Rejoice!

The Third Sunday of Advent
December 16, 2018
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday. The name comes from the ancient Latin introit for this day, which begins with the word "Gaudete," meaning "Rejoice." We are reminded that scripture calls us to wait for Emmanuel with joyful expectation, and that the coming of the Lord is near. We light the third, rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath, and beautiful rose-colored vestments are worn on this day.

We continue to sing the great hymns and anthems of the Advent season. One of today's anthems has become a modern classic: "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come" by Paul Manz (1919-2009). A well known Lutheran composer and professor, Manz is best known for this anthem composed in 1953.

 The words were adapted from the book of Revelation by Ruth Manz, spouse of the composer. The couple's three year old son was critically ill and hospitalized, and Paul Manz composed the anthem while praying at his child's bedside. The boy recovered, and the poignant prayer became one of the best known American choral compositions of the 20th century.

 "E'en So, Lord Jesus" has become a standard in the Advent repertoire of choirs around the world. Listen to a recording here: E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come

 Peace be to you and grace from him
Who freed us from our sins,
Who loved us all and shed his blood
That we might saved be.

Sing holy, holy to our Lord,
The Lord, Almighty God,
Who was and is and is to come;
Sing holy, holy, Lord!

Rejoice in heaven, all ye that dwell therein,
Rejoice on earth, ye saints below,
For Christ is coming, is coming soon!

E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come,
And night shall be no more;
they need no light nor lamp nor sun,
For Christ will be their all.

                               -Revelation 22, adapted by Ruth Manz

In addition to singing the anthem this morning, the Cathedral Choir will offer it again this afternoon at the Requiem Eucharist of a beloved parishioner. Every time we sing it, we are moved by the power of the words and music. May it fill your hearts with the joy and expectation of the Advent season.

Music for the Third Sunday of Advent
December 16, 2018

Hymns
640 Watchman, tell us of the night     Aberystwyth
54 Savior of the nations, come     Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
56 O come, O come, Emmanuel     Veni, veni, Emmanuel
72 Hark! the glad sound! the Savior comes     Richmond
57 Lo, he comes with clouds descending     Helmsley

Service Music
Trisagion S-102     Alexander Archangelsky
Canticle 9: The First Song of Isaiah     Simplified Anglican Chant, Jerome Webster Meachen
Sanctus S-130     Franz Schubert/arr. Richard Proulx
Fraction Anthem: My flesh is food indeed     Ray W. Urwin

Anthems
E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come  -Paul Manz
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus  -Marty Wheeler Burnett

Organ Music
Hark the Glad Sound! The Savior Comes  -Wilbur Held
Organ chorale: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland  -Andreas Nikolaus Vetter





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