24 March 2017

Uher Hymn: 3 verses from an Annuciation Hymn

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Although the original text is longer, the following three verses convey the theme of the Annunciation in a double way as it includes the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary by St Gabriel the Archangel and the Annunciation to Joseph by an angel through a dream. It also captures a link with the Nativity which has historically made Lady Day something of a Christmas in March:


Sing of Mary, blest is she!
Mother of the Saviour!
"Yes!" said she to Gabriel's plea,
"Yes!" to God forever.
"Yes!" for every woman born.
"Yes!" for every nation.
"Yes!" for all of the unborn.
"Yes!" for all creation.

Sing of Joseph, vexed was he,
Troubled and perplex-ed
Till an angel in a dream
Peace to him directed.
"Take the Virgin as your wife.
Love her baby wholly.
Love the infant as your life.
He's God's Son most holy."

Sing of Jesus, blest is he
In the Lord's Name coming,
Born in great humility
Every person loving,
Prince of Peace and Counsellor--
Wonderful the telling!--
Came to earth to save us all 
And to share his blessing.


Words: Copyright © 1996-2006 by Vincent Uher. 
Music: Tempus adest floridum (Piae Cantiones)
Meter: 76 76 D
The tune is the same as "Good King Wenceslaus". 
The full text of this hymn of mine may be found here.