When Joseph learned

When Joseph learned his bride-to-be was soon to have a child,

He had no wish to cause her harm or hold her up to shame.

A righteous man, his mind was set, to sad choice reconciled,

Until into his restless dreams the Lord’s own angel came.

“Oh, son of David, do the good; take Mary as your wife;

The child in her is Spirit-made of God’s own true design.

This son she bears will save us all from sin and give us life.”

The angel’s word did give him strength and his good task define.

Then came to mind these prophet words: “the woman bears a son,

His name shall be Immanuel,” God-with-us for all time.

So Joseph woke and knew his work was only now begun;

To be at Mary’s side when she gave birth to life sublime.

So Joseph did the Lord’s command, and was, both strong and true,

The earthly father of God’s Son; this work became his call.  

Now give we thanks for one who did what God called him to do,

And take his good obedience as model for us all.

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, 2019, after Matthew 1:18-25

MUSIC: Suggested Tunes:

            NOEL (Sullivan), English melody, arr. Arthur Sullivan, 1874 (Sometimes associated with “It came upon the midnight clear”)

            ST. LOUIS, Lewis Henry Redner, 1868 (“O little town of Bethlehem”)

            FOREST GREEN, English folk tune, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906 (alternate tune for “O little town of Bethlehem”)

Got out of order here; this one is for Advent 4A, specifically the annunciation to Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25. The previous entry is for Advent 1A; 2A and 3A are forthcoming. There are multiple tunes noted, but the one set above is the one that was in my head as I wrote the text. It seems only fair; Sullivan (yes, of "Gilbert and" fame) has seen his tune for "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" eclipsed (at least in the US), and while NOEL is used in Glory to God, it's not for any seasonal text. The obvious seasonal tune name cried out for at least the proximity of Advent.

Keep watch

Keep watch, O Christian people! Awake, keep watch, and wait!

Though the Lord may tarry yet, God will surely not be late.

Even though we do not know the hour and do not know the date,

Wake, keep watch, and wait! Wake, keep watch, and wait!

Keep watch, O Christian people! Salvation now is near!

For the night is giving way, and the day is nearly here!

Shun the works of darkness grim and put away your quarreling here;

See salvation near! See salvation near!

Keep watch, O Christian people! Forget what’s come before!

Still the day is coming when war and sword shall be no more.

Nations all shall fear the Lord and sing his praise from shore to shore.

War shall be no more! War shall be no more!

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, 2019, after Advent 1A scriptures

MUSIC: Tune IN DULCI JUBILO (“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”).

            German folk melody, 14^th cent.

An amalgam of ideas from the scriptures for the first Sunday of Advent, year A (Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44, and even Romans 13:11-14). Also, it makes use of a familiar tune that can be difficult to fit in during the Christmas season. The Advent season for which I am preparing is using a progressive theme of "Watch-Prepare-Rejoice-Behold," which seems to fit with the lectionary well this year, instead of the Hope-Peace-Joy-Love that seems to have become rather common. This is meant to fit in with and help emphasize that first step of the season.

Zacchaeus was a tiny man

Zacchaeus was a tiny man,

            Small both in heart and stature;

He was despised, for to his own

            He was a low tax-catcher.

When Jesus came into his town,

            Zacchaeus grew a-flustered;

He yearned to see this holy one,

            And so his strength he mustered;

He clambered up a tree that stood

            And to his sight gave favor.

And so he saw our Lord so good,

            And felt his heart grow graver.

But Jesus looked into the tree,

            His eyes not slow nor dodging,

And said, “Zacchaeus, come down here,

            For I require your lodging.”

The people grumbled and complained,

            “He’s eating with a sinner!”

But he did vow to right his ways,

            And leave his purse all thinner.

Our Savior came to seek the lost,

            And claim them with elation.

Zacchaeus found his home that day;

            Its name is called salvation.

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, 2019, after Luke 19:1-10

MUSIC: Suggested tune BARBARA ALLEN, English traditional melody.

Another exercise of a sort, taking a known folk tune instead of a hymn tune with which I'm familiar. BARBARA ALLEN actually has been appropriated for a few hymns, though none I know terribly well (I think there's a John Bell text attached to it somewhere?), but for ex-musicologist me it's mostly known for the tragic love story most traditionally attached to it. With the tune coming first in this case (not my usual practice), I found myself, consciously or not, drawn to the idea of making or adapting a text that told a story, as ballad tunes like this one so often do. Conveniently, the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector happens to be the lectionary gospel reading for a week from Sunday. What fun when things work out that way...so if you were inclined to call this "The Ballad of Zacchaeus" I could hardly object.

Oh, when the storms are all too real

Oh, when the storms are all too real,
With winds or waters rising,
Our lives are lost or broken down,
By nature turned despising;
Our souls cry out in hard despair
With confidence sore shaken.
But where is hope when all is lost,
Or can hope yet awaken?

We do not serve a God aloof,
All cold and hard, unfeeling,
Nor are we cut off and adrift
Although our hearts are reeling.
The Holy Spirit swift and sure
Goes forth when creatures suffer,
And forges from God’s steadfast love
A constant shield and buffer.

That Spirit also calls us out
When nature’s might brings trouble
For neighbors near or neighbors far,
To hope amidst the rubble;
To build and fix and raise anew,
God’s care and mercy showing,
So from despair and hopeless
Come life and hope new-growing.



TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, 2019
MUSIC: Suggested tune HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING, Robert Lowry, 1869

My frequent role as Weather Channel geek and general weather-worrier cropped up again this week after strong tornadoes hit the Dallas area. Of course, in Florida there's always a hurricane to remember, whether it hit the state proper (Irma, Michael) or neighboring island areas (Maria, Dorian). I never want to dismiss the destructive powers of nature, even while seeking a theology of creation more characterized by living within it rather than dominating it, so facing such disasters is mandatory. In the meantime, such disasters may need to be addressed in worship.

I'm not ashamed, whate'er my trial

I’m not ashamed, whate’er my trial; I know in whom I trust.

I trust our Savior, Jesus Christ, and follow him I must.

I know that he is capable to guard until that day

The life that I entrust to Christ who is my truth and way.

Hold on, dear friends, to what you know, to all you have been taught;

Stand fast in God’s most holy Word, that truth you long have sought.

In faith and love that are Christ’s own be true to this you know,

This treasure you are given as you in God’s own Spirit grow.

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, 2019, after 2 Timothy 1:12-14

MUSIC: Suggested tune RESIGNATION, USA folk melody, Lewis’s Beauties of Harmony, 1828

Yup, another one from the lectionary epistle reading. This one actually marinated for a few days before coming together, but for now keeping on doing the work seems like a discipline I need for now. Still, it works, I think (though I'm quite certain some editing is in its future), and the tune seems particularly suitable for the text.

God, grant us the contentment

God, grant us the contentment

            Of knowing what we need,

Not wanting after riches

            That cause the soul to bleed.

Deliver us from evil

            That comes of loving wealth,

But hold us in your true love,

            Your life and breath and health.

Give us the grace, our dear Lord,

            To seek your gift of love;

To choose that which is faithful

            And peace-like as the dove.

With righteousness and goodness

            And gentleness to give,

O God of all our living,

            Hold us and help us live.

For we who know abundance,

            Let us not live in pride,

But only in your goodness,

            Lord, teach us to abide.

Keep us from vain desiring

            That leads to pain and strife,

But give to us your best gift:

            Life that is truly life.

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, 2019, after 1 Timothy 6:6-19.

MUSIC: Suggested tune SALLEY GARDENS, Irish folk melody.

Hopefully it is clear that these are not strict scripture paraphrases. Plenty of this passage is not reflected in the hymn. Still, I hope that this run of hymns are of some use in accompanying and perhaps interpreting these scriptures in song. And now I'm going to have to preach on all these epistle readings some day to be able to use these hymns in worship. (And yes, SALLEY GARDENS does appear as a hymn tune, at least in Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal, attached to the old William Cowper text "Sometimes a light surprises.") 

Take on the mind of Christ

Take on the mind of Christ our Lord: though God in every way,

He did not cling to heav’nly form, but gave himself away.

Take on the mind of Christ our Lord: he took a servant mind,

Yes, Christ, the Everlasting One took on our human kind.

Take on the mind of Christ our Lord, who did not call it loss

To be obedient to the end of death upon a cross.

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, 2019, after Philippians 2:5-8

MUSIC: Tune DETROIT, Supplement to Kentucky Harmony, 1820.

Here is an adaptation of Philippians 2:5-8, the first half of one of the most noteworthy "Christ hymns" found in the epistles of the New Testament. The intention was to set the whole hymn (2:5-11), but the two halves are so distinct in tone and effect that it seemed best to leave this one as it is. Perhaps the second half will come at another moment, and maybe even to a different tune.