Advent 2024: Thu 12 Dec
A Hebridean carol
Tàladh Chrìosda – Christ’s Lullaby
This carol comes from Barra. It is traditionally sung at midnight mass. There are 29 verses to this song, enough to fill a service on its own! It is a song of Mary to her infant son, rich in content and attractive. The content covers more than Mary herself would have known, but this is a deep meditative reflection on the nature of Jesus and his future work.
You can find the full text on Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%A0ladh_Chr%C3%ACosda#Lyrics
Here is a selection:
My love, my love and my treasure are You
my treasure and my joy are You
my lovely, becoming son are You
I'm not worthy of being near You
Though You're a feeble baby
for sure, the King of Kings are You
You're the rightful, true heir
of the Kingdom of God of the graces
Great was the joy and wonder
of the poor shepherds of the sheep
when they heard the angels crying out
“a Saviour has come to the world”
A star manifested for the kings
they followed her like a guide faithfully
they found You in my clasp
and they made obeisance to You down to the floor
Since the angel of God told us
that deceit was in the heart of Herod
we left with You for Egypt
evading him before harm was done to You
Neither holy angels nor men will understand
till the last day of the world
the extent of Your mercy and Your love
coming to take a human body
My treasure, my joy and my dearest are You
my darling and love and love of the people are You
You're the One who brings them liberation
from the bond of the haughty Enemy
You're the King of Kings, You're the Holy One of the Holy Ones
God the Son are You, eternal is Your age
You're my God and my beloved baby
You're the high chief of the children of men
A lightly accompanied version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S9HvKQG_zw
A little bit dated, but lovely all the same:
Paul