I love how I never seem to run out of traditional carols to share. Today's is already a favourite of mine because it is a traditional Scottish carol. This lilting song takes a unique approach in the form of questions and answers, first asking why or who each aspect or person of the Christmas story is present, and then answering it.
Take the first verse, for example:
What strangers are these that wander through the town?
Hush, 'tis Joseph and weary Mary.
And what does he seek so hopeless and in vain?
He is seeking shelter for Mary.
For she is the blest and chosen of the Lord,
Who will bear to us a goodly King.
And who is this king of whom ye proudly sing?
Know ye not the Christ, Jesus the Saviour?
This form persists throughout all three verses. I find it absolutely brilliant and marvel that the author has been lost to history. The verses don't stop at simply telling the Christmas story, however. The third verse ends with an exhortation placed in a different direction:
Who are these that march from death unto life?
These are they who love Jesus the Christ Child.
And how do they triumph o'er the gates of hell?
Through the grace of him, Jesus the Saviour.
He is born to redeem mankind from sin and strife,
To bring peace, joy, love and brotherhood.
O where shall I find him? Where shall I seek?
He is here and now, Jesus your Saviour.
Who are these, indeed? I love that this carol doesn't stop simply at telling the nativity story but goes on to tell the entire story of Christendom, finishing with the final appeal: "O where shall I find him? Where shall I seek?" The cry of all those who yearn for redemption. The answer at the manger holds true now, and will do so until Christ returns: "He is here and now, Jesus your Saviour." What a blessed promise that is, friends. Seek him while he is here, call upon him while he is now. This is the only way to march from death to life. I hope you'll join me on that march.
What strangers are these that wander through the town?
Hush, 'tis Joseph and weary Mary.
And what does he seek so hopeless and in vain?
He is seeking shelter for Mary.
For she is the blest and chosen of the Lord,
Who will bear to us a goodly King.
And who is this king of whom ye proudly sing?
Know ye not the Christ, Jesus the Saviour?
What wee bairn is this that in a manger lies?
Hush, 'tis Jesus Christ, Son of Mary.
Say what fair maid is this whose joy is mixed with awe?
O 'tis Mary, Holy Mother of Jesus.
O these are the shepherds and these the magi kings
Who have brought him their gifts of gold and myrrh.
But why kneel in homage here before a babe?
They adore their King, Jesus the Saviour.
Who are these that march from death unto life?
These are they who love Jesus the Christ Child.
And how do they triumph o'er the gates of hell?
Through the grace of him, Jesus the Saviour.
He is born to redeem mankind from sin and strife,
To bring peace, joy, love and brotherhood.
O where shall I find him? Where shall I seek?
He is here and now, Jesus your Saviour.
And I think that's all I need to say on that. Enjoy this lovely old carol today, and may you be able to call Jesus your Saviour from now and through eternity.
Until tomorrow,
~ Christianna
1 comments:
Very peaceful music! I love the questions and responses in the lyrics.
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