Voices Found: The dark is behind us, Spring's on the way! Candlemas VF 31

 




When candles are lighted on 

Candlemas Day

Voices Found #31


Words: Elizabeth Cosnett 

Music: Lourdes, French traditional melody

Elizabeth Cosnett's  Candlemas song celebrates the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple,  when Mary and Joseph presented the baby  to be  named Jesus.  Voices Found includes the first three verses of her  hymn, appropriate for congregational singing. 

Below is Cosnett's full text, a poetic reflection on Mary's journey of faith and Anna's revelation of the Christ, based on Luke 2:26-38   

Meditation:  

Anna gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption  of Jerusalem. ( Luke 2:38)

                                                 

When Candles are lighted on Candlemas Day

the dark is behind us, and Spring's on the way

Refrain: A glory dawns in every dark place,

the light of Christ, the fullness of Grace

The kings have departed, the shepherds have gone,

the child and his parents are left on their own

Refrain

They go to the temple, obeying the law,

and offer two pigeons, the gift of the poor

 Refrain

But Anna and Simeon recognize there

the Christ-child who came 

at the turn of the year.

Refrain

The old who have suffered and waited so long

see hope for the world as they welcome the young.

Refrain

They gaze at God's wonderful answer to prayer

the joy of the Jews and the Gentiles' desire

Refrain

The light is increasing and spring's in the air.

Look back with thanksgiving!

Look forward with awe.

Refrain

They see before Mary a heart-piercing grief

but trust is complete at the end of their life

Refrain

For Mary will follow with tears in her eyes.

Her Savior and Son to the foot of the cross

Refrain

Great Spirit of Yaweh, with courage inspire

your everyday saints who face up to despair

Refrain

They pass through temptation, through failure.

When darkness descends, they plod onward in faith

Refrain

Like Anna, like Simeon, may they have trust,

the eyes to see Jesus, and peace at the last.

Refrain

The candles invite us to praise and to pray

when Christmas greets Easter on Candlemas Day

 A glory dawns in every dark place,

the light of Christ, the fullness of Grace




                                         https://www.churchpublishing.org/products/voicesfound2

Please see The Leader's Guide to Voices Found for more information and performance suggestions.

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