Music
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
- Words by Edmund H. Sears (1849)
- Music by Richard S. Willis (1850)
- Performed by Josh Groban on the album Noel (Tenth Anniversary Edition, 2016)
Text
It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old
From angels bending near the earth to touch their hearts of gold
Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled
And still their heavenly music floats over all the weary world
Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven's all-gracious king
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing
Meditation
The theme of the Second Sunday of Advent is PEACE. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:
Celebrating Advent means learning how to wait. Not all can wait, certainly not those who are satisfied, contented, and feel that they live in the best of all possible worlds! Those who learn to wait are uneasy about their way of life, but yet have seen a vision of greatness in the world of the future and are patiently expecting its fulfillment. The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come. For those, it is enough to wait in humble fear until the Holy One comes down to us, God the child in the manger.
The prophet Isaiah wrote:
For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)
And John records Jesus saying to his disciples:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27 ESV)
The Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent;
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.
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