Advent Devotional 12-17-24

A highlight of the Christmas Season is our Sanctuary Choir’s Service of Lessons and Carols which includes Scripture readings, anthems and Christmas carols. One of the most delightful anthems is the Zither Carol, a traditional Czech folk tune with a waltz-like rhythm. The carol is named for the zither, a stringed instrument. While not always played on a zither, the carol is named for the instrument’s unique melodic sound. The lyrics were written by Sir Malcolm Sargen (1985-1967), an English conductor, organist, and composer, who arranged the version we hear.

Zither Carol

Girls and boys
Leave your toys
Make no noise
Kneel at his crib and worship him
At thy shrine
Child divine
We are thine
Our Savior’s here

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
All must draw near

On that day
Far away
Jesus lay
Angels were watching ‘round his head
Holy Child Mother mild, undefiled
We sing thy praise

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
Our hearts we raise

Shepherds came
At the fame
Of thy name
Angels their guide to Bethlehem
In that place
Filled with grace
Saw thy face
Stood at the door

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
Love evermore

Wise men too
Haste to do
Homage new
Gold, myrrh and frankincense they bring
As ‘twas said
Starlight led
To thy bed
Bending their knee

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
Worshiping thee

Oh, that we
All might be
Good as He
Spotless, with God in unity
Savior dear
Ever near
With us here
Since life began

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
God head made Man

Cherubim
Seraphim
Worship him
Sun, moon and stars proclaim his power
Every day
On our way
We shall say
Hallelujah

Hallelujah the church bells ring
Hallelujah the angels sing
Hallelujah from everything
Hallelujah

You can listen to the Zither Carol at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EvfPmZOw60

Anita Farrell