Notes on the Notes – January 2, 2022

Epiphany

This week’s music: 

“Arise, Your Light is Come!” (VU # 79 v. 1)

“Arise, your light is come!  The Spirit’s call obey;
Show forth the glory of your God, which shines on you today.” 

The lyrics for this hymn are inspired by words found in the book of Isaiah and written by Ruth Duck in 1974.  We will be using the first verse as our response to the lighting of the Christ candle.  The tune, FESTIVAL SONG was first published in 1872 in a hymn book for the Episcopal Church of the USA called Hymnal with Tunes Old and New.

“Will You Come and See the Light” (VU #96 v. 1, 2, 5)

“Will you come and see the light from the stable door?
It is shining newly bright, though it shone before.
It will be your guiding star, it will show you who you are;
Will you hide, or decide to meet the light?

Will you step into the light that can free the slave?
It will stand for what is right, it will heal and save.
By the pyramids of greed there’s a longing to be freed;
Will you hide, or decide to meet the light?

Will you travel by the light of the babe new born?
In the candle lit at night there’s a gleam of dawn,
And the darkness all about is too dim to put it out;
Will you hide, or decide to meet the light?”

Brian Wren has called upon his experience working for Third World aid and development projects to write this hymn, which is an invitation in song.  He chose the Scottish fold tune KELVINGROVE as the setting for his text.  It was arranged by Valerie Ruddle, a British music teacher, composer and author.  The first three lines of each verse describe Jesus – the light – and what it means to be a follower.   First we are challenged to see, then step into, and finally, to travel by the light as we journey through our lives. The final line of each verse is both a challenge and an invitation for each of us as we move through the season of Epiphany.

“The First Nowell” (VU #91 v. 1, 2, 3)

“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, Nowell, Nowell,  born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star, shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star three wisemen came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.”

Since medieval times, telling the story of the birth of Christ in song has been an important tradition, especially in the Western Church. “Nowell,” the English transliteration of the word “noel”, comes from the old French “nouel,” which is now written in modern French as “noël.” The derivation of this word probably comes from the earlier Latin term “natalis,” relating to a birth. Some suggest that “noel” is also related to “novellare” or “nouvelle” meaning “new” – something to tell.   In modern times, the words “nowel” and “noel” are used interchangeably to mean “Christmas.”

“The First Nowell” probably extends back to the 17th century in its oral form, but it was published first in Some Ancient Christmas Carols in 1823.  It appeared originally in nine stanzas, five of which are common in most hymnals. Though the angels’ appearance to the shepherds (Luke 2:1-20) is the subject of the first stanza, most of the carol focuses on the journey of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12), giving an overall feeling of Epiphany. We will be using the first three verses of the hymn this week.

The tune, a traditional West Country melody, may be a fragment of an older English carol melody.  Sir John Stainer (1840-1901) standardized the melody as we know it and provided a harmonization that has become the customary one today.

Hear Natalie Cole at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf6fTRTQrG4

See Pentatonix at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u5UvnKlCTA

“In the Darkness Shines the Splendour” (VU #92 v. 1, 3, 4)

“In the darkness shines the splendour of the Word who took our flesh,
Welcoming, in love’s surrender, death’s dark shadow at his creche.
Bearing every human story, Word made flesh reveals his glory.

Broken bread, sustaining us in sorrow, wine poured out to toast our joy;
Exodus and new tomorrow, life’s full promise to enjoy!
Gladdening every human story, Word made flesh reveals his glory.

All God’s people, sing in jubilation of the birth that sets us free,
Telling of the revelation:  Jesus, God’s epiphany.
Celebrate the human story!  Word made flesh reveals our glory.”

The words of this hymn draw our attention to Jesus as the incarnation of God’s glory.  The middle verse also connects us to the sacrament of communion.  Bernadette Gasslein’s new hymn is set to the familiar tune IRBY, which is the tune for “Once in Royal David’s City,” composed by Henry John Gauntlett.   The hymn was published in 1994 in the Canadian Catholic book of Worship III.  

Hear the melody on pipe organ at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fc-XXz6zTW8

“I Am the Light of the World” (VU #87 v. 1 & 4)

“I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!”
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.

When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and the shepherds have found their way home,
The work of Christmas is begun:

“I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!”
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.

To bring hope to every task you do,
To dance at a baby’s new birth,
To make music in an old person’s heart,
And sing to the colours of the earth!

“I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me!”
If you follow and love you’ll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be.

Jim Strathdee wrote this popular hymn in 1967. The text of this song is based on a Christmas poem by Howard Thurman, a prolific 20th-century writer, theologian, and teacher.  The words remind us of the statement in John 8:12 that Jesus is the Light of the world.  Our response is to follow and live lives of love and action in the world.

See Jim and Jean Strathdee sing the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgCYgHZfN-E

“O Radiant Christ, Incarnate Word” (VU #84 v.4)

O Light of Nations, fill the earth;
Our faith and hope and love renew.
Come, lead the peoples to your peace,
As stars once led the way to you.

We will be using the fourth verse of the hymn “O Radiant Christ, Incarnate Word” as our benediction response this week. The words were written by Ruth Duck (1991).

Bonus Video: Auld Lang Syne by Yam Haus.
The lyrics were re-written by the band at the end of 2020. (see lyrics below)

I’d like to think that peace will come
And darkness will subside
We’ll make it through another year
I’m clinging to the light

Let all the chaos be forgot
To my loved ones I’ll hold tight
I hope that generosity
Is my favorite state of mind

I’m clinging to the light my dear
I’m clinging to the light
Pass me a cup of kindness yeah
I’ll drink it down tonight

If looking at another year
You’re filled with dread and fright
Remember that you’re not alone
I’m clinging to the light

I’m clinging to the light my dear
I’m clinging to the light
Pass me a cup of kindnеss yeah
I’ll drink it down tonight

I watch the clock it ticks away
To my dreams it pays no mind
I mourn thе days I let waste away
It’s a gift to be alive
It’s a gift to be alive
It’s a gift to be alive