Third Sunday in Advent: A Song For You!

 

     The hymn chosen for the third week of Advent was recommended by Jennifer over at Family in Feast and Feria. 

                   People Look East

     This first video is instrumental only.  It has a pleasant sound.

     This second video is harp.

     Lastly, we have below a choral piece.  I would have preferred something else for a choral sample, but it does have the most-viewed rating.  It would have been nice if we did not have to hear some extraneous noise in the microphone. 

     According to this website, the hymn was written by Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965) and was first published as "Carol of Advent" in Part 3 of "Modern Texts Written for or Adapted to Traditional Tunes" in The Oxford Book of Carols, 1928. Farjeon, a native of London, was a devout Catholic who viewed her faith as "a progression toward which her spiritual life moved rather than a conversion experience." (The Presbyterian Hymnal Companion, p. 323) She achieved acclaim as an author of children's nursery rhymes and singing games, and is best remembered for her poem "Morning Has Broken." BESANÇON, an ancient carol, first appeared in Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871, as the setting for "Shepherds, Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep," and was titled CHANTONS, BARGIÉS, NOUÉ, NOUÉ.

The lyrics:

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.

      Next Sunday, my favorite Advent hymn......

Advent Blessings to you and yours this season,

                       Chari & Willa