Introduction
Max Bentele
1825–1893
Words: D. A. (Sandy) Coverett, 2006 (public domain).
Music: Germany Sacred Melodies, by William Gardiner, 1815 (🔊 pdf nwc).
1935–
Unto you is born…in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Words: D. A. (Sandy) Coverett, 2006 (public domain).
Music: Germany Sacred Melodies, by William Gardiner, 1815 (🔊 pdf nwc).
This Blessed Night is the fifth set of lyrics written in my current project of providing contemporary words to make use of some of the beautiful old hymn tunes that are most often used with words that are not readily understood and applied to the people of the 21st Century. I am deeply indebted to the Cyber Hymnal™ for the MIDI files that allow me to browse freely through so many of the old tunes.
These lyrics were intended as a prayer for use by any local congregation on Christmas Eve as we enter into the spirit of love and
Peace on Earth, good will to men,that is at the centre of all celebration of the birth of our Saviour. The rough draft came quickly one night as I listened to William Gardiner’s GERMANY.Sandy Coverett
This blessèd night we seek Your throne
In awe and wonder at that birth:
The Child of Bethlehem who brought
God’s grace and love back down to earth.
Joseph and Mary, chosen ones,
As parents to Your only Son,
In faith they trudged those weary miles
In order that Your will be done.
Then shepherds, high in fields above
The manger in a lowly shed,
Heard angel messengers sing out
Their Peace on Earth, good will to men.
Wrapped round in cloths they found the Babe
Lying at rest upon the hay.
It was for us this Child was born
And brought to us God’s bright new day.
Eternal hope for all mankind!
The price of sin You chose to pay!
O Babe of Heaven, we sing Your praise
And at Your feet our hearts we lay!
O grant us now, dear Lord, we pray,
That we might serve You as we ought.
Teach us to yield our wills to Yours
And live in peace as we’ve been taught.