Our standard Christmas tune, Carol of the Bells was first composed as The Little Swallow, a shchedrivka, a Ukrainian folks tune sung at starting of a brand new yr. The Ukrainian lyrics inform the story of a swallow who flies right into a family to announce {that a} bountiful yr and fruitful springtime lie forward. “The Little Swallow” was composed in 1916 by Mykola Leontovych who was assassinated by a Russian agent in 1921. Our English model was organized with new lyrics by the American composer Peter J. Wilhousky in 1936.
As we discover ourselves consumed with preparations for celebrating Christmas, my coronary heart retains turning to the individuals of Ukraine and the violent oppression they’re experiencing. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ whose delivery we are going to quickly have a good time. The gospel was first preached in Ukraine in 988 and at this time almost 70% of Ukrainians declare the Orthodox Church as their non secular residence.
Although we hail you as Prince of Peace, Lord,
we’re untrue to you and your command
that we love each other as you have got cherished us…
We have realized to tolerate oppression and battle
as segments on the night information;
our sisters and brothers are dying,
their cities and houses are destroyed
and we modify the channel
to a sitcom – or actuality television…
Ship your Spirit as a sparrow
to the individuals of Ukraine,
anointing them with braveness,
perseverance and reduction…
Refresh the promise of your love
of their weary, wounded hearts
and produce them hope that peace will triumph
when the world has heard their cry…
Carry their eyes and hearts to you, Lord,
born to avoid wasting them from their grief
and be for them the Prince of Peace
in whom they belief and put their religion…
Assist all peoples work collectively
for a brand new yr and new methods
to discover a springtime of the mercy
born in you on Christmas day…
Defend us, Lord, whereas we’re awake
and watch over us whereas we sleep
that awake, we’d maintain watch with you
and asleep, relaxation in your peace…
Amen.
Tonight’s tune, The Little Swallow, is the unique composition,
sung in Urkainian and adopted by an English translation. In
listening to this efficiency: take into accout the little swallow
flying into somebody’s residence – the music helps the picture of
a small chicken fluttering about the home as a lot because it does the
bells in a terrific steeple.
The Little Swallow by Mykola Leontovych
Bountiful night, bountiful night, a New Yr’s carol;
Slightly swallow flew into the family
and began to twitter,
to summon the grasp:
“Come out, come out, O grasp,
have a look at the sheep pen,
there the ewes have given delivery
and the lambkins have been born
Your items [livestock] are nice,
you’ll have some huge cash, by promoting them.
You will have a dark-eyebrowed lovely spouse
If not cash, then chaff from all of the grain you’ll harvest.
Creation Blessing
composed by Michael Joncas and Alan Hommerding
