Lyr/Tune Add: Advent, Christmas

Subject: Lyr/Tune add- Advent, Christmas
From: Alice
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 04:50 PM

Advent and Christmas songs from the old St. Gregory Hymnal and Choir book --> click here
Advent
Veni, Veni Emmanuel

Christmas
A Virgin Most Pure, As The Prophets Did Tell
Resonet in Laudibus
O Sing A Joyous Carol

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune add- Advent, Christmas
From: Mary G
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 05:27 PM

that is so cool...is the whole St. Gregory online...guess I could check...it had great songs in it...that is what we, and I guess most Catholics...English speaking anyway, sang...such a shame we lost all the music, as well as a language that spanned the globe...

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune add- Advent, Christmas
From: Alice
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 05:39 PM

Mary G, I bought that old copy of the hymnal from a used online bookstore and scanned in those pages today, adding them to my website. I agree. Alot of music was tossed out that should have remained in the tradition of church singing. The older music was replaced with Michael Row the Boat Ashore (and clones) ad nauseum, (in my opinion). - alice

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune add- Advent, Christmas
From: Marymac90
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 06:02 PM

I guess adult choirs have been given some interesting music to do, but I dunno, Mary G, I mostly remember singing stuff like "Immaculate Mary", in that sing-song rhythm. It was funny, though-we knew the BV Mary had been conceived immaculately, long before we knew what conception was, or how it was accomplished. Neither did we understand that the Immaculate Conception was just something that was thunk up by the high muckety-mucks toward the end of the last century. However, I don't think Latin was ever a universal language-it was a language of clerics. The rest of us were doing good if we understood the Kyrie, Gloria and Credo.

Now I enjoy singing Handel's Messiah, spirituals, and Sacred Harp. When I was a kid people seemed to afraid to do anything that seemed too "Protestant".

I'm sorry if I sound like a real cynic. I left the church half a lifetime ago, and now don't consider myself a Christian at all. I don't mean any disrespect toward your beliefs, just wanted a chance to mention my own, or the lack of them.

Best regards,

Mary McCaffrey

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune add- Advent, Christmas
From: Mary G
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 06:27 PM

We did probably a pretty good variety of stuff...lots of Latin hymns...this was in Longview, Washington...at the time..50's...it was a missionary parish of Ireland so we got a lot of Irish nuns and priests..I went to St. Mary's High School in Toledo, WA and we had truly incredible singing there..mostly out of another hymnal though..by universal, I mean if you were in Uganda you could communicate with someone in Poland or Italy by using words out of your missal...even if you weren't actually proficient in the language...well, this was before the days of electronic translaters...

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune add- Advent, Christmas
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 08:18 PM

Kyrie Eleison is Greek anyway.

It always struck as paradoxical that people talk about "Folk Masses" and such, while setting aside a genuine tradition.

Or rather several traditions, the old Latin church music, and the older Catholic hymns as well,the best of which have a style and tone which is very unlike anything you get in the hymns we share with other deonominations, and a peculiar power.

I remember at the funeral of my father's sister Cathy, who'd been a great traveller, at the graveside the priest said "Let's sing a song for the wanderer", and we all sang John Lingard's hymn:

"Hail Queen of Heav'n, the ocean star

Guide of the wanderer here below;

Thrown on life's surge, we claim thy care;
Save us from peril and from woe.
Mother of Christ, Star of the Sea,

Pray for the Wanderer, pray for me.

And it's not just Catholics who tended to dump tradition in this way - there's wonderful Moody and Sankey hymns which I believe have dropped out of use in Protestant churches. But at least some of these seem to be starting to emerge in folk song circles, (eg Coope Boyes and Simpson).

Moving away from prejudice and division shouldn't mean sacrificing traditions, it should mean sharing them.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune add- Advent, Christmas
From: Marymac90
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 09:23 PM

Dear Mary G,

I'm glad you got to sing some good stuff in Catholic School. I have many more good memories of singing in the Girl Scouts, especially the one time I went to camp.

I did go just briefly to a school with Irish nuns, for part of 1st grade. My main impression was that kids were even more intimidated of them than they were of US nuns. I remember being warned that they would pull your ear for any misbehavior. I also remember that, instead of simply standing when a priest or nun entered the room, and saying "Good morning, father" or "sister", we had to stand, curtsy or bow, and say "G. M., F". I also remember they wouldn't let boys and girls play on the same part of the playground-one day boys could use the swings, girls the monkey bars, the next day we'd switch.

I still feel that lay Catholics weren't trained to communicate in Latin, only to parrot the phrases, hopefully, but not neccessarily, with understanding of their meaning. When I was little, before Vatican II, people didn't even respond at mass at all-the altar boy did that. (BTW-my uncle wanted to be an altar boy during the depression, but they wouldn't let him, because he didn't have BLACK SHOES!)

And people didn't sing in church at all, the choir did that. We were totally passive observers. Many people didn't even follow in a missal, (and there were no booklets provided back then, in case they didn't have one)-they prayed the rosary. And back before they did that "kiss of peace" handshake thing, you basically didn't communicate with other people in church at all.

Again, I mean no disrespect of your beliefs, or Catholic traditions. Traditions of all kinds have worth and value. I have just come to see these things somewhat differently over the years.

Sincerely,

Mary McCaffrey

Subject: Lyr Add: STAR OF THE SEA
From: Mary G
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 09:43 PM

Oh...I am not an especially good Catholic...and not terribly naturally religious...hope God is not reading the Internet...but our nuns were by and large (the Irish ones) actually quite nice...the ones in high school were not as nice...

And whoever did the Star of the Sea one...here is another Star of the Sea...we only sang it probably twice a year...always sang if for the May processions...see if I can remember a bit...

Ave Maria thou virgin and mother
Softly thy children are calling to thee
Thine are the graces unclaimed by another
Sinless and beautiful Star of the Sea

Ave Maria the night shades are calling
Words of endearment are whispered to thee
Earth's lonely exiles for succor are calling
Sinless and beautiful star of the sea

Ave amabilis ora pro nobis
...
Ave sanctissima ave purissima
Sinless and beautiful star of the sea

Ave Maria thou portal of heaven
Pray for thy children adrift on the sea
Tossed in the ocean by stormy winds driven
Shine on our pathway oh star of the sea

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune add- Advent, Christmas
From: Alice
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 11:41 PM

I have my share of nightmares from surviving Catholic school, too, but I also have memories of music that were more meaningful and profound than what I hear in contemporary U.S. masses. I don't conform to it all, like many of us who rebeled when we were younger. I'm able to see skepticism and authentic mysticism as almost the same thing without having cognitive dissonance... a skeptic says we don't know, and the true mystic says we don't know.

McG of H, I was asked to sing something this August at a mass and I chose "Hail Queen of Heaven". I posted the lyrics here, to the forum, in August or Sept.

Mary G, the song you refer to is in the St. Gregory Hymnal, and I uploaded it for you here - Star of the Sea.

alice

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune add- Advent, Christmas
From: Mary G
Date: 20 Dec 99 - 12:56 AM

thanks...the words are almost the same...but the tune looks different...ours was a very waltzy tune...3/4 or maybe 6/8...I don't remember using books for it...we just somehow knew it...

mg

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune add- Advent, Christmas
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Dec 99 - 02:29 PM

Or how about:

Mary immaculate, star of the morning
Chosen before the creation began
chosen to bring for they bridal adorning
Woe to the serpent, and rescue to man

Here in an orbit of shadow and sadness
Veiling thy splendour, thy course thou hast run
Now thou art throned in all glory and gladness

Crowned by the hands of thy saviour and sun

And so on for another four verses.

It's not that the changes have been from a golden age where everybody sang the hymns, and lived up to them and spoke Latin and all. In many ways it was a pretty sombre time generally, and a lot of the time people went through the motions and yawned though the rituals and so forth, as they still do. And terrorising children in schools was widespread enough, though I doubt if that was any truer of Catholic schools than most others.

But I think it is important to recognise that a lot of rich and beautiful customs and traditions have been fairly ruthlessly ditched, along with a lot of baggage we are well rid of. I think that we should feel able to preserve and revive them, without that being seen as getting tied in with the kind of bigots who'd want to bring back the repressive ways.

Subject: Lyr Add: ARE YOU READY FOR THE COMING? etc.
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Nov 02 - 01:59 PM

Here's our plan for this year's worship music. I will post chords and locations of MIDIs (as available) on request. PM me for details on sound files and printed chord arrangements.

~Susan

===============================================

ARE YOU READY FOR THE COMING?
Words: Ada R. Habershon, 1907; Music: Charles H. Gabriel.
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. Matthew 24:42.

REFRAIN:
Are you ready (are you ready)? Are you ready (are you ready)?
Are you ready for the opening skies?
Are you ready (are you ready)? Are you ready (are you ready)?
Are you ready for that glad surprise?

1. Are you ready for the coming of the Lord from heav'n?
Are you resting in the promise which to us is giv'n?
Does your heart leap up with rapture as you know He's near?
Or do thoughts of His appearing fill your heart with fear?

2. If He came to call His people would you be dismayed?
Though your sins have been forgiven would you be afraid?
Would you be ashamed to meet Him if He came today?
From the presence of the Master would you shrink away?

3. To this world with all its pleasures are you rooted fast?
Would a call to leave it quickly be a wrench at last?
When He views your finished life work will you suffer loss?
Will you find that you have gathered only worthless dross?

4. Are you busy in His service though your heart is cold?
Are there precious earthly treasures which you fondly hold?
Would He find you doing only what He could approve?
Would He find you watching, waiting for the One you love?


THE BABE OF BETHLEHEM
From Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, ed. by Susan Hinton.

Ye nations all, on you I call, come hear this declaration,
And don't refuse this glorious news of Jesus and salvation.
To royal Jews came first the news of Christ the great Messiah,
As was foretold by prophets old, Isaiah, Jeremiah.

To Abraham the promise came, and to his seed for ever,
A light to shine in Isaac's line, by Scripture we discover;
Hail, promised morn! the Saviour's born, the glorious Mediator.
God's blessed word made flesh and blood, assumed the human nature.

His parents poor in earthly store, to entertain the stranger.
They found no bed to lay his head, but in the ox's manger.
No royal things, as used by kings, were seen by those that found him;
But in the hay the stranger lay, with swaddling bands around him.

On that same night a glorious light to shepherds there appeared;
Bright angels came in shining flame, they saw and greatly feared.
The angels said: "Be not afraid, although we much alarm you.
We do appear good news to bear, as now we will inform you.

"The city's name is Bethlehem, in which God has appointed,
This glorious morn a Saviour born, for him God has anointed.
By this you'll know, if you will go, to see this little stranger,
His lovely charms in Mary's arms, both lying in a manger."

When this was said straightway was made a glorious sound from heaven
Each flaming tongue an anthem sung: "To men a Saviour's given!"
In Jesus' name, the glorious theme, we elevate our voices.
At Jesus' birth be peace on earth, meanwhile all heaven rejoices.

Then with delight they took their flight, and wing'd their way to glory.
The shepherds gazed and were amazed, to hear the pleasing story.
To Bethlehem they quickly came, the glorious news to carry.
And in the stall they found them all, Joseph, Babe, and Mary.

The shepherds then return'd again to their own habitation;
With joy of heart they did depart, now they had found salvation.
"Glory!" they cry, "to God on high, Who sent his Son to save us.
This glorious morn the Saviour's born, his name it is Christ Jesus."


CHRIST IS COMING ON THE CLOUD
Traditional Negro Spiritual.

1. Christ is comin', Christ is comin', on the cloud,
Christ is comin', Christ is comin', on the cloud.
Oh, spread the tidings 'round wherever man is found:
Christ is comin', Christ is comin' on the cloud.

2. Oh, they tell me every knee must bow,
Oh, they tell me every knee must bow,
Oh, spread the tidings 'round wherever man is found:
Christ is comin', Christ is comin' on the cloud.

3. Oh, they tell me every tongue shall confess,
Oh, they tell me every tongue shall confess,
Oh, spread the tidings 'round wherever man is found:
Christ is comin', Christ is comin' on the cloud.

4. Oh, they tell me every eye shall be op'ed,
Oh, they tell me every eye shall be op'ed,
Oh, spread the tidings 'round wherever man is found:
Christ is comin', Christ is comin' on the cloud.

5. Christ is comin', Christ is comin', on the cloud,
Christ is comin', Christ is comin', on the cloud,
Oh, spread the tidings 'round wherever man is found:
Christ is comin', Christ is comin' on the cloud.


CHRIST RETURNETH
Words: H. L. Turner, circa 1878; Music: James McGranahan, circa 1906.
The Lord Himself will come down from heaven with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

REFRAIN:
O Lord Jesus, how long, how long ere we shout the glad song,
Christ returneth! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Amen. Hallelujah! Amen.

1. It may be at morn, when the day is awaking,
When sunlight through darkness and shadow is breaking
That Jesus will come in the fullness of glory
To receive from the world His own.

2. It may be at midday, it may be at twilight,
It may be, perchance, that the blackness of midnight
Will burst into light in the blaze of His glory,
When Jesus receives His own.

3. While its hosts cry Hosanna, from heaven descending,
With glorified saints and the angels attending,
With grace on His brow, like a halo of glory,
Will Jesus receive His own.

4. Oh, joy! oh, delight! should we go without dying,
No sickness, no sadness, no dread and no crying.
Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory,
When Jesus receives His own.


COME, THOU REDEEMER OF THE EARTH
Words: Ambrose of Milan, circa 397 (Veni, Redemptor gentium); translated from Latin to English by John M. Neale, 1862. Music: "Puer Nobis Nascitur," Trier manuscript, 15th Century. Adapted by Michael Praetorius, 1609.

1. Come, Thou Redeemer of the earth, and manifest Thy virgin birth:
Let every age adoring fall; such birth befits the God of all.

2. Begotten of no human will, but of the Spirit, Thou art still
The Word of God in flesh arrayed, the promised Fruit to man displayed.

3. The virgin womb that burden gained with virgin honor all unstained;
The banners there of virtue glow; God in His temple dwells below.

4. Forth from His chamber goeth He, that royal home of purity,
A giant in twofold substance one, rejoicing now His course to run.

5. From God the Father He proceeds, to God the Father back He speeds;
His course He runs to death and hell, returning on God's throne to dwell.

6. O equal to the Father, Thou! Gird on Thy fleshly mantle now;
The weakness of our mortal state with deathless might invigorate.

7. Thy cradle here shall glitter bright, and darkness breathe a newer light,
Where endless faith shall shine serene, and twilight never intervene.

8. All laud to God the Father be, all praise, eternal Son, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet, to God the Holy Paraclete.


COMING DOWN FROM GOD

REFRAIN:
Better get in that number that no man can number,
Better get in that number that no man can number,
Better get in that number that no man can number,
Coming down, coming down from God.

1. Mother will join that number that no man can number
When Jesus wakes her from her great slumber.
The voice heard from Heaven will be louder than thunder,
Coming down, coming down from God.

2. Oh let me tell you children that'll be a great meeting
When the Saints of God go out to greet Him.
Are you getting ready then to receive Him?
Coming down, coming down from God.

3. Jesus getting us ready for that great day.
Jesus getting us ready for that great day.
Jesus getting us ready for that great day.
Coming down, coming down from God.


GOSPEL SHIP
Carter Family version.

1. I have good news to bring and that is why I sing.
All my joys with you I'll share.
I'm gonna take a trip in that old gospel ship,
And go sailing through the air!

REFRAIN:
I'm gonna take a trip in that old gospel ship;
I'm going far beyond the sky!
I'm gonna shout and sing until the heavens ring,
When I bid this earth goodbye.

2. I can hardly wait-- I know I won't be late.
I'll spend my time in prayer.
And when my ship comes in I'm gonna leave this world of sin,
And go sailing through the air!

3. If you're ashamed of me, you ought not to be,
And you'd better have a care.
If too much fault you find, you may be left behind
When I go sailing through the air.


GREEN PASTURES
Traditional.

1. Trouble and trials often betray those
Out in the weary body to stray.
But we shall walk beside the still waters
With the Good Shepherd leading the way.

REFRAIN:
Going up home to live in green pastures
Where we shall live and dine ever more.
Even the Lord will be in that number
When we shall reach that heavenly shore.

2. Those who have strayed were sought by the Master,
He who once gave His life for the sheep.
Out on the mountain still He is searching,
Bringing them in forever to keep.

3. We will not heed the voice of a stranger,
For he would lead us all to despair.
Following on with Jesus our Savior,
We all shall reach that country so fair.

HALLELUJAH, I'M READY
Traditional, additional verse by Susan O. Hinton.

REFRAIN:
Hallelujah (I'm ready), I'm ready (hallelujah)!
I can hear the voices singing soft and low.
Hallelujah (I'm ready), I'm ready (hallelujah)!
Hallelujah, I'm ready to go!

1. In the darkness of night not a star was in sight,
On the highway that leads down below.
Then Jesus came in and saved my soul from sin,
Hallelujah, I'm ready to go!

2. When He comes on that cloud with a great mighty shout,
I'll be caught up with the saints of old;
As I meet Him in the air, all my friends will be there,
Hallelujah, I'm ready to go!

3. Oh now sinners don't wait until it's too late,
He's a wonderful Savior you know.
Well I fell on my knees and He answered my pleas,
Hallelujah, I'm ready to go!


THE HEAVENLY AEROPLANE
Words and music by J. S. McConnell, copyright 1928 by Thoro Harris.
Additional verse and edited by Susan O. Hinton.

1. One of these nights about twelve o'clock
This old world is gonna reel and rock!
Sinners will tremble and cry for pain,
And the Lord will come and get us in His aeroplane.
You better get ready 'fore you take this ride.
Quit all your meanness, and humble your pride;
You must furnish a light both bright and clean,
And a good crate of oil for the flying machine.

REFRAIN:
Ho, ye weary of ev'ry tribe,
Get your ticket for this aeroplane ride!
I see the Lord, he's a comin' for to reign,
And take us all to Glory in His aeroplane.

2. You may talk of your rides in your automobiles,
The lightning speed of your white-walled wheels;
We'll break all records as up we fly
In His aeroplane joyriding through the sky.
There will be no punctures on muddy roads,
No broken axles from overload;
No sparks to trouble or cause delay
As we soar along in rapture up the Milky Way.

3. Your first class seat's already bought and paid,
No security search and no flight delay!
Jesus knows your heart and He's built your home,
It's your last great journey, for you'll nevermore roam.
When our flight is done and we all sit down
At the marriage feast, in our golden crowns,
We'll blend our voices with the ransomed throng,
Sing His neverending praises as the years roll on.


HE IS COMING AGAIN
Words & Music: Mabel J. Camp, in The Voice of Thanksgiving, 1913.
Jesus, Who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven. Acts 1:11.

REFRAIN:
He is coming again, He is coming again,
The very same Jesus, rejected of men;
He is coming again, He is coming again,
With power and great glory, He is coming again!

1. Lift up your heads, pilgrims a-weary,
See day's approach now crimson the sky.
Night shadows flee, and your Beloved,
Awaited with longing, at last draweth nigh.

2. Dark was the night, sin warred against us;
Heavy the load of sorrow we bore;
But now we see signs of His coming;
Our hearts glow within us, joy's cup runneth o'er!

3. O blessed hope! O blissful promise!
Filling our hearts with rapture divine;
O day of days! Hail Thy appearing!
Thy transcendent glory forever shall shine.

4. Even so, come, precious Lord Jesus;
Creation waits redemption to see;
Caught up in clouds, soon we shall meet Thee;
O blessed assurance, forever with Thee!


I'M WORKING ON THE BUILDING
Traditional Negro Spiritual, & Elvis' refrain, edited by Susan O. Hinton.

REFRAIN:
Well I'm working on the building, got the true foundation.
I'm holding up the bloodstained banner for my Lord.
Well I never get tired, tired, tired, workin' on the building.
I'm goin' up to heaven, get my reward.

1. If I was a preacher, I'll tell you what I would do,
I'd keep on preachin' and I'd work on the building too!

2. If I was a singer, I'll tell you what I would do,
I'd keep on singin' and I'd work on the building too!

3. If I was a sinner, I'll tell you what I would do,
I'd quit my sinnin' and I'd work on the building too!


IVORY PALACES
Words & Music: Henry Barraclough, 1915.

1. My Lord has garments so wondrous fine, and myrrh their texture fills;
Its fragrance reached to this heart of mine; with joy my being thrills.

REFRAIN:
Out of the ivory palaces, into a world of woe,
Only His great eternal love made my Savior go.

2. His life had also its sorrows sore, for aloes had a part;
And when I think of the cross He bore, my eyes with teardrops start.

3. His garments too were in cassia dipped, with healing in a touch;
Each time my feet in some sin have slipped, He took me from its clutch.

4. In garments glorious He will come, to open wide the door;
And I shall enter my heav'nly home, to dwell forevermore.


JUST REHEARSING
Louvin Brothers.

REFRAIN:
We're just rehearsing! We're just rehearsing,
And someday, we'll sing together in a band around God's throne.
This old world (this old world) cannot reward us (cannot reward us).
We are just (just) just rehearsing for that singing up Home.

1. This old world is nothing but a dressing place
Where we make preparations to spend an endless day.
And when the curtain opens and it's thy time to sing,
We are just rehearsing songs of praise to the King.

2. When I sing of Jesus, of His saving grace,
I feel His blessed presence, my Soul He does embrace.
Sometimes I get so happy I forget my song,
To know I've been invited to that singing up Home.

3. We'll sing the song of Moses with words of sweetest praise
To God and all His glory; we'll see Him face to face.
We'll hear the voices ringing of loved ones who are gone.
We'll blend our song with angels in that singing up Home.


MANSION JUST OVER THE HILLTOP
Traditional.

1. I'm satisfied with just a cottage below, a little silver and a little gold.
But in that city where the ransomed will shine, I want a gold one that's silver-lined.

REFRAIN:
I've got a mansion just over the hilltop
I that bright land where we'll never grow old.
And someday yonder, we'll never more wander,
But walk the streets that are purest gold.

2. Tho' often tempted, tormented, and tested-- and like the prophet my pillow of stone;
And tho' I find here no permanent dwelling, I know He'll give me a mansion my own.

3. Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely. I'm not discouraged-- I'm Heaven-bound!
I'm just a pilgrim in search of a city; I want a mansion, a harp and a crown!


MY LORD, WHAT A MORNING!
Traditional Negro Spiritual.

REFRAIN:
My Lord, what a morning! My Lord, what a morning!
O my Lord, what a morning! When the stars begin to fall.

1. You'll hear a trumpet sound, to wake the nations underground,
Looking to my God's right hand, when the stars begin to fall.

2. You'll hear a sinner mourn, to wake the nations underground,
Looking to my God's right hand, when the stars begin to fall.

3. You'll hear a sinner pray, to wake the nations underground,
Looking to my God's right hand, when the stars begin to fall.

4. You'll hear a Christian shout, to wake the nations underground,
Looking to my God's right hand, when the stars begin to fall.

5. You'll hear a Christian sing, to wake the nations underground,
Looking to my God's right hand, when the stars begin to fall.


THERE'LL BE NO DARK VALLEY
Words: William O. Cushing, 1896; Music: Ira D. Sankey.
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:23.

1. There'll be no dark valley when Jesus comes,
There'll be no dark valley when Jesus comes;
There'll be no dark valley when Jesus comes
To gather His loved ones home.

REFRAIN:
To gather His loved ones home (safe home),
To gather His loved ones home (safe home);
There'll be no dark valley when Jesus comes
To gather His loved ones home.

2. There'll be no more sorrow when Jesus comes,
There'll be no more sorrow when Jesus comes;
But a glorious morrow when Jesus comes
To gather His loved ones home.

3. There'll be no more weeping when Jesus comes,
There'll be no more weeping when Jesus comes;
But a blessed reaping when Jesus comes
To gather His loved ones home.

4. There'll be songs of greeting when Jesus comes,
There'll be songs of greeting when Jesus comes;
And a joyful meeting when Jesus comes
To gather His loved ones home.


WATCHMAN, TELL US OF THE NIGHT
Words: John Bowring, Hymns: As a Sequel to Matins, 1825. Music: "Watchman," Lowell Mason, The Boston Handel and Haydn Society Collection of Church Music, 10th edition, 1831.

1. Watchman, tell us of the night, what its signs of promise are.
Traveler, over yon mountain's height, see that glory beaming star.
Watchman, does its beauteous ray aught of joy or hope foretell?
Traveler, yes! It brings the day, promised day of Israel.

2. Watchman, tell us of the night; higher yet that star ascends.
Traveler, blessedness and light, peace and truth its course portends.
Watchman, will its beams alone gild the spot that gave them birth?
Traveler, ages are its own; see, it bursts o'er all the earth.

3. Watchman, tell us of the night, for the morning seems to dawn.
Traveler, darkness takes its flight, doubt and terror are withdrawn.
Watchman, let thy wanderings cease; hie thee to thy quiet home.
Traveler, lo! the Prince of Peace, lo! the Son of God is come!


WE'LL WORK TILL JESUS COMES
Words: Elizabeth K. Mills (1805-1829), Music: William Miller, 19th Century. Last verse by Susan O. Hinton.
As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him Who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4.

1. O land of rest, for thee I sigh! When will the moment come
When I shall lay my armor by, and dwell in peace at home?

REFRAIN:
We'll work (we'll work) till Jesus comes,
We'll work (we'll work) till Jesus comes,
We'll work (we'll work) till Jesus comes,
And we'll be gathered home.

2. To Jesus Christ I fled for rest; He bade me cease to roam
And lean for comfort on His breast, till He conduct me home.

3. I sought at once my Savior's side; no more my steps shall roam.
With Him I'll brave death's chilling tide, and reach my heavenly home.

4. We thank our God for all His gifts and for His precious son,
For setting us His work to do, until His work is done.


WHAT A GATHERING
Words: Fanny Crosby, 1887. Music: Ira D. Sankey.
The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and... our gathering together unto Him. 2 Thessalonians 2:1.

REFRAIN:
What a gath'ring, what a gath'ring,
What a gath'ring of the ransomed in the summer land of love!
What a gath'ring, what a gath'ring,
Of the ransomed in that happy home above.

1. On that bright and golden morning, when the Son of Man shall come,
And the radiance of His glory we shall see;
When from ev'ry clime and nation He shall call His people home,
What a gath'ring of the ransomed that will be!

2. When the blest, who sleep in Jesus, at His bidding shall arise
From the silence of the grave, and from the sea,
And with bodies all celestial they shall meet Him in the skies,
What a gath'ring and rejoicing there will be!

3. When our eyes behold the city, with its many mansions bright,
And its river, calm and restful, flowing free;
When the friends that death hath parted shall in bliss again unite,
What a gath'ring and a greeting there will be!

4. O the King is surely coming, and the time is drawing nigh,
When the blessed day of promise we shall see;
Then the changing in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
And forever in His presence we shall be.


WHAT IF IT WERE TODAY?
Words & Music: Leila N. Morris, 1912.
As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. Isaiah 62:5.

1. Jesus is coming to earth again; what if it were today?
Coming in power and love to reign; what if it were today?
Coming to claim His chosen Bride, all the redeemed and purified,
Over this whole earth scattered wide; what if it were today?

REFRAIN:
Glory, glory! Joy to my heart 'twill bring.
Glory, glory! When we shall crown Him King.
Glory, glory! Haste to prepare the way;
Glory, glory! Jesus will come some day.

2. Satan's dominion will then be over, O that it were today!
Sorrow and sighing shall be no more, O that it were today!
Then shall the dead in Christ arise, caught up to meet Him in the skies;
When shall these glories meet our eyes? What if it were today?

3. Faithful and true would He find us here, if He should come today?
Watching in gladness and not in fear, if He should come today?
Signs of His coming multiply; morning light breaks in the eastern sky.
Watch, for the time is drawing nigh; what if it were today?


WHAT YOU GONNA DO WHEN THIS WORLD'S ON FIRE?
Traditional Negro Spiritual, John and Ruby Lomax 1939 Southern States Recording Trip; the Tartt Group, near Livingston, Alabama.

REFRAIN:
What you gonna do, what you gonna do,
What you gonna do, when this world's on fire?
What you gonna do, what you gonna do,
What you gonna do, when Jesus come?

1. Goin' to groan right here, groan right here,
I'm gonna groan right here, till Jesus come.
Groan right here, groan right here,
Groan right here, till Jesus come.

2. Goin' to stand right here, stand right here,
I'm gonna stand right here, when this world's on fire.
Stand right here, stand right here,
Stand right here, till Jesus come.

3. Bow right here, bow right here,
I'm gonna bow right here, when this world's on fire.
Bow right here, bow right here,
Bow right here, till Jesus come.


WHEN THE GATES SWING OPEN
Collected during the John and Ruby Lomax 1939 Southern States Recording Trip. Said to be a Thomas Dorsey piece, recorded by various black gospel artists.

1. Through this world we keep on toiling, toiling through the storm and rain,
Watching and patiently waiting, until the Saviour comes again.

REFRAIN:
I am coming, Lord, trusting in thy word,
Keep me from the paths of sin, hide me in thy love.
Hide me in thy love, write my name above,
When the gates swing open, let me in.

2. Keep me fit for service, keep me up on every hand,
I've stood many a trial, some day I will understand.

3. Teach me how to love my neighbor, teach me how to treat my friend,
Fill me with the Holy Spirit, keep me humble to the end.

4. Tired of this load I'm carryin', tired of this world of sin,
Angels in Heaven beckon, my weary soul to come in.


WHEN THE WORLD'S ON FIRE
Carter Family version adapted by Susan O. Hinton.

1. I'm going to heaven when the world's on fire,
And I want God's bosom to be my pillow.
Hide me over in the rock of ages, rock of ages cleft for me.

2. O my loving mother, when the world's on fire,
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow?
Hide me over in the rock of ages, rock of ages cleft for me.

3. O my loving brother, when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow?
Hide me over in the rock of ages, rock of ages cleft for me.

4. O my loving sinner, when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow?
Hide me over in the rock of ages, rock of ages cleft for me.

5. Don't you want to go to heaven, when the world's on fire?
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow?
Hide me over in the rock of ages, rock of ages cleft for me.


WHERE SHALL I BE?
Carter Family version edited by Susan O. Hinton.

REFRAIN (except last verse, see below):
Where shall l be when the first trumpet sounds?
Oh where shall I be when it sounds so loud?
When it sounds so loud as to wake up the dead,
Oh, where shall I be when it sounds?

1. When Judgement Day is drawing nigh, where shall I be?
When God the work of man shall try, where shall I be?

2. When East and West the fire will roll, where shall I be?
How will it be with my poor soul? Where shall I be?

3. When wicked man His wrath shall see, where shall I be?
And to the rocks and mountains flee, where shall I be?

4. When hills and mountains flee away, where shall I be?
And all the work of men decay where shall I be?

5. When the Savior reigns from shore to shore, where shall I be?
When God's angry presence roars, where shall I be?

LAST REFRAIN:
Oh I'll be sleeping in my grave when the first trumpet sounds.
I'll be sleeping in my grave when it sounds so loud.
When it sounds so loud as to wake up the dead,
I'll be sleeping in my grave when it sounds.


WHILE WE WORK FOR THE LORD
Stephen Foster.

1. All around is bright and fair while we work for the Lord;
Joy and peace are ev'ry where while we work for the Lord;
O'er the mountains and the vales, softly sigh the pleasant gales,
Breathing nature's hymns of gladness, while we work for the Lord.

REFRAIN:
All around is bright and fair. Joy and peace are ev'rywhere;
Let our hearts be free from care while we work for the Lord.

2. Every face with pleasure beams while we work for the Lord;
Every heart with rapture teems while we work for the Lord;
All the shades of sorrow fly, years will never dim the sky,
Light and gladness shine around us, while we work for the Lord.

3. Nearer seem those realms above while we work for the Lord;
Dearer seems our Savior's love while we work for the Lord;
Let us raise a grateful voice, and with earnest hearts rejoice,
For the happiness around us, while we work for the Lord.


WILL JESUS FIND US WATCHING?
Words: Fanny Crosby, 1876. Music: W. Howard Doane (Woodstock).   
All the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out." Matthew 25:7.

1. When Jesus comes to reward His servants,
Whether it be noon or night,
Faithful to Him will He find us watching,
With our lamps all trimmed and bright?

REFRAIN:
O can we say we are ready, brother?
Ready for the soul's bright home?
Say, will He find you and me still watching,
Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

2. If, at the dawn of the early morning,
He shall call us one by one,
When to the Lord we restore our talents,
Will He answer thee, "Well done!"?

3. Have we been true to the trust He left us?
Do we seek to do our best?
If in our hearts there is naught condemns us,
We shall have a glorious rest.

4. Blessed are those whom the Lord finds watching,
In His glory they shall share;
If He shall come at the dawn or midnight,
Will He find us watching there?

Subject: RE: Lyr/Tune add- Advent, Christmas
From: GUEST,Nancy
Date: 30 Nov 02 - 06:21 PM

Looking for written music for Christmas is Now Drawing Near at Hand - sung by The Watersons on their Frost and Fire album. I've got the lyrics. Thanks a bunch.