Continuing with Advent and Christmas sings from the Iona Community’s book “Heaven Shall Not Wait”, there is this Christmas carol. It is a call and response carol that might find a place in a Christmas concert. The tune is NATIVITY by John Bell.
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology notes of “Carol of the Epiphany”:
It may be seen as completing a trilogy of hymns that provide insightful socio-political commentary on the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany cycle: Carol of the Advent (‘From a woman and a weary nation’) The Carol of the Nativity (‘A pregnant girl none will ignore’) Carol of the Epiphany (‘I sought him dressed in finest clothes’).
I’ve seen it set to O WALY WALY, which I don’t think that is a merry carol.
The songbook is available at Wild Goose.
A pregnant girl none will ignore:
Her husband knocks at guesthouse door.
Who is the girl? Why knock the door?
Thus starts a tale of which there’s more.
The door slams shut; they’re left to find
cold comfort in a barn behind.
Why slam the door? Why stay behind?
“We’re wanted out of sight and mind.”
Some shepherds dance, some angels sing,
some child is born – no special thing
Why do you dance? Why do you sing?
“To celebrate the birth of our King.”King Herod in his palace hears
the news which rouses hate and fears.
Why hate the news? Why rouse your fears?
“No child shall take my place, my dears.”Three wise men watch and follow a star;
They’ve journeyed long, they’ve come so far.
Why do you watch? Why come so far?
“To celebrate whose servants we are.”A child is born, a Son is given:
Words and Music © 1987 WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow G2 3DH, Scotland
He sleeps on earth who rules in heaven,
Who is this Child? Where is this heaven?
Both come alive where love is given.