Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Christmas Carols # 12

I'm sharing my Christmas Carols with you while Christmas melodies are filling the air here in my mother's room. She's had a stroke, and no one knows what the outcome will be. There's no doubt she's listening and enjoying the familiar songs.



1. Thy little ones, dear Lord, are we,
And come Thy lowly bed to see;
Enlighten every soul and mind,
That we the way to Thee may find.
2. With songs we hasten Thee to greet,
And kiss the dust before Thy feet;
O blessed hour, O sweetest night,
That gave Thee birth, our soul's delight.
3. O draw us wholly to Thee, Lord,
Do Thou to us Thy grace accord,
True faith and love to us impart,
That we may hold Thee in our heart.
4. Until at last we too proclaim
With all Thy saints, Thy glorious Name;
In paradise our songs renew,
And praise Thee as the angels do.
Notes:
Regarding "Her kommer, Jesus, dine små", this is the title in the modern lyrics of the song in Norway. The title translates as "Here Come, Jesus, Your Little Ones". Originally, however, it was called "Her kommer dine arme små", which translates as "Here Come  Your Little Poor(*) Ones" (*: or helpless). However, in Norwegian "arm" meaning poor or helpless is a very antiquated form, and the word "arm" also means arm (the limb) - for kids it was probably a bit confusing to sing a Christmas carol about a lot of little arms coming. Therefore the alteration of the lyrics.

These are not my notes, but some I found on the Internet. A great Christmas story is written about a little boy believing he was singing about the small arms. Some day, before I'm getting too old, I must have it translated. I'd love to share it.

http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/NonEnglish/her_kommer_jesus_dine_sma.htm



5 comments:

Life and Breath and Everything Else said...

I love these Christmas carol posts! Thanks.

Mrs. Mac said...

I'm sure in some way these songs bring comfort to your mom. Again, thanks for sharing .. give your mom a gently hug from the sisters across the sea.

Aritha V. said...

Thanks! This is very special.

Old-Dutch carols has also very difficult words. But like them.


http://showmeastorie.blogspot.nl/

Jada's Gigi said...

I too love your Caroling posts! God's blessings to your sweet mom.

Amrita said...

We ar e praying for Monten and all of you. God bless