Saturday, December 31, 2011

Josh Garrels

I wonder how many of you are familiar with Josh Garrels, a Portland-based indie singer/songwriter.  I wasn't, but I ran across his new album this week.  Here is a cut from it.


"White Owl" is the first song on "Love & War & the Sea In Between."  It is CT's album of the year and can be downloaded for free ( http://joshgarrels.bandcamp.com/ )!  If you like his music, you also might be interested in the article about him @ http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/music/interviews/2011/fartheralong-december20.html.

Have a great 2012!

Friday, December 30, 2011

There Is No Rose

One last Christmas "note" before turning to the New Year . . .

I have heard the carol, "There Is No Rose of Virtue" several times before, but I never paid much attention because I couldn't understand the lyrics.  However, after listening/seeing this piece performed as a part of "Christmas at Belmont," I decided to check the words for myself.  I discovered that this simple 15th Century song has tremendous theological depth.  See what you think:

There is no rose of such virtue
as is the rose that bare Jesu;
Alleluia.


For in this rose contained was
heaven and earth in little space.
Res miranda [Wondrous thing!]


By that rose we may well see
that He is God in persons three,
Pari forma [Of the same form!]


The angels sung the shepherds to
"Gloria in excelsis Deo!"
Gaudeamus. [Let us rejoice!]


Leave we all this worldly mirth,
and follow we this joyful birth,
Transeamus. [Let us go!]

I love the wondrous last lines of the song:   "Follow we this joyful birth.  Transeamus. [Let us go!]"  Isn't that what we need to do -- for after we have "wondered" and "rejoiced" isn't it time for us to get up and go, to follow Him?

 

Saturday, December 24, 2011

A Christmas Favorite

                                 
                            After  Annunciation

             This is the irrational season
                 when love blooms bright and wild.
             Had Mary been filled with reason
                 there'd have been no room for the child.

                                                             Madeleine L'Engle