Yesterday Mama & I were blessed to hear the Williamsburg Community Chapel concert (the Chapel graciously video-fed it into Papa’s computer so Mama could watch it on his very big screen.)  From start to finish, what glorious, glorious music!  Papa & Mama looked forward to seeing it every year – they would sing along with all the carols like they were in the choir.  The words from one of Papa’s favorite carols (that baritone Branch Fields sang so well!) seem special to share today… 

Of the Father’s Love Begotten

Of the Father’s heart begotten,
Ere the world from chaos rose,
He is Alpha, from that Fountain
All that is and hath been flows;
He is Omega, of all things,
Yet to come the mystic Close,
Evermore and evermore…

O how blest that wondrous birthday,
When the Maid the curse retrieved,
Brought to birth mankind’s salvation
By the Holy Ghost conceived,
And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer
In her loving arms received,
Evermore and evermore.

Sing, ye heights of heaven, his praises;
Angels and Archangels, sing!
Wheresoe’er ye be, ye faithful,
Let your joyous anthems ring,
Every tongue his name confessing,
Countless voices answering,
Evermore and evermore.

Now let old and young uniting
Chant to thee harmonious lays
Maid and matron hymn Thy glory,
Infant lips their anthem raise,
Boys and girls together singing
With pure heart their song of praise,
Evermore and evermore.

Let the storm and summer sunshine,
Gliding stream and sounding shore,
Sea and forest, frost and zephyr,
Day and night their Lord alone;
Let creation join to laud thee
Through the ages evermore,
Evermore and evermore.

(Latin translation by Roby Furley Davis, 1866-1937)

grace, peace & Heavenly Love

Virginia : )