"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament
shows and proclaims His handiwork."
(Psalm 19:1)
Photograph courtesy/NJ.com
This Chinese Christmas carol reminds me of the other night
when I braved frigid temperatures to stand outside and
watch for an occasional ball of fire to streak across
the perfect celestial beauty of God's heaven during
this month's Geminid meteor shower.
The wait was worth it. I saw at least 20 meteors!
Stars of ice, wheel of moonlight bright,
Shine on sheep with silv'ry light;
Humble shepherds chatting circled round,
Sit content on the grassy heights;
Sudden light!
Hark, the angels sing!
Shepherds crouch in awe.
Mid the clouds the angels proclaim:
God's Son is born in Bethlehem.
Dies the song, stars and moon gently fade,
Shepherds leap for very joy;
Leave their quiet flock homeward, quickly fly,
Worship then the Holy Boy,
Wondrous news through streets resounds,
Glad praises fill ev'ry home.
Poor man's Saviour, peasants Friend,
Come today to Bethlehem.
Learned men from far eastern lands
Kneel before the Holy Child,
Bring abundant gifts, rare, luxuriant,
Crowd the age-worn village inn.
Miles on miles had they come to adore,
No distance seemed too far.
Boundless, saving, peaceful love
Now has come to Bethlehem.
"Stars of Ice"
A Chinese Christmas carol
Bliss Mitchell Wiant
(1895-1975)
Bliss Wiant (Fan Tianxiang) was an American missionary and musician
who used both classical and Chinese folk song melodies to compose
original hymns to be sung by Chinese Christians.
No comments:
Post a Comment