I agree it's a shame that there aren't settings of the Benedictus in StF
(or HP). I do like Bernadette Farrell's one (and used it the other week) -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjsMs3yH1eM&list=WL&index=2 - and I've
found Michael Perry's one (
https://www.jubilate.co.uk/songs/o_bless_the_god_of_israel_who_comes_to_set_us_free)
which goes well Ellacombe very useful.
Cheers,
Mark
On Mon, 14 Dec 2020 at 13:58, Rob Weir <RobWeir@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
This year I've had my churches focussing on Angels for Advent - bringing a
message of hope! I think I gave yesterday's preacher a bit of a hospital
pass though - it was to be about the Angel appearing to Joseph, and when
you look at the hymns and carols, there's very little about the guy. I
wrote a poem for a devotional I did, and thought I'd share it with the
group - it doesn't quite scan perfectly, but thinking that with a bit of
modification I could get it to fit to something like Calon Lan...
suggestions welcome! The other hymn-writing challenge I keep thinking about
is the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79), for which there seems to be a distinct
absence in either StF or H&P...
In dark of night, the Angel came
Standing on the empty air
In Its eyes were sparks of flame
Its open wings with light did flare.
"Listen Joseph! Do not fear!"
The voice with quiet thunder sighed;
"Through Mary will the Lord draw near
In her God's power can't be denied."
"Now take her for your own", he said
"And know that God remains with you
Cherish her and raise the child
You know this is what you must do."
As Jesus grew and laughed and cried,
Good Joseph remained faithful, too;
Mary staying by his side
"And know that God remains with you!"
--
Rev. Rob Weir
Cheshire South Methodist Circuit
St. Johns Whitchurch, Tallarn Green and Brown Knowl Methodist Churches
