Second Sunday of Advent, 2006

Luke 2:16-20 (KJV)

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Christmas Cantata
Daniel Pinkham (1923- )

I. Quem vidistis pastores

Shepherds, tell us your story. Speak to usl
Again describe the vision of glory which on earth appear'd.
Born for us was Christ Jesus. We heard the angel chorus
singing praises of the Lord. Alleluia.

II. O magnum mysterium

O wond'rous this mystery that even lowly beasts might behold Him.
Who though the Son of God, a Son of man on earth was born.
Within a manger He did lie. O blessed virgin mostly holy worthy was
thy womb that did carry our Saviour Jesus Christ.

III. Gloria in excelsis Deo

Glory to God in the highest and on earth to men of good will peace and love abiding.
O be joyful in the Lord, ye nations,
With gladness serve the Lord, with gladness serve ye Him.
Come before Him, come before His presence, come unto Him with singing, joy and exultation.
Now know ye: know that the Lord He is God strong and mighty,
He created us and not we ourselves.