Tuesday, November 29, 2011

"No More Turning From the Child"

Here's another Advent/Christmas song that is on target with the story. It's often a challenge to use the great music of old in a style that works today. I appreciate what Carl is trying to do as the Charles Wesley words have a depth and power to them despite the challenge of the years.

No More Turning From The Child
word by Charles Wesley, music by Carl Thomas Gladstone

Where is the holy heaven-born child,
Heir of the everlasting throne,
Who heaven and earth hath reconciled,
And God and human joined in one?
Shall we of earthly kings enquire,
To courts or palaces repair?
The nation's hope, the world's desire,
Alas! We cannot find him there.

No more turning!
See there! The new born Saviour see,
By faith discern the great I AM;
'Tis he! The eternal God! 'tis he
That bears the mild Immanuel's name.

We search the outward church in vain,
They cannot him we seek declare,
They have not found the Son of Man,
Or known the sacred name they bear.
Then let us turn no more aside,
But use the light himself imparts,
His Spirit is our surest guide,
His Spirit glimmering in our hearts.

Drawn by his grace we come from far,
And fix on heaven our wishful eyes,
That ray divine, that orient star
Directs us where the infant lies.
The Prince of Peace on earth is found,
The child is born, the son is given;
Tell it to all the nations round,
Jehovah is come down from heaven!

Find the song sung here.

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