On the Eleventh Day of Christmas: This is He whom Seers in Old Time

A few years back I attended Music of the Baroque's "Holiday" concert. It featured music from the Renaissance and earlier. These early Christian texts were far more focused on the incarnation, "the Word Became flesh," than they were on the story of a baby in a manger.

Corde natus ex parentis, or "Of the Father's Love Begotten" was written in the 5th century by Au­rel­i­us Pru­den­ti­us. Rather than focusing on the historical account, Prudentius gives us details on the means and purpose and background of the Messiah's coming.

Since there are more verses than are found in most hymnals, the English and Latin texts are taken from the original Cyber Hymnal, now found at www.hymntime.com. The English text has the addition of "evermore and evermore" at the end of each stanza, so the Latin phrase, "saeculorum saeculis" has been added below.

If you listen to just one of these settings, take the last one, which combines the ancient chant with a modern South African freedom song.

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Fred Gramann: Change Ring Prelude on Divinum Mysterium
Back Bay Ringers

~~~

Corde natus ex parentis
Ante mundi exordium
A et O cognominatus,
Ipse fons et clausula
Omnium quae sunt, fuerunt,
Quaeque post futura sunt,
Saeculorum saeculis.

Of the Father’s love begotten,
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see,
Evermore and evermore!


Paul Wohlgemuth: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Baylor University Combined Choirs

~~~

Ipse iussit et creata,
Dixit ipse et facta sunt,
Terra, caelum, fossa ponti,
Trina rerum machina,
Quaeque in his vigent sub alto
Solis et lunae globo,
Saeculorum saeculis.

At His Word the worlds were framèd;
He commanded; it was done:
Heaven and earth and depths of ocean
in their threefold order one;
All that grows beneath the shining
Of the moon and burning sun,
Evermore and evermore!


Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Musaic

~~~

Corporis formam caduci,
Membra morti obnoxia
Induit, ne gens periret
Primoplasti ex germine,
Merserat quem lex profundo
Noxialis tartaro,
Saeculorum saeculis.

He is found in human fashion,
Death and sorrow here to know,
That the race of Adam’s children
Doomed by law to endless woe,
May not henceforth die and perish
In the dreadful gulf below
Evermore and evermore!


"BrotherAlphonsusMary" sings without accompaniment

~~~

O beatus ortus ille,
Virgo cum puerpera
Edidit nostram salutem,
Feta Sancto Spiritu,
Et puer redemptor orbis
Os sacratum protulit,
Saeculorum saeculis.

O that birth forever blessèd,
When the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving,
Bare the Savior of our race;
And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face,
Evermore and evermore!


Wilbur Held: Divinum Mysterium
"Heavyvoxes"

~~~

Psallat altitudo caeli,
Psallite omnes angeli,
Quidquid est virtutis usquam
Psallat in laudem Dei,
Nulla linguarum silescat,
Vox et omnis consonet,
Saeculorum saeculis.

This is He whom seers in old time
Chanted of with one accord;
Whom the voices of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word;
Now He shines, the long expected,
Let creation praise its Lord,
Evermore and evermore!


Justin Merritt: Corde Natus ex Parentis
Arizona State Symphonic Choir

~~~

Ecce, quem vates vetustis
Concinebant saeculis,
Quem prophetarum fideles
Paginae spoponderant,
Emicat promissus olim;
Cuncta conlaudent eum,
Saeculorum saeculis.

O ye heights of heaven adore Him;
Angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him,
And extol our God and King!
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert sing,
Evermore and evermore!


Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
The Sons of Orpheus

~~~

Macte iudex mortuorum,
Macte rex viventium,
Dexter in Parentis arce
Qui cluis virtutibus,
Omnium venturus inde
Iustus ultor criminum,
Saeculorum saeculis.

Righteous judge of souls departed,
Righteous King of them that live,
On the Father’s throne exalted
None in might with Thee may strive;
Who at last in vengeance coming
Sinners from Thy face shalt drive,
Evermore and evermore!


Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Santa Barbara High School Madrigals

~~~

Te senes et te iuventus,
Parvulorum te chorus,
Turba matrum, virginumque,
Simplices puellulae,
Voce concordes pudicis
Perstrepant concentibus,
Saeculorum saeculis.

Thee let old men, thee let young men,
Thee let boys in chorus sing;
Matrons, virgins, little maidens,
With glad voices answering:
Let their guileless songs re-echo,
And the heart its music bring,
Evermore and evermore!


Unknown: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Cool Springs Symphony

~~~

Tibi, Christe, sit cum Patre
Hagioque Pneumate
Hymnus, decus, laus perennis,
Gratiarum actio,
Honor, virtus, victoria,
Regnum aeternaliter,
Saeculorum saeculis.

Christ, to Thee with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving,
And unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory,
Evermore and evermore!


Sean Ivory and Paul Caldwell: Hope for Resolution
[Of the Father's Love Begotten
with Thula sizwe,
a South African Freedom Song]
Lutheran Youth Choir of North America

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On the Tenth Day of Christmas: We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth

The Hymn of the Day for Christmas Day is LSB 382, "We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth." Not your typical Christmas carol, the text comes from Martin Luther and the tune from a publication in Erfurt in 1524.

Many carols come from the folk tradition. They often confuse the star with the shepherds or the angels with the wise men. They place the birth of Jesus in snow-covered Bethlehem. BTW, the 5-day forecast for Bethlehem shows highs in the mid 60's and lows in the mid 40's. It is possible for Bethlehem to get snow (rare-but possible) but Scripture does not tell us this.

Once in awhile, a carol comes along that is chock full of theology. Luther does not disappoint on this front! Below is the translation that is in public domain. Check out Lutheran Service Book #382 for an alternate translation.

The recordings that include the lyrics are in German. It should be noted that the final phrase in the German isn't "Hallelujah" but Kyrieleis. Short for the Greek phrase, Kyrie eleison, the meaning is "Lord, have mercy." This changes the tone of the hymn. The proper translation is placed in brackets after each verse.

Georg Böhm: Choral Partita, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Simone Stella, organist

~~~

O Jesu Christ, all praise to Thee,
Who art pleased a Man to be;
The virgin’s womb Thou dost not scorn,
And angels shout to see Thee born.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


Dietrich Buxtehude: BuxWV 188, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Christoph Claus, organist

~~~

The eternal Father’s only Son
Takes a manger for His throne;
The everlasting fount of good,
Assumes our mortal flesh and blood.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


Michael Praetorius: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Performers are not known

~~~

The first of all in earth or skies
Now in Mary’s bosom lies;
To be a little child He deigns,
Who all things by Himself sustains.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


Various Composers: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Giovanni Vianini, organist

~~~

The eternal Light to us descends,
And to earth its brightness lends;
Purely it shines upon our night,
To make us children of the light.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


JS Bach: BWV 91, Nr. 6, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Recital das Classes de Canto Coral 2009/II
do curso de Música da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

~~~

The only Son, true God confessed,
Comes to His own world a guest;
And through this vale of tears our Guide,
Doth in His Heaven our home provide.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


Melchior Schärer (circa 1600): Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Der Singkreis Zell am See
Rainer Straub conducting

~~~

In poorest guise to us He came,
Taking all our sin and shame,
That, as His heirs in Heaven above,
We may with angels share His love.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


JS Bach: BWV 248(?) Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Der Bachchor Siegen mit Bachorchester Siegen
Ulrich Stötzel

~~~

His love to show, surpassing thought!
He this wondrous work hath wrought;
Then let us all unite to raise
Our song of glad unceasing praise.
Hallelujah!
[Lord, have mercy!]


JS Bach: BWV 604, Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
Tien-Ming PAN, Organist

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On the Ninth Day of Christmas: Be Near Me, Lord Jesus

Philharmonia Orchestra, UK

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus lays down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky look down where he lay;
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.


St. John's College Choir

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes;
I love Thee Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And say by my side until morning is nigh.


King's College Choir

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me I pray;
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.


Anthony Deaton, guitar

On the Eighth Day of Christmas: How Sweet the Name!

The Eighth Day of a boy's life in ancient Jewish life was marked by his circumcision and naming. The Church celebrates this event in Jesus life on January 1 (eight days after she celebrates His birth).

"How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds" was written by John Newton. You might know him as the man who wrote Amazing Grace. Lutheran Service Book and its predecessor hymnals pair this text with the tune "Saint Peter." A quick youtube search reveals other tunes have been paired to this text throughout the years.

Tune: St. Peter

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.


Tune: St. Peter

It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
’Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary, rest.


Tune: St. Peter

Dear Name, the Rock on which I build,
My Shield and Hiding Place,
My never failing treasury, filled
With boundless stores of grace!


Tune: Shape Note Melody

By Thee my prayers acceptance gain,
Although with sin defiled;
Satan accuses me in vain,
And I am owned a child.


Tune: Edelweiss
[Yes, that "Edelweiss"]

Jesus! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,
O Prophet, Priest and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.


Tune: St. Peter

Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see Thee as Thou art,
I’ll praise Thee as I ought.


Tune: Shape Note Melody

Till then I would Thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath,
And may the music of Thy Name
Refresh my soul in death!


Tune: St. Peter

On the Seventh Day of Christmas: Unto Us a Child Is Born

Jesaia, dem Propheten, das geschah,
Dass er im Geist den Herren sitzen sah
Auf einem hohen Thron, in hellem Glanz,
Seines Kleides Saum den Chor füllet ganz.
Es stunden zween Seraph bei ihm daran,
Sechs Fluegel sah er eineu jeden han;
Mit zween verbargen sie ihr Antlitz klar,
Mit zween bedeckten sie die Füsse gar,
Und mit den andern zween sie flogen frei;
Gen ander ruften sie mit grossem G’schrei:
“Heilig ist Gott, der Herre Zebaoth!
Heilig ist Gott, der Herre Zebaoth!
Heilig ist Gott, der Herre Zebaoth!
Sein’ Ehr’ die ganze Welt erfüllet hat!”
Von dem G’schrei zittert Schwell’ und Balken gar,
Das Haus auch ganz voll Rauch und Nebel war.

~~~

Isaiah, mighty seer, in days of old
The Lord of all in spirit did behold
High on a lofty throne, in splendor bright,
With flowing train that filled the temple quite.
Above the throne were stately seraphim;
Six wings had they, these messengers of Him.
With twain they veiled their faces, as was meet,
With twain in reverent awe they hid their feet,
And with the other twain aloft they soared,
One to the other called and praised the Lord:
"Holy is God, the Lord of Sabaoth!
Holy is God, the Lord of Sabaoth!
Holy is God, the Lord of Sabaoth!
Behold, His glory filleth all the earth!"
The beams and lintels trembled at the cry,
And clouds of smoke enwrapped the throne on high.

~~~~~


Praetorius: Mass for Christmas Morning
Jesaia Dem Propheten with Puer Nobis nascitur

~~~~~

Puer nobis nascitur
Rector angelorum;
In hoc mundo pascitur
Dominus dominorum.

In præsepe ponitur
Sub fœno asinorum.
Cognoverunt dominum
Christum regem cœlorum.

Hinc Herodes timuit -
Magno cum dolore,
Et pueros occidit,
Infantes cum livore.

Qui natus est ex Marie -
Die hodierna
Ducat nos cum gratia
Ad gaudia superna.

O et A et A et O
Cum cantibus in choro,
Cum canticis et organo,
Benedicamus domino.

~~~

Unto us a Child is born,
Christians, hear the story;
In this world our flesh is worn,
By Christ, the Lord of glory.

In a manger He is laid,
Where the kine are sleeping;
Angels recognize their Lord,
And o'er Him watch are keeping,

Haughty Herod trembles now,
Great his fear and sorrow;
Bethl'em's Infants he will slay
Before the dawn to-morrow.

Jesu, born of Virgin Maid,
In Thy visitation
Shew Thy mercy, Lord, on us,
And grand us Thy salvation.

Alpha and Omega, Thine
Be this day our chorus;
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
Now let Thy grace be o'er us.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas: The Children Sing

Here is a children's Christmas service from Grace Lutheran Church in Dyer, Indiana. The pastor of this congregation is Christopher Gillespie. Check out his blog, Outer Rim Territories.

Part I


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Part II

On the Fifth Day of Christmas: Commemoration of David

With the release of Lutheran Service Book came new commemorations. Patterned after the Eastern Orthodox, although not celebrated on the same day, Lutherans now commemorate persons from the Old Testament. The Commemoration of David falls on December 29th on the new calendar.

David's Lamentation is an early American composition by William Billings (1746-1800). Billings was self-taught, and some of his music sounds to me like it was written on horseback! That said, Billings had his own style, and I can appreciate that.

The work is about David's reaction to the death of his son Absolem. A PDF file of this song may be found here.

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William Billings: David's Lamentation
Camerata ad Libitum Workshop Choir

David the king was grieved and wounded,
he went to his chamber, his chamber and wept.
And as he went, he wept and said,

O my son!
O my son!
Would to God I had died,
Would to God I had died,
Would to God I had died for thee,
O Absolem, my son, my son!