And I saw a new heaven (Edgar Bainton)

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:
for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away;
and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city,
new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Text: Revelation 21:1-4
Music: Edgar Bainton (1880-1956)

The "O" Antiphons: 23 December -- O Emmanuel (plainchant / Hallock)

O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, expectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos, Domine, Deus noster. O Emmanuel, our king and lawgiver, the desire of all nations and their salvation: come and save us, O Lord our God. Latin: plainchant English: Peter Hallock, 1986

The "O" Antiphons: 22 December -- O Rex Gentium / O King of Nations (plainchant / Hallock)

O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti. O King of Nations, and their desire, you are the cornerstone that binds two into one: Come and save the creature, whom you have fashioned from clay. Latin: plainchant English: Peter Hallock, 1986

The "O" Antiphons: 21 December -- O Oriens / O Rising Dawn (plainchant / Hallock)

O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol iustitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris, et umbra mortis. O Rising Dawn, brightness of the light eternal, sun of righteousness: come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Latin: plainchant English: Peter Hallock, 1986

I Wonder As I Wander (Appalachia/USA)

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander out under the sky

When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all
But high from God's heaven, a star's light did fall
And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing
A star in the sky or a bird on the wing
Or all of God's Angels in heaven to sing
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander out under the sky

Appalachian folk carol, adapted/expanded by John Jacob Niles

The "O" Antiphons: 20 December -- O Clavis David/O Key of David (plainchant / Hallock)

O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel;
qui aperis, et nemo claudit;
claudis, et nemo aperit:
veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris,
sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

O Key of David, and sceptre of the house of Israel;
you open and no one closes;
you close and no one opens:
come and deliver us from the chains of prison,
we who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

Latin: plainchant
English: Peter Hallock, 1986

The "O" Antiphons: 19 December -- O Radix Jesse/O Root of Jesse (plainchant / Hallock)

O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum,
super quem continebunt reges os suum,
quem Gentes deprecabuntur:
veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare.

O Root of Jesse, you stand as an ensign to the people;
before you kings shall keep silence,
all nations bow in worship:
come and save us, and do not delay.

Latin: plainchant
English: Peter Hallock (1986)

The "O" Antiphons: 18 December -- "O Adonai" (plainchant / Hallock)

O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel,
qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti,
et ei in Sina legem dedisti:
veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento.

O Adonai, ruler of the House of Israel,
you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush:
on Mount Sinai you gave him your law:
with outsretched arm, come and redeem us.

Latin: plainchant
English: Peter Hallock, 1986

The "O" Antiphons: 17 December -- O Sapientia (plainchant) / O Wisdom (Hallock)

O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodisti,
attingens a fine usque ad finem,
fortiter suaviter disponensque omnia:
veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.

O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High,
and reach from one end of the earth to the other,
mightily and sweetly ordering all things:
come and teach us the way of prudence.

Latin: plainchant
English: Peter Hallock (1986)

Jesus Christ, The Apple Tree (England)

The tree of life my soul hath seen
Laden with fruit and always green
The tree of life my soul hath seen
Laden with fruit and always green
The trees of nature fruitless be
Compared with Christ the applle tree

His beauty doth all things excel
By faith I know but ne'er can tell
His beauty doth all things excel
By faith I know but ne'er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In Jesus Christ the apple tree.

For happiness I long have sought
And pleasure dearly I have bought
For happiness I long have sought
And pleasure dearly I have bought
I missed of all but now I see
'Tis found in Christ the apple tree.

I'm weary with my former toil
Here I will sit and rest a while
I'm weary with my former toil
Here I will sit and rest a while
Under the shadow I will be
Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

This fruit does make my soul to thrive
It keeps my dying faith alive
This fruit does make my soul to thrive
It keeps my dying faith alive
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.

Words: Joshua Smith (1784)
Music: Elizabeth Poston

Night of Silence

Cold are the people, Winter of life,
We tremble in shadows this cold endless night,
Frozen in the snow lie roses sleeping,
Flowers that will echo the sunrise,
Fire of hope is our only warmth,
Weary, its flame will be dying soon.

Voice in the distance, call in the night,
On wind you enfold us you speak of the light,
Gentle on the ear you whisper softly,
Rumors of a dawn so embracing,
Breathless love awaits darkened souls,
Soon will we know of the morning.

Spirit among us, Shine like the star,
Your light that guides shepherds and kings from afar,
Shimmer in the sky so empty, lonely,
Rising in the warmth of your Son's love,
Star unknowing of night and day,
Spirit we wait for your loving Son.

Composer: Daniel Kantor (1984)

People Look East

 










1. People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way.

2. Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,
One more seed is planted there:
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
That in course the flower may flourish.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the rose, is on the way.

3. Birds, though you long have ceased to build,
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen
God for fledging time has chosen.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the bird, is on the way.

4. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the star, is on the way.

5. Angels, announce with shouts of mirth
Christ who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming
With the word, the Lord is coming.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Lord, is on the way.

Text: Eleanor Farjeon (1928)
Tune: BESANCON, 87.98.87

Carol of the Stranger

Peace and grace be to this house
Where all are welcomed in;
Receive the guest, receive this heart:
Tell the Stranger, tell.

Tell the Stranger what you cannot tell
Those who love you and desire your joy:
Tell.

Make tall your walls, make long these beams,
Who once believed alone;
Make wide the circle, feed the fire:
Tell the Silence, tell.

Tell the Silence what you cannot tell
Those who love you and desire your joy.
Tell.

Blessings be upon this place,
Let every wound be healed,
Let every secret, every dream:
Tell the Angel, tell.

Tell the Angel what you cannot tell
Those who love you and desire your joy.
Tell.

Peace and grace be to this house,
All will be returned;
Let every soul be called your own,
Tell the Mystery, tell.

Tell the Mystery what you long to tell
Those who love you and desire your joy.
Tell.

Text: Michael Dennis Browne
Music: Abbie Betinis

Advent Matin Responsory (I Look From Afar)

V: I look from afar:
R: And lo, I see the power of God coming, and a cloud covering the whole earth.

V: Go ye out to meet him and say:
R: Tell us, art thou he that should come to reign over thy people Israel?

V: High and low, rich and poor, One with another,
R: Go ye out to meet him and say:

V: Hear, O thou shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep.
R: Tell us, art thou he that should come?

V: Stir up thy strength, O Lord, and come
R: To reign over thy people Israel.

V: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R: I look from afar: and lo, I see the power of God coming, and a cloud covering the whole earth.

V: Go ye out to meet him and say:
R: Tell us, art thou he that should come to reign over thy people Israel?

O Holy Night

See also the French original: Minuit Chrétiens

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

See also the French original: Minuit Chrétiens

Text: Placide Cappeau (1808–1877), trans. John Sullivan Dwight (1813-1893)
Music: Adolphe Adam (1847)

Canticle of the Turning (My Soul Cries Out With A Joyful Shout)

My soul cries out with a joyful shout
that the God of my heart is great,
And my spirit sings of the wondrous things
that you bring to the one who waits.
You fixed your sight on the servant's plight,
and my weakness you did not spurn,
So from east to west shall my name be blest.
Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain:

My heart shall sing of the day you bring.
Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears,
For the dawn draws near,
And the world is about to turn.

Though I am small, my God, my all,
you work great things in me.
And your mercy will last from the depths of the past
to the end of the age to be.
Your very name puts the proud to shame,
and those who would for you yearn,
You will show your might, put the strong to flight,
for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

From the halls of power to the fortress tower,
not a stone will be left on stone.
Let the king beware for your justice tears
every tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more,
for the food they can never earn;
These are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed,
for the world is about to turn. (Refrain)

Though the nations rage from age to age,
we remember who holds us fast:
God's mercy must deliver us
from the conqueror's crushing grasp.
This saving word that our forbears heard
is the promise that holds us bound,
'Til the spear and rod be crushed by God,
who is turning the world around. (Refrain)

Paraphrase of Luke 1:46-58 (Magnificat)

Words: Rory Cooney (1990)
Music: STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN (Irish Traditional Folk Song)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

Huron Carol/Iesus Ahattonnia (Huron/Wendat, Canada)

VERSION I: ORIGINAL WENDAT


VERSION II: ORIGINAL WENDAT/FRENCH/ENGLISH LITERAL




VERSION III: ENGLISH PARAPHRASE BY J.E. MIDDLETON (1923)




Huron/Wendat Original:

Ehstehn yayau deh tsaun we yisus ahattonnia
O na wateh wado:kwi nonnwa 'ndasqua entai
ehnau sherskwa trivota nonnwa 'ndi yaun rashata
Iesus Ahattonnia, Ahattonnia, Iesus Ahattonnia

Ayoki onki hm-ashe eran yayeh raunnaun
yauntaun kanntatya hm-deh 'ndyaun sehnsatoa ronnyaun
Waria hnawakweh tond Yosehf sataunn haronnyaun
Iesus Ahattonnia, Ahattonnia, Iesus Ahattonnia

Asheh kaunnta horraskwa deh ha tirri gwames
Tishyaun ayau ha'ndeh ta aun hwa ashya a ha trreh
aundata:kwa Tishyaun yayaun yaun n-dehta
Iesus Ahattonnia, Ahattonnia, Iesus Ahattonnia

Dau yishyeh sta atyaun errdautau 'ndi Yisus
avwa tateh dn-deh Tishyaun stanshi teya wennyau
aha yaunna torrehntehn yataun katsyaun skehnn
Iesus Ahattonnia, Ahattonnia, Iesus Ahattonnia

Eyeh kwata tehnaunnte aheh kwashyehn ayehn
kiyeh kwanaun aukwayaun dehtsaun we 'ndeh adeh
tarrya diskwann aunkwe yishyehr eya ke naun sta
Iesus Ahattonnia, Ahattonnia, Iesus Ahattonnia

French Lyrics (as sung in the YouTube videoclip):

Chrétiens, prenez courage, Jésus Sauveur est né!
Du malin les ouvrages à jamais sont ruinés.
Quand il chante merveille à ces troublants âppats
Ne prêtez plus l'oreille: Jésus est né. Jesous ahatonhia.

Oyez cette nouvelle, dont un ange est porteur!
Oyez! Âmes fidèles, et dilatez vos coeurs.
La Vierge dans l'étable entoure de ses bras
L'Enfant-Dieu adorable: Jésus est né. Jesous ahatonhia

English Lyrics (as sung in the YouTube videoclip):

Let Christian men take heart today
The devil's rule is done;
Let no man heed the devil more,
For Jesus Christ is come
But hear ye all what angels sing:
How Mary Maid bore Jesus King.
Jesous ahatonhia.
Jesus is born. Jesous ahatonhia.

Three chieftains saw before Noël
A star as bright as day;
"So fair a sign," the chieftains said,
"Shall lead us where it may."
For Jesu told the chieftains three:
"The star will bring you here to me."
Jesous ahatonhia. Jesus is born.
Jesous ahatonhia.


VERSION II: ENGLISH PARAPHRASE BY JESSE EDGAR MIDDLETON (1926):
Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled
That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim and wondering hunters heard the hymn,
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

Within a lodge of broken bark the tender babe was found;
A ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped his beauty round
But as the hunter braves drew nigh the angel song rang loud and high
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

The earliest moon of wintertime is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory on the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before him knelt with gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.

O children of the forest free, O seed of Manitou
The holy Child of earth and heaven is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant boy who brings you beauty peace and joy.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, in excelsis gloria.


Words: Jean de Brébeuf, S.J. (1643)
Music: Traditional French

Easter from King's 2016

In a tradition dating from 2004 the renown King's College Choir presents Easter from Kings, Passiontide to Easter Day for 2016 from the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge.

See also - Easter from King's from previous years:

• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011

Easter from King's - Choir of King's College, Cambridge

Choir of King's College Cambridge - Easter from King's: Passiontide to Easter Day

• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012
• 2011

Blessed be that Maid Mary

Blessed be that maid Marie;
Born he was of her body;
Very God ere time began,
Born in time the Son of Man.
Eya! Ihesus hodie
Natus est de Virgine.

In a manger of an ass
Jesu lay and lullèd was;
Born to die upon the Tree
Pro pecante homine.
Eya! Ihesus hodie
Natus est de Virgine.

Seet and blissful was the song
Chanted of the angel throng;
'Peace on earth, alleluya!
In excelsis gloria.'
Eya! Ihesus hodie
Natus est de Virgine.

Fare three kings from far-off land,
Incense, gold, and myrrh in hand;
In Bethlem the Babe they see,
Stelle ducti lumine.
Eya! Ihesus hodie
Natus est de Virgine.

Make we merry on this fest,
In quo Christus natus est;
On this Child I pray you call,
To assoil and save us all.
Eya! Ihesus hodie
Natus est de Virgine.

Text: 15th century English Carol from MS. Sloan 2593, fol. 51, v0
Tune: arr. Stephen Cleobury