REDONDOWRITER'S SACRED ORDINARY

Random Act of Culture: The Hallelujah Chorus in Philadelphia

My friend Betsy in Oregon, my very first roommate in 1984 after my separation, sent me the link to this today, sponsored by Random Acts of Culture.  She knows how much I love Handel's Messiah. I've got the sing-a-long annual date at El Camino College on my calendar. (December 10. Anybody want to go with me?)

This is especially meaningful to me today, an r and r day after the departure of my two grandsons early this morning. I was so incredibly delighted to have them visit, but went back to bed for three hours after they left early this morning. They are home in Port Angeles, WA, safe and sound. Today I was aware that I am no longer a spring chicken.

Cry of a Tiny Babe - Bruce Cockburn

At tonight's Christmas service at church, one of our musicians, Kenny, brought the house down singing Canadian folk/rock guitarist and singer-songwriter's Bruce Cockburn's Cry of a Tiny Babe. I had never even heard of Cockburn before and I bet Lorna at Lorna in Wonderland will be amazed as he's such a well-known Canadian. But, this Cry of a Tiny Babe moved me deeply. For the life of me I can't find a video of this particular song, but here are the lyrics. If anyone can find a video or even him singing it, please let me know. All I know is that I'm going to buy some CDs soon of Bruce Cockburn. Merry Christmas to all.

Bruce Cockburn

Cry of a Tiny Babe

by Bruce Cockburn

Mary grows a child without the help of a man

Joseph get upset because he doesn't understand
Angel comes to Joseph in a powerful dream
Says "God did this and you're part of his scheme"
Joseph comes to Mary with his hat in his hand
Says "forgive me I thought you'd been with some other man"
She says "what if I had been - but I wasn't anyway and guess what
I felt the baby kick today"

Like a stone on the surface of a still river
Driving the ripples on forever
Redemption rips through the surface of time
In the cry of a tiny babe

The child is born in the fullness of time
Three wise astrologers take note of the signs
Come to pay their respects to the fragile little king
Get pretty close to wrecking everything
'Cause the governing body of the whole [Holy] land
Is that of Herod, a paranoid man
Who when he hears there's a baby born King of the Jews
Sends death squads to kill all male children under two
But that same bright angel warns the parents in a dream
And they head out for the border and get away clean

Like a stone on the surface of a still river
Driving the ripples on forever
Redemption rips through the surface of time
In the cry of a tiny babe

There are others who know about this miracle birth
The humblest of people catch a glimpse of their worth
For it isn't to the palace that the Christ child comes
But to shepherds and street people, hookers and bums
And the message is clear if you've got [you have] ears to hear
That forgiveness is given for your guilt and your fear
It's a Christmas gift [that] you don't have to buy
There's a future shining in a baby's eyes

Like a stone on the surface of a still river
Driving the ripples on forever
Redemption rips through the surface of time
In the cry of a tiny babe

A Sing-a-long Messiah: Christmas Season Officially Here

It has been very rainy in Southern California, but last night I made my way, alone, to El Camino College (where I worked for eight years when I was much younger) to participate in the annual Sing-a-long Messiah in the Haag Recital Hall. (I had the pleasure of working with Bob Haag, an incredible man who is dead now). I have never sung the Messiah in the chorus with a "real choir," and I do not technically read music. But, Handel's Messiah is the most inspiring music I personally have ever heard. I have my own score and I often play the two disc CDs during Christmas and Easter seasons. I sit in the living room, often singing along with the parts I know. 

Last night I sat in the alto section and fortunately the women around me were very strong singers so I successfully muddled along. The orchestra, solists and the chorus (us) were magnificent as far as I was concerned. The conductor was the spirited and beautiful Dr. Joanna Nachef dressed in tiered red chiffon with a red chandelier necklace. She told us the history of G.F. Handel's masterpiece and introduced the principals and the orchestra and explained how we all fit in. We were off and running. We rose for the chorus parts and all of us, of course, rose for the Halleluia chorus. We weren't as professional as this Bethany College performance, but I felt 12 miles high last night when I left El Camino. 

For me, the Christmas season has officially arrived. The Advent wreath is out, the tree is up, the house is decorated, most presents are purchased, and I have sung the Messiah. What symbols and activities make Christmas alive for you? 

Start Your Day With Angelina's "St. Patrick's Breastplate"

St. Patrick's Breastplate, or "I Arise Today" sung by Irish women and men brings me to tears of joy and hope every time I hear it. The song that did it for my mom was "Danny Boy." I'd like to share Angelina's version with you from YouTube. When I am doing my morning routine, I often listen to this song. It keeps me intentional and focused.

I Heard Lisa Hannigan on NPR

I had never heard of Irish singer Lisa Hannigan until today on NPR's All Things Considered. I was half-way listening to the interview until I heard her voice in excerpts from her debut solo album Sea Sew. I rarely buy music anymore, but I'll get this CD. 

Tonight I went on YouTube and watched her sing several songs and they are sweet, haunting, melancholic. Good Friday is a melancholy day for me and her voice and lyrics seemed to match my feelings.

Apparently she sang backup vocals with Irish singer Damien Rice for seven years, but two years ago he dismissed her abruptly from his band. When questioned about that in the interview, she was incredibly gracious. You can read or listen to the interview at the link above. 

Here is Lisa Hannigan playfully singing Lille and showing the song's scenes in a wonderful pop-up book.

St. Patrick's Breastplate

Yesterday my rector posted a version of St. Patrick's Breastplate he likes on Facebook and then memories flooded back of how I played a version I liked every morning for years--and then I fell out of the habit. Why do we fall out of habits of things that have nurtured our souls? Here is a video version of the same song that I personally love by Angelina.