Last Rubyday of the the year 2012

Fine feathered friends
singing
"Baby it's cold outside" 
on our Christmas table.
Happy New Year my Ruby Tuesday Friends.

Photo and poem © 2012 by Magical Mystical Teacher

End of a season

 The Christmas tree basket is weaved by my mother.
December has come to an end.This been has been a special, memorable, painful and joyful month to our little family.I am usually strict that Advent celebration shall not take place until December first. This year I made an exception. My Mom was longing for and looking forwards to Christmas from the end of September. She was ill and had several antibiotics cures this autumn, but as soon as she was out of bed, she started knitting socks for the nurses at the home where she spent her last days.She madded plans for gifts, food and clothing for the big coming feast. At the end of November we decorated her room with a little Christmas tree, candles, red embroidered tablecloths, poinsettias ( Christmas Stars in Norway), youlenisse and angels.She was thrilled. By my birthday the eighth, we returned to decorate the home in Sauda for a great Christmas celebration, the tree, dinner and coffee table were laid and all the old, familiar decorations, the manger, the lights and wreaths, star in the window and advent candles were there, even food supplies was provided. My Mom was all smile and joy as we returned to Haugesund. The next day we got the news, she'd had a new brain stroke and wasn't expected to live much longer. We waked for five days, they were rough for her and us, till she was let in the Pearly Gate, and everything in the room was idle peace. The day of St. Lucia was my Mom's homecoming day. The next day my aunt, my Mom's SIL, was buried and we somehow got the strength to attend the beautiful ceremony. December 17th we always visit and decorate the graves in Haugesund where Gunnar's family are buried. His Dad was born hundred years ago, December 17th 1912. Then back to Sauda in snow and storm, for Mom's quiet funeral December 19th. That was Mom's wish and we had to honor that. 

We returned to Haugesund to celebrate Gunnar's birthday, December 22nd. Serina made it a memorable day. I'm still not sure how we managed to buy Christmas presents, but we made it. Not many cards sent this year, though.
I was determined to present Norwegian Christmas Carols this Advent, one each day, and that somehow kept me going. In Serina's Advent calendar were simple riddles written in French, and one small gift hidden every day.We both had fun doing that. French is kind of a "new" language to Serina.The Little Christmas Eve, the 23rd, we returned to Sauda followed by a new storm. We celebrated Christmas with brother Kel. 

Everything was prepared on before hand, therefore we had a wonderful time surrounded by happy memories and memorabilia from my parents. We even attended three major church concert in Haugesund this Advents, the tickets were reserved in November.
We have experienced that the Lord has led us through dire landscape, opened doors and provided strength we did not posses in ourself.
The minister in the Church of Sauda was of great comfort and blessing, even smile and laughter.
Words from Jesaiah have proven to be true.  45:2 "I will go before you
    and will level the mountains^[a];
I will break down gates of bronze
    and cut through bars of iron.
³ I will give you hidden treasures,
    riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the Lord,
    the God of Israel, who summons you by name."

Christmas Carols # 24

  Norwegian  text


Norwegian text

Mitt hjaerte alltid vanker
I Jesu fødte rom
Der samles mine tanker
Som i sin hovedsum
Der er min lengsel hjemme,
Der har mon tro sin skatt
Jeg kan deg aldri glemme
Vel signet julenatt.

Akk, kom jeg opp vil lukke
Mitt hjerte og mitt sinn
Og full av lengsel sukke,
kom Jesus dog her inn,
Det er ei fremmed bolig,
Du har jo selv den køpt
Så skol jeg blive trolig,
Her i mitt hjerte svøpt.

Jeg gjerne palmegrene
Vil om din krybbe strø
For deg, for deg alene
Jeg leve vil og dø
Kom la min sjel deg finne
Sin rette gledesstund
At du ble født her inne
I hjertets dype grunn.

Merry Christmas !

Christmas Carols # 23

Silent Night, the famous German song, is said to be the most common and most beloved Christmas Hymn.
In the early seventies a new Norwegian Christmas tradition was founded. The radio, the NRK, played Mahalia Jackson's version of this beautiful Hymn on the late night show. Since then, no "Little Christmas Eve" without Mahalia Jackson. She's become as important as the Christmas tree, she belongs in our Christmas hearts.

Christmas Carols # 22

 Good Day, You Green and Glittering Tree

1. Good day, you green and glittering tree!
We welcome you as we gladly greet you
With Christmas lights and Norwegian flags
And high on the top is your shining star.
Yes, it must shine for us to remind,
Yes, it must shine for it will remind
Us of our God, yes, of our God.
2. The first Christmas in a foreign land
God lit His brilliant star to show
That, as he promised in prophesy,
He sent His Son for all to see.
Yes, starlight shone on the angel's mirth,
Yes, starlight shone on the angels' mirth
'Round Bethlehem, 'round Bethlehem
3. Our mother taught us of Jesus, the Son,
On evenings when in our home we gathered.
We know His law and His gentle words;
We know we'll never them forsake.
The star shines, and our tree reminds us,
The star shines, and our tree reminds us.
Of His love, yes, of His love.

Christmas Carols # 21

This carol originates from Germany, but we consider it Norwegian. I found this clip where Sissel is singing with Vienna Opera Children's Choir in German and Norwegian. The text  on the video is Spanish. I know that Trey reads Spanish.
A happy amateur have also made his video. I think his original Norwegian videos are great.

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 20

Trygve Hoff has written this psalm on dialect about people of North Norway and God. I love the first YouTube clip. Children are just like these. The last clip contains photos from North Norway.

 North Norwegian Christmas Psalm
 Bless you the day over the fjord. Bless you light over the land.
Bless you the eternal words about hope and a reached out hand.
Protect what little you gave us, the day you moved us here north.
So we feel you will never forsake us in poverty and toil.

We lived with our cap in our hand, but had such a strong faith,
and one thing we have truly seen; we are tough ones, we, like you.
Now we have the hardest turn, we work to move forwards towards the light and the Advent time, it's a long way south to Bethlehem.

God's peace over mountains and hillsides, may life prosper where we build and work,
God's peace over the cattle in the barn and over a frosty and meager soil.
You see us in the Polar Night country. You bless us with eternal words,
The houses, the mountains, the waters, and the people who live here North.

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 19

I love this version of the old Norwegian Christmas Psalm "From Fjord to Seashore, from Mountain to Valley deep."
I am actually a bit low today. My Mom has been buried.
She loved  Christmas and especially the Christmas Hymns, so to honor her, I take time to blog one more Norwegian Psalm.
A special lady is singing and I also very much enjoy the pictures.
Here's the Norwegian lyrics.

Fra fjord og fjære

Fra fjord og fjære
fra fjell og dypen dal
et «Ære være!»
I dag gjenlyde skal.
Fra kirketårne
i fryds basuner støt
for Guds enbårne
som er i dag oss født;
nu er vi kårne,
nu er vi frelst av nød!


Til kirken samle
seg fra hver gård og grend
de unge, gamle,
av kvinner og av menn!
Vi ønsker eder
så glad en julefest,
Guds rikes gleder,
Guds fred i Jesus best;
hos hver som greder,
Vår Herre selv vær gjest!

Ha takk, som treder
til armods hytter ned!
Ha takk, som gleder
oss med din søte fred!
Kom inn, o Kriste,
tenn lys i hvermanns gård,
la isen briste,
gi varme snart og vår,
la ingen miste
hva godt din fødsel spår!

Tekst: M.B. Landstad
Melodi: H.O.C. Zinck

Christmas Carols # 18

This is not actually a Christmas Psalm, but a scene from Children's Advent TV back in 1979.
A dear memory and a timely reminder of how much children's song always has been a part of Christmas celebration.
It has been said that Christmas also is a light feast and a time for the hearts.
Let's keep it that way.

Christmas Carols # 17

Today, December 17th is the birthday of Gunnar's father. He was born exactly 100 years ago.
We have this tradition to meet and put wreaths and lights on family graves today.
Lights are an important part of advent celebration this darkest month of the year.
It's also a great way of connecting with and remembering the ones who are in heaven now.



Christmas songs by the Sami people of the Nordic countries.

Christmas Carols # 16

This is also an Advent song written by Eyvind Skeie in 1988.
Originally for a children's TV program back then when we only had one TV channel.
The lyrics content one verse for every Sunday of Advent.
I maybe most of all love the expression of verse four, "Now earth and heaven meet in the child resting on straw."
I give you the Norwegian text. It should be easy to Google.

TENN LYS !   (Eyvind Skeie) Tenn lys Et lys skal brenne for denne lille jord. Den blanke himmelstjerne, der vi og alle bor. Må alle dele håpet så gode ting kan skje. Må jord og himmel møtes. Et lys er tent for det. Tenn lys ! To lys skal skinne for kjærlighet og tro, for dem som viser omsorg og alltid bygger bro. Må fanger få sin frihet og flyktninger et hjem. Tenn lys for dem som gråter og dem som trøster dem

Tenn lys! Tre lys skal flamme for alle som må sloss. For rettferd og for frihet. De trenger hjelp av oss. Må ingen miste motet før alle folk er ett. Tenn lys for dem som kjemper for frihet og for rett. Tenn lys ! Nå stråler alle de fire lys for ham som elsker alt som lever, hver løve og hvert lam. Tenn lys for himmelkongen som gjeterflokken så. Nå møtes jord og himmel i barnet lagt på strå.

Christmas Carols # 15

This carol was written in 1992, but has already become a dear contribution to our treasure of Carols. Sung on TV and in churches, in schools and kndergartens.
That is what I like about about our Christmas songs, they are a living phenomenon, midst among us. As long as the gospel is living, new songs will be written and keep the words and content alive. Christmas celebration may be a tradition, but it's also much more. It's the beating heart of Norway, performed everywhere in November/ December.

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 14

We have an abundance of Christmas carols needed to be sung at Yuletide.
One is standing out among the hundreds and that is "Deilig er jorden ", meaning "The Earth is wonderful".
Whereeveer this song is performed, the whole assembly will automatically raise and join in.
Like today at my aunt Aase's funeral.
"Generations will follow generations, but the song about the Eternal Savior born in Bethlehem shall never be silenced."

Christmas Carols # 13

On St. Lucia Day, December 13 th, my Mom went to heaven in wonderful peace.
St. Lucia is a Sicilian Saint celebrated in Lutheran Sweden and Norway with children singing, carrying candles and bringing buns to family and neighbors.
A perfect Homecoming Day.



As Gunnar and I arrived the Home today to follow our Mom on her last journey, the hall was filled with happy kindergarten children singing Santa Lucia.

 

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

Christmas Carols # 11

This used to be my favorite song when I was a child. Singing,dancing , clapping and bowing to the lyrics of the Christmas Gospel. In Norway we sing carols when walking around the Christmas tree. We walking one circle clockwise, the other counter clock e.t.c. I have posted a video for you to see. I know that music generates happy memories. This song have been special to Norwegian children for more than hundred years.No wonder we love this time of the year. It's in our genes!

 

A Carol from Norway
"O Jul Med Din Glede"
Gustava Kielland

1. O Christmas, you season of childlike delight,
We all give you heartiest welcome;
Our voices we raise in a song clear and bright,
To bid you a thousand times welcome.—

Our hands we will clap, clap, clap,
As merry as can be; so glad are we this day to see,
We circle all around, bow and curtsey. ----

2. O wise men who come from the lands of the East,
We know of the Babe you are seeking;
We pray we may join you in your holy quest,
And follow the star brightly beaming.—

Our hands we will clap, clap, clap,
As merry as can be; so glad are we this day to see,
We circle all around, bow and curtsey. ----

3. In joy and thanksgiving I offer my hand,
And ask that you give yours in token,
That we be united by this sacred band:
God's love through the ages unbroken. –

Our hands we will clap, clap, clap,
As merry as can be; so glad are we this day to see,
We circle all around, bow and curtsey.

Christmas Carols # 10

Martin Luther said in one of his famous Table Talks: "I ​​wish with all my heart that everyone will love and praise the divine music and exquisite gift. I get so overwhelmed by the many major features music has, I do not know how I'll be able to speak about it or where to start or end my speech. "
Thus a word artist like Martin Luther actually became speechless when trying to describe the great gift of music.



A special greeting to Debbie's Dad.
O Holy Night is a French Christmas song by A Adams. It was translated into Swedish and a great "hit" by Jussi Bjorling. Later the Americans have taken the song to their heart.
Hardly any Christmas concert without this touching and tuneful song.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

 

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 9

From radiodays Alf Prøysen was a beloved "Uncle" of children's entertainment. He wrote his version of Christmas Eve where the nativity scene took place in the poor Norwegian snow landscape where he grew up.
It has always been easy to relate for grown ups as well as for children.
First video clip shows another Norwegian tradition. Artists singing for the benefit of Salvation Army's Christmas kettle.




Julekveldsvisa (Christmas Eve Song)
Nå har vi vaska golvet og vi har børi ved
og vi har satt opp fuggelband og vi har pynte tre.
Nå sett vi oss og hvile og puste på ei stund
imens jeg rugge vogga, så bror din får en blund

Dra krakken bort ått glaset, så sett vi oss og ser
og prøve finne leia der julestjerne er,
Den blankeste ta alle, hu er så klar og stor
du ser a over taket der hvor Jordmor Matja bor.

Hu er så snill den stjerna, hu blonke', kan du sjå
og nå skal jeg fortælja, og du skal høre på.
Den fyrste gong ho skinte så laga hu ei bru
imellom seg og himmel'n og ei krybbe og ei ku.

I krybba låg en liten gutt så fresk og rein og god
og mor hans dreiv og stelte'n og far hans sto og lo.
Og gjeter gutta deromkring dom kom til og frå
og bar med seg små lam-ungar som gutten skulle få.

Og tel og med tre vise menn - dom rei i flere da'r
og ingen visste vegen og itte 'hen det bar.
Men stjerna sto og blonke på himmel velvet blå
så ingen ta dom gikk bort seg og alle tre fekk sjå.

Ja, det var fyrste gongen som julestjerna brann
og sida har a brunnet i alle verdens land.
Og samme hva som hende er stjerna like stor
du ser a over taket der a Jordmor Matja bor.

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 8

For more than fifty years The Silver Boys have "sung the Christmas in," as the expression goes. After church, but before dinner, the boys choir has sung first in the radio later also in TV Christmas Eve.
I try to show you how the Norwegian Christmas Carols are a part of Norwegian Christmas celebration not only in churches, but in kindergartens, in school choirs, among Norwegians abroad, in the mountains and at sea.

Bright and Glorious is the Sky

1. Bright and glorious is the sky,
Radiant are the heavens high
Where the golden stars were shining
And their rays to earth inclining,
Beckoning us to heaven above,
Beckoning us to heaven above.
2. On that holy Christmas night
Through the darkness beamed a light
All the stars above were paling,
All their luster slowly failing,
As the Christmas star drew nigh,
As the Christmas star drew nigh.
3. Sages from the East afar,
When they saw this wondrous star,
Went to the find the King of nations,
And to offer their oblations
Unto Him as Lord and King,
Unto Him as Lord and King.
4. Him they found in Bethlehem,
Yet He wore no diadem;
They but saw a maiden lowly
With an Infant pure and holy,
Resting in her loving arms,
Resting in her loving arms.
5. Guided by the star they found
Him Whose praise the ages sound,
We too have a star to guide us
Which forever will provide us
With the light to find our Lord,
With the light to find our Lord.
6. As a star God’s holy Word
Leads us to our King and Lord;
Brightly from its sacred pages
Shall this light throughout the ages
Shine upon our path of life,
Shine upon our path of life.

Grundtvig

Norwegian Christmas Carols #7

Det kimer nu til julefest is a Danish song, but used in Norway for over hundred years.

Country of Origin: Denmark

1. The bells of Christmas chime once more;
The heavenly guest is at the door
He comes to earthly dwelling still
With new year gifts of peace, good will
2. This world though wide and far outspread,
Could scarcely find for you a bed
Your cradle was a manger stall
No pearl no silk no kingly hall
3. Now let us go with quiet mind,
The swaddled babe with shepherds find,
To gaze on him who gladdens them
The lovliest flow'r of Jesse's stem
4. Oh join with me, in gladness sing,
To keep our Christmas with our King,
Until our song, from loving souls,
Like rushing mighty water rolls!
5. O patriarchs' Joy, O prophets' Song
O Dayspring bright, awaited long
O son of Man, incarnate Word
Great David's Son, great David's Lord
6. Come, Jesus, glorious heav'nly guest,
And keep your Christmas in our breast
Then David's harpstrings, hushed so long,
Shall swell our jubilee of song.

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 6

This carol was first played on Children's TV. This version shows the a collection of ancient Norwegian Stave Churches. Hope you enjoy.

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 5

I'm So Glad Each Christmas Eve is written by  a young maiden, Maria Wexelsen, in 1858. Norwegian children has sung this song ever since it was published the year after.
I therefor find it suitable to present the song performed by young school girls. They also sing the carol from yesterday, A Child is Born in Bethlehem.

I am so glad each Christmas Eve,
The night of Jesus’ birth!
Then like the sun the Star shone forth,
And angels sang on earth.

The little Child in Bethlehem,
He was a King indeed!
For He came down from Heaven above
To help a world in need.

He dwells again in heaven’s realm,
The Son of God today;
And still He loves His little ones
And hears them when they pray.

I am so glad on Christmas Eve!
His praises then I sing;
He opens then for every child
The palace of the King.

When mother trims the Christmas tree
Which fills the room with light,
She tells me of the wondrous Star
That made the dark world bright.

She says the Star is shining still,
And never will grow dim;
And if it shines upon my way,
It leads me up to Him.

And so I love each Christmas Eve
And I love Jesus, too;
And that He loves me every day
I know so well is true.

Norwegian Christmas Hymns and Carols # 4

Norwegians are going south, preferably to live in Spain when getting elderly. Like so many others they need sun and warmth when their limbs are getting stiff. Yet they carry the old traditions with them. The old hymns with 12 verses. Most of them need no help to remember.
A child is born in Bethlehem is an old favorite.



This version is sung to an old Folk Tune

Norwegian Christmas hymns and carols # 3

Third day in Advent. Yesterday we lit the first candle and attended a Christmas concert in The Church of Our Saviour.
Norwegians gather in Advent to sing and listen to traditional Christmas hymns. The churches are filled up. I think it's wonderful. The power of genuine lyrics and familiar singing attract people all over the country.
This psalm is about the church bells chiming the Good News; Christ is born.
Kling no klokka is sung in various way to the same old folk tune.
The many choirs are inspired to find their tune.
Therefore I have willingly given you 2 different examples. Enjoy
I actually tried to post 3, but had to stop. The third simply would not appear.

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 2

Sweet Ruby has belonged to our extended family since she was eleven. Now she's soon to become 26, has taken a bachelor degree in England, stayed together with her Ørjan for 6 years and this year became the happy mother of Loke. The family has established themselves in Ruby's birth town where the hymn for first Sunday of Advent is  recorded in the main church.

Det lyser i stille grender [Julekveld]
Det lyser i stille grender av tindrande ljos ikveld, og tusunde barnehender mot himmelen ljosi held. Og glade med song dei helsar sin broder i himmelhall, som kom og vart heimsens frelsar som barn i ein vesal stall. Han låg der med høy til pute, og gret på si ringe seng, men englane song der ute på Betlehems aude eng. Der song dei for fyrste gongen ved natt over Davids by, den evige himmelsongen som alltid er ung og ny. Songen som atter tonar med jubel kvar julenatt. um barnet, Guds son og sonar som myrkret for evigt batt. Jakob Sande- You might translat the text from New Norwgian to English yourself. It's certainly worth the while.

Norwegian Christmas Carols # 1

There will be no ordinary blogging till New Year.
Nevertheless I'd like to share from our vast chest of Christmas hymns and songs treasures  this Advent.
Many of you will know Sissel, she's a treasure herself.
Have a good 1 st day of Advent.

For Dad Golden

Lauren Davenport in the blog Life and Breath and Everything Else has allowed us to share her photos for free, just by linking them to her blog. http://acts17v25.blogspot.no/

For free, forever free.

Cohen in Red

 

 Who can resist the young sensual voice of Leonard Cohen, 78?

 

 His lyrics and music reach beyond age or changer. As always our little family loves traveling together for major concerts.

He played, danced and showed for four hours in Bergen this August.

 He's our man.

Magical Mystery Teacher is hosting Ruby Tuesday 2 together with Gemma Wiseman