Musical Advent Calendar - Day 7

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 7

God is With Us

Text (based on Isaiah 9) and Music by John Tavener (1897)

Performed by the Choir of St. George's Chapel, Windsor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcJCNrU6frY

God is with us.

Hear, ye people,

Even to the uttermost ends of the earth.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.

The people that dwell in the shadow of death, upon them has light shined.

For unto us a Child is born! Unto us a Son is given!

And the government shall be upon his shoulder,

And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God,

The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Hear, ye people,

Even to the uttermost ends of the earth.

Christ is born!