countertony.org.uk

3 December - Come Thou Redeemer of the Earth

When I was a child, the Matin Responsory (Carols for Choirs 2, page 68) would always be followed immediately (both in the book, on page 70, and in the service) by this carol, sung as the choir processed around the church at the start of the Advent carol service.

This arrangement is for alto, tenor and bass, so I decided to record it myself a few years ago - it's probably due a re-recording.

Come, thou Redeemer of the earth,
and manifest thy virgin-birth:
let every age adoring fall;
such birth befits the God of all.

Begotten of no human will,
but of the Spirit, thou art still
the Word of God, in flesh arrayed,
the Saviour, now to us displayed.

O equal to thy Father, thou!
Gird on thy fleshly mantle now,
the weakness of our mortal state
with deathless might invigorate.

From God the Father he proceeds,
to God the Father back he speeds,
runs out his course to death and hell,
returns on God's high throne to dwell.

Thy cradle here shall glitter bright,
And darkness breathe a newer light,
Where endless faith shall shine serene,
And twilight never intervene.

All laud to God the Father be,
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To God the Holy Paraclete.

Amen.