,
Love one another, I have loved you
Love, only love, is his law.

7. Love is his law, Love is his word,
Love of the Lord, Father, and Word,
Love of the Spirit, God ever one,
Love, only love, is his word.

Text: Luke Connaughton (1917-1979)
Tune: CRESSWELL 8.8.9.7 + Refrain

30 September 2013

O grâce magnifique (Taizé)



O grâce magnifique,
Dont Dieu seul est l'auteur:
Jésus, son Fils unique,
Est notre Rédempteur!
Etoile matinale
Qui n'a pas son égale
Dans tout le firmament!

O grâce mémorable
Qu'on adore à genoux:
Dieu même est favorable
Aux pécheurs tels que nous!
Au ciel et sur la terre,
Qui pourra nous soustraire
A l'éternel amour?

O grâce salutaire,
Ta force nous confond!
D'un aussi grand mystère,
Qui peut voir jusqu'au fond?
Grâce incompréhensible,
Lumière inaccessible,
Abîme de bonté!

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

25 September 2013

Jésus Christ, ô clarté d'en haut (Свете тихий / Φῶς ἱλαρὸν / Taizé)



Jésus Christ, ô clarté d'en haut,
radieux reflet des gloires du Dieu saint,
Lumière qui viens du ciel éclairer nos sentiers!
Le crépuscule vient, paisible,
le soir sera descen du bientôt sur nous,
Lumière éternelle, nous t'adorons! Gloire à toi, Père saint!
Dieu de clarté, à Jésus ton Fils, au Saint-Esprit.
Nos louanges s'élèvent vers toi, alléluia! Amen.

Φῶς ἱλαρὸν ἁγίας δόξης ἀθανάτου Πατρός, 
οὐρανίου, ἁγίου, μάκαρος,
Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, ἐλθόντες ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλίου δύσιν,
ἰδόντες φῶς ἐσπερινόν, ὑμνοῦμεν Πατέρα,
Υἱόν, καὶ ἅγιον Πνεῦμα, Θεόν.
Ἄξιόν σε ἐν πᾶσι καιροῖς ὑμνεῖσθαι φωναῖς αἰσίαις,
Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ζωὴν ὁ διδούς· διὸ ὁ κόσμος σὲ δοξάζει.

Свете тихий святыя славы,
Безсмертнаго, Отца Небеснаго,
Святаго Блаженнаго, Иисусе Христе!
Пришедше на запад солнца,
видевше свет вечерний, поем Отца,
Сына и Святаго Духа, Бога. Достоин еси
во вся времена пет быти гласы преподобными,
Сыне Божий, живот даяй, темже мир Тя славит.


Jesus Christ, joyful light
of the immortal Father's divine glory in heaven,
the holy and blessed one!
Coming to the hour of sunset,
in the light of evening we sing to the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit, our God. Your are worthy
at all times to be praised by the songs of holy voices,
Son of God, giver of life: the universe sings your glory.


See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

13 September 2013

2000 Carols from King's at King's College, Cambridge




The 2000 Carols from King's at King's College, Cambridge.

Hymn - Once in royal David’s city
Bidding Prayer
Carol - Quem pastores laudavere (arr. John Rutter)
Carol - In dulci jubilo (R.L. Pearsall)
First reading
Carol - Angels from the realms of glory (arr. Philip Ledger)
Carol - In the bleak mid-winter (Harold Darke)
Second reading
Carol - Quittez, pasteurs (arr. Stephen Cleobury)
Hymn - While shepherds watched
Third reading
Carol - Silent night (arr. Stephen Cleobury)
Carol - The Shepherd's Carol (Bob Chilcott)
Fourth reading
Carol - The Angels and the Shepherds (arr. C.H. Trevor)
Carol - Riu, riu, chiu (Mateo Flecha the elder)
Hymn - O little town of Bethlehem
Fifth reading - Luke 2
Carol - The Shepherds' Farewell (Hector Berlioz)
Carol - I wonder as I wander (Carl Rutti)
Sixth reading
Carol - No small wonder (Paul Edwards)
Carol - Sussex Carol (arr. David Willcocks)
Seventh reading
Carol - Gloria in excelsis Deo (Thomas Weelkes)
Hymn - God rest ye merry gentlemen
Blessing
Hymn - Hark! the herald-angels sing
Voluntary - Vom Himmel hoch BWV 606 (JS Bach)
.
The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, directed by Stephen Cleobury
Organ Scholars: Daniel Hyde & Benjamin Byle

See also: King's College, Cambridge's Carols from King's from previous years.

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge's recent CD release: Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols

30 August 2013

Dieu fidèle, Dieu très bon (Taizé)



1. Dieu fidèle, Dieu très bon,
Dieu sauveur, gloire à ton nom !
Jésus vient briser nos fers,
Et les cieux nous sont ouverts.

2. Des peuples qui l'attendaient,
Des saints qui le prédisaient
Les vœux sont enfin remplis:
Dieu nous a donné son Fils.

3. Sois le bienvenu, Seigneur,
Viens habiter dans mon cœurs :
Possèdele désormais
Pour y régner à jamais.

4. O toi qui laissant le ciel
pris pour nous un corps mortel
Viens Jésus, régner en moi
et que je demeure en toi.

5. Je veux t'aimer ici-bas,
jusqu'à l'heure où tu viendras
rassembler ton people élu
qui t'appartient, ô Jésus.

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

26 August 2013

Hymn Do Trójcy Świętej (Hymn to the Holy Trinity / Christopher Tin)




Już słońce wschodzi ogniste
Ty jedność, światło wieczyste
W sercach naszych, Trójco Święta
Rozlej miłość niepojętą
Ciebie my z rana wielbimy
Ciebie wieczorem prosimy
Racz to sprawić byśmy Ciebie
Z Świętymi chwalili w niebie.
Ojcu razem i Synowi
świętemu także duchowi
Jak była, tak niechaj wszędzie
Wieczna chwała zawsze będzie.
Amen
You are the unity, eternal light
In our Hearts, Holy Trinity
spread the inconceivable love.
We adore you in the morning
we beg you in the evening
bring us to you
with the Saints in heaven adored.
Together Father and Son
and the Holy Spirit
As there was, and ever will be
Eternal Glory, always and forever. Amen

From the album, Calling All Dawns

Composer: Christopher Tin (2009)

23 August 2013

Ave Maria (Ellen M. Keating)











Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus,
et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei,
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.

Composer: Ellen M. Keating (b. 1954)

O Spirit, All Embracing (THAXTED)













1 O Spirit, all-embracing and counselor all-wise,
Unbounded splendor gracing a shoreless sea of skies:
Unfailing is your treasure, unfading your reward;
Surpassing worldly pleasure, the riches you afford.
Come, stream of endless flowing, and rescue us from death;
Come, wind of springtime blowing, and warm us by your breath.

2 O Beauty, ever-blazing in flower, field and face,
You show yourself amazing in unexpected place.
We see you and remember what once our dreams had been;
You fan the glowing ember and kindle hope within.
Come, fire of glory gracious, bless all who trust in you;
Undying flame tenacious, burn in your church anew.

3 Come, passion’s power holy, your insight here impart,
And give your servants lowly an understanding heart
To know your care more clearly when faith and love are tried,
To seek you more sincerely when false ideals have died:
For vision we implore you, for wisdom’s pure delight;
In prayer we come before you to wait upon your light.

Text: Delores Dufner (2001)
Tune: THAXTED 13 13 13 13 13 13, by Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

18 August 2013

'Sé an Tiarna m'aoire (Psalm 23 / Gaelic)







Refrain: 'Sé an Tiarna m’aoire, ní bheidh aon nith de dhith orm.

1. Cuireann se i mo luí mé I móinéar fear uaithne.
Seolann sé ar imeall an uisce mé
Mar a bhfaighim suaimhneas.
Seolann sé mé ar rianta díreacha
Mar gheall ar a ainm.

2. Fiú dar súilfainn i ngleann an dorchadais
Níor bhaoil liom an tolc
Agus tú faram le do slat is do bhacall
Chun sólás a thabhairt dom.

Setting of Psalm 23

Composer: Fiontán P Ó Cearbhaill (Fintan O'Carroll), 1922-1981.

17 August 2013

Day is Done, But Love Unfailing (James Quinn)



1. Day is done, but love unfailing
Dwells ever here;
Shadows fall, but hope, prevailing,
Calms every fear.
Loving Father, none forsaking,
Take our hearts, of Love’s own making,
Watch our sleeping, guard our waking,
Be always near.

2. Dark descends, but light unending
Shines through our night;
You are with us, ever lending
New strength to sight:
One in love, your truth confessing,
One in hope of heaven’s blessing,
May we see, in love’s possessing,
Love’s endless light!

3. Eyes will close, but you unsleeping
Watch by our side;
Death may come, in love’s safekeeping
Still we abide
God of love, all evil quelling,
Sin forgiving, fear dispelling,
Stay with us, our hearts indwelling,
This eventide.

Text: James Quinn (b. 1919)
Tune: AR HYD Y NOS 84.84.884 

Give Me Jesus (Jeremy Camp)











In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise

Refrain:
Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Just give me Jesus.
When I am alone,
When I am alone,
When I am alone,
Give me Jesus.

When I come to die,
When I come to die,
When I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

Composer: Jeremy Camp (b. 1978)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.

16 August 2013

Perfect Praise (Oh Lord How Excellent!) [Brenda Joyce Moore]









Oh Lord How excellent! How excellent! How excellent!
How excellent is Thy name

There is none like you, none like you, none like you
Jesus excellent is Thy name

In all the earth, in all the earth, in all the earth
Jesus excellent is Thy name

In all the Earth, in all the earth, in all the earth,
Jesus excellent is Thy name

Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord
Jesus excellent is Thy name

Composer: Brenda Joyce Moore

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.   

Walk Together Children











Walk together children
Don' you get weary
Walk together children
Don't you get weary
Oh, talk together children
Don't you get weary
There's a great camp meeting in the promised land

Sing together children
Don' you get weary
Sing together children
Don't you get weary
Oh, shout together children
Don't you get weary
There's a great camp meeting in the promised land

Gwineter mourn and never tire
Mourn and never tire
Mourn and never tire
There's a great camp meeting in the Promised Land

Traditional African American Spiritual

13 August 2013

God Beyond All Names (Bernadette Farrell)







1. God, beyond our dreams,
you have stirred in us a memory,
you have placed your powerful spirit
in the hearts of humankind.

Refrain:
All around us, we have known you;
all creation lives to hold you,
In our living and our dying
we are bringing you to birth.
2. God, beyond all names,
you have made us in your image,
we are like you, we reflect you,
we are woman, we are man. (Refrain)

3. God, beyond all words,
all creation tells your story,
you have shaken with our laughter,
you have trembled with our tears. (Refrain)

4. God, beyond all time,
you are labouring within us;
we are moving, we are changing,
in your spirit ever new. (Refrain)

5. God of tender care,
you have cradled us in goodness,
you have mothered us in wholeness,
you have loved us into birth. (Refrain)

Composer: Bernadette Farrell 

 See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

12 August 2013

Let nothing trouble you (Bernadette Farrell)



Refrain:
Let nothing trouble you or frighten you.
God alone, God alone, God alone is enough
1. If God builds the house nothing will shake it;
neither the storm nor the raging tide.
For the one who builds lays the foundation;
strong as the earth, deep as the sea.

2. Be God's living stones, building God's temple;
shelter of light, with an open door.
Be the dwelling place of God's compassion;
where there is love, God will be there.

Composer: Bernadette Farrell 

 See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

Restless is the Heart (Bernadette Farrell)











Refrain:
Restless is the heart until it comes to rest in you.
All the earth shall remember and return to our God.
1. Lord, you have been our refuge through all time,
from one generation to the next;
before the mountains were born, or the earth brought forth,
you are God, without beginning or end.

2. To your eyes a thousand years are like a day,
no more than a watch in the night.
You sweep us away like a dream,
like the grass that springs green in the morning, but faded by night.

3. Make us know our life’s shortness
that we may gain true wisdom of heart.
In the morning, fill us with your love.

Paraphrase of Psalm 90

Composer: Bernadette Farrell 

 See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

Unless a Grain of Wheat (Bernadette Farrell)







Refrain
Unless a grain of wheat shall fall
upon the ground and die,
It remains but a single grain with no life.
1. If we have died with him, then we shall live with him;
if we hold firm, we shall reign with him.

2. If any one serves me, then they must follow me;
wherever I am, my servants will be.

3. Make your home in me as I make mine in you;
those who remain in me bear much fruit.

4. If you remain in me and my word lives in you;
then you will be my disciples.

5. Those who love me are loved by my Father;
we shall be with them and dwell in them.

6. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you;
peace which the world can-not give is my gift.

Composer: Bernadette Farrell (1983)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.