The Cathedral Close

At daily Matins here at St. Alban’s, we customarily sing a hymn from The Hymnal Noted edited by The Rev. John Mason Neale and The Rev. Thomas Helmore.   Reprinted by the Lancelot Andrewes Press, this is a gem that brings a richness to the daily office particularly on saints’ days.  This is certainly the case on this Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle and as we enter the last days of Advent.  If you are used to chanting your offices, these hymns should not prove difficult.  However, even if you are a beginner, these should be easy to get your arms around with just a little practice.

Apart from the music adding a joyful noise to the office, the words of these hymns give a theological shape to morning and evening prayer, as well as bit of poetry.  So, even if you are alone or are not yet ready to sing, there is a real benefit to including just the words to your prayers.  If you’d like to know more or to practice, St. Alban’s is having a music and choir festival on January 23rd beginning at 8:00 am.  There is no charge, but folks may wish to place a love offering in the basket to help us cover costs for what promises to be a wonderful day.   Now, for this morning’s hymn, number 65, Veni, veni, Emmanuel. (note some of the different words).

1. Draw nigh, draw nigh, Emmanuel
And loose Thy captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear;
Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel
Is born for thee, O Israel!

2. O Rod of Jesse’s stem, arise,
And free us from our enemies,
And set us loose from Satan’s chains,
And from the pit with all its pains!
Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel
Is born for thee, O Israel!

3. Thou, the true East, draw nigh, draw nigh,
To give us comfort from on high!
And drive away the shades of night,
And pierce the clouds, and bring us light!
Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel
Is born for thee, O Israel!

4. Key of the House of David, come!
Reopen Thou our heavenly home!
Make safe the way that we must go,
And close the path that leads below.
Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel
Is born for thee, O Israel!

5. Ruler and Lord, draw nigh, draw nigh!
Who to Thy flock in Sinai
Didst give, of ancient times, Thy Law,
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel
Is born for thee, O Israel!