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To listen to the Audio tracks, download Quick Time for Mac here
or download Quick Time for PC here.
Permission is given by the author/composer for these hymns to be copied out in any number,
and to be sung in all non-commercial situations.
Communication is most welcome: billflanders@earthlink.net
Words by Reginald Heber
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining,
Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Savior of all.
Shall we then yield him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Edom and offerings devine,
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would his favor secure,
Richer by far is the heart’s adoration,
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor. |
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| ONCE MORE THE ADVENT CANDLES BURN |
Once more the Advent candles burn.
For new, for fuller life we yearn.
Let music cast a hopeful spell:
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”
We sing. We sing.
A verse that once Isaiah wrote,
Saint Matthew in his time would quote:
“A child shall be conceived and birthed,
A blessing giv’n to all the earth.”
We hear. We hear.
His name Emmanuel would be:
God with us, God with you and me!
So is the birth of Jesus told.
And, as in years and centuries old,
We tell. We tell.
But this we often fail to say:
That God is with us every day,
With us and with all human kind,
Has been and will be through all time.
We fail. We fail.
Emmanuel! Great boundless name!
All exclusivity is vain.
To us, and to all others, come.
Each, in our way, finding a home.
We pray. We pray.
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Sing then, Noel!
Relive the ancient birth.
Sing then loud, Noel!
Proclaim it o’er the earth.
Life surges on,
responding to its call,
And one child born to love
is one child born for all.
Sing then, Noel!
the world must hear again.
Sing then loud, Noel!
Break through the noise of men.
Life may be drowned
in waves our fears create.
A child conceived in love
may live consumed by hate.
Sing then, Noel!
for birth awaits us, too.
Sing then loud, Noel!
May trust be born anew.
May cares that have died
in seasons of neglect
Revive and fuel our lives,
confirm our self respect.
Sing then, Noel!
Relive the ancient birth.
Sing then loud, Noel!
Proclaim it o’er the earth.
Life surges on
responding to its call,
And one child born to love
is one child born for all.
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Born is a baby, look where we can.
Born is a baby: God, woman, man.
Passion of heaven, passion of earth,
Given together, giving this birth
Destined for us before time began.
Born is a baby: God, woman, man.
Born is a baby, look where he lies.
Born in a stable: straw, cattle, flies.
Sorry conditions, sorry and stark.
Love’s intuitions nursed through the dark.
Hope for the world without any plan.
Born is a baby: God, woman, man.
Born is a baby, look what he brings.
Born to be followed: stars, shepherds, kings.
Turning of history, turning of time.
Each birth a mystery; this birth the sign
Reaching to us in one faithful span.
Born is a baby: God, woman, man.
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