Tuesday, December 10, 2019

"Rejoice and be merry. Set sorrows aside."


Carol: “A Virgin Unspotted” or “A Virgin Most Pure” – English 1661
Traditional English Tune

I learned this lilting tune from Sandy Skeenes when I participated in the Madrigal Singers at Carson Newman University. We sang a lot of ancient carols, but I loved them all… and added each to my memory bank of Christmas hymnody!

During these weeks, each Sunday you should be participating in an Advent service, preparing for the coming of the Baby born of that virgin most pure. And like no other season, the worship hours should be filled with joy.

This hymnline from the recurring refrain* of the carol calls us to set sorrows aside. Whatever may be less-than-joyful in our lives right now, we should leave in the pew as we leave church today; by leaving that behind, we have a much better chance of facing the remainder of Advent rejoicing and being merry.

The Christ Child is greater than any sorry that may be looming. So rejoice and be merry!

Cathedral Choir of Riga Dom Cathedral

* - I know that’s redundant! Sorry.

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Hymnlines - Hemlines: Get it?! :)

Hymnlines - Hemlines: Get it?! :)