Musical Advent Calendar - Day 15

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 15

Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow

African-American Spiritual
Performed by GLAD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05nPu9NOfps

There's a star in the East on Christmas morn,
Rise up, shepherd, and follow;
It will lead to the place where Christ is born;
Rise up, shepherd, and follow.
Follow, follow,
Rise up, shepherd, and follow,
Follow the star of Bethlehem,
Rise up, shepherd, and follow.

Leave your sheep and leave your lambs,
Rise up, shepherd, and follow;
Leave your ewes and leave your rams,
Rise up, shepherd, and follow.
(Refrain)

If you take good heed to the angels' words,
Rise up, shepherd, and follow;
You'll forget your flocks, you'll forget your herds,
Rise up, shepherd, and follow.
(Refrain)