Musical Advent Calendar - Day 11

Each day, from December 1 to December 25, I will post the text (and translation, if necessary) of an Advent- or Christmas-themed song, along with the URL for a YouTube video containing that song. (Select "Musical Advent Calendar" from the list of labels in the right sidebar to sort all of them out from the other posts on the blog.) You will note that each selection has a text, collectively representing the last 2000 years, and this is intentional. For the more familiar texts (such as popular Christmas carols), I have chosen a variety of interpretations and performers, from professional choirs to contemporary Christian worship leaders. I suggest that you follow the text as the music plays, and reflect on the words that proclaim the First Advent of our Savior, the Lord Jesus.

May our King, who promises to come again, reveal himself to you in a new way this Advent.

DECEMBER 11

Star Carol

Text and Music by John Rutter (1971)

Performer unidentifiable in this YouTube video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkvqvgAVK4k

Sing this night, for a Boy is born in Bethlehem,

Christ our Lord in a lowly manger lies;

Bring your gifts, come and worship at his cradle,

Hurry to Bethlehem and see the Son of Mary!

See his star shining bright

In the sky this Christmas night!

Follow me joyfully;

Hurry to Bethlehem and see the Son of Mary!

Angels bright come from heaven's highest glory,

Bear the news with its message of good cheer:

"Sing, rejoice, for a King is come to save us,

Hurry to Bethlehem and see the Son of Mary!"

(Refrain)

Let us pay our homage at the manger,

Sing his praise on this joyful Christmas night;

Christ is come, bringing promise of salvation;

Hurry to Bethlehem and see the Son of Mary!

(Refrain)