Obscure Musical Lyric for the week of Dec.15/08

Monday is here. The new week is upon us. Can you hear the bells pealing and calling us to service in our busy lives? As Bob Cratchett moves carefully from his home to his cold work place you and I move with ease to our places of employment. Times have changed, for some it is "hard times" and not so easy for others. Will it be duck or pigs cheek you have for Christmas dinner? Looking back I have lead a life of full as others have lead a life of want. I feel the weight of the guilt as I move through my paces.

I have chosen a song this week that was written as a poem in 1864. The music was written in 1872. Those of you who are familiar with history may know the importance of those dates. It was a time of strife then much as it is now. There were wars and rumours of wars. Brother fought against brother and none were secure.

And in despair I bowed my head

There is no peace on earth I said

for hate is strong and mocks the song

of peace on earth good will to men

I realize that the writers of the songs for the first three weeks of my foray into obscure Christmas lyrics are dead. It is not meant as a portent of anything. I spent several hours last evening at a service of remembrance with friends as we remembered those who have died this year and those who we miss who have passed in years gone by. It was refreshing to not have to paint the happy face on, just so no one else would be uncomfortable. We all shared a mutual feeling, loss and the pain that goes with it.

So why the sad lyrics? The state of the world is not good. But, and I mean it this time, there is hope. This season that we call Christmas means hope. The hope for no fear (be not afraid), the hope for joy (I bring you glad tidings of great joy) and the hope of a new tomorrow (unto you is born this day, a saviour).

The whole meaning of Christmas is hope, so while we sit in darkness and feel the pain of loss, the flicker of a candle begins to bring a little light to our darkened world. That candle lights another candle and so on and soon the room is flooded with light. Just wait til you see what the big reveal brings on Friday.

Here is what I would like to know:

The name of the song/poem:

The writer of the poem:

The writer of the music:

What world event was going on when the poem was written:

Have a great week, remember to see the Hope of Christmas, not the bleak life that appears to be real.