Notes on the Notes – Blue Christmas Service – Dec. 21, 2015
“The First Nowell”
“The first Nowell the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay a-keeping their sheep
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel…”
This traditional text likely dates from the 17th century or earlier. It was published in 1823 in a book of old English carols. The tune, a traditional West Country melody, may be a fragment of an older English carol melody. We will be using a setting by Lisa Kimmey Bragg.
Hear an instrumental version at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK__MMns3wI
“Calm me, Lord”
“Calm me, Lord, as you calmed the storm;
Still me, Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all the tumult within me cease;
Enfold me, Lord,
Enfold me in your peace.”
This centering song is taken from the collection “Sing the Story.” The words are by David Adam with music by Margaret Rizza (1998).
“When the Wind of Winter Blows (Warm the Time of Winter)”
“When the wind of winter blows,
Bringing times of solitude,
Fill the silent icy night;
Be our hearts’ compassion.
Holy Light, warm our night;
Warm the time of winter.
When we shiver in despair,
When the chill of death comes near,
Hold us, Spirit, calm our fear,
While the evening deepens.
Holy Light, warm our night;
Warm the time of winter.
When in days of fallen snow,
Change confounds or love burns low,
From the ashes may there rise
Phoenix of our growing.
Holy Light, warm our night;
Warm the time of winter.”
This beautifully haunting song
has words by Ruth Duck (1992) and music by Lori True (2000).
“Be the Centre”
“Jesus, be the centre,
Be my source, be my light, Jesus.
Jesus, be the centre,
Be my hope, be my song, Jesus.
Be the fire in my heart,
Be the wind in these sails,
Be the reason that I live, Jesus, Jesus.
Jesus, be my vision,
Be my path, be my guide, Jesus.
Be the fire in my heart,
Be the wind in these sails,
Be the reason that I live, Jesus, Jesus.
Be the fire in my heart,
Be the wind in these sails,
Be the reason that I live, Jesus, Jesus.”
The words and music for this song are by Michael Frye (1999).
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