This Sunday, the choir will be singing an anthem by the 16th century composer Michael Praetorius. Edited down to four verses, this piece is an anthem for the season of Epiphany. What is very interesting is that the three verses omitted from the piece, when placed back in order, present the music as a nighttime offering. Here are the missing verses:All-holy Lord, in humble prayer,
We ask tonight Thy watchful care.
Oh, grant us calm repose in Thee,
A quiet night, from perils free.
Our sleep be pure from sinful stain;
Let not the Tempter vantage gain,
Or our unguarded flesh surprise
And make us guilty in Thine eyes.
Asleep though wearied eyes may be,
Still keep the heart awake to Thee;
Let Thy right hand outstretched above
Guard those who serve the Lord they love.
With these added verses, it is restored to a prayer before bed, in darkness, with the contrast and comfort of Christ as Light. We look forward to presenting verses 1, 5, 6, and 7 at the 8:30 service.
Personally, in our household, we have started a tradition of lighting lamps and candles at sundown to remind us of Christ, our Light and Day. The picture above is our kitchen table. What traditions do you have that remind you of this?
