ADVENT TIP OF THE DAY 4: Carol/hymn as scripture
I am adding these posts to the previous tip list L/V 10 Tip of the Day ;
QUESTION: How does one examine a traditional hymn based on scripture?
ANSWER: from Perplexity:
Here are step-by-step instructions for comparing a hymn to its scriptural source:
Identify the scripture passage the hymn is based on.
Read the scripture passage carefully, noting key words, phrases, and themes.
Read through the hymn lyrics, looking for direct quotes or paraphrases of the scripture.
Compare the overall structure and flow of ideas between the hymn and scripture.
Note any additional concepts or interpretations the hymn introduces beyond the scripture.
Examine the hymn's use of poetic devices like metaphor or imagery to convey scriptural truths.
Consider how the hymn's melody and musical structure support or enhance the scriptural message.
Reflect on how the hymn applies or personalizes the scripture for worshippers.
This comparison process can yield several valuable insights:
It deepens understanding of both the scripture and the hymn.
It reveals how hymn writers interpret and apply biblical passages.
It highlights the theological emphases of different hymn writers and traditions.
It demonstrates how poetry and music can illuminate scriptural truths.
It helps assess the biblical fidelity and doctrinal soundness of hymns.
It enriches worship by connecting sung praise directly to God's Word.
Ultimately, this practice aligns with the biblical mandate to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly... singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" (Colossians 3:16), ensuring our worship is grounded in and shaped by Scripture.1
QUESTION: How do I find the text of “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came” aka Gabriel’s Message or Birjina gaztetto bat zegoenin Logos/Verbum?
SOFTWARE: Logos/Verbum does not have a label for hymns. While users may create their own labels that is a long-term solution. In the meantime, use a book search on a temporary collection of hymnals, poetry, and service books – type:(hymnal, poetry, “service book”) – for “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came” in quote marks.
ANSWER: Despite finding references to the carol in worship planning resources, my library does not have the lyrics which are:
1 The angel Gabriel from heaven came,his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;"All hail," said he to meek and lowly Mary,"most highly favored maiden." Gloria!
2 "I come from heav'n to tell the Lord's decree:a blessed virgin mother you shall be.Your Son shall be Immanuel, by seers foretold,most highly favored maiden." Gloria!
3 Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;"To me be as it pleases God," she said."My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name."Most highly favored maiden, Gloria!
4 Of her, Immanuel, the Christ, was bornIn Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say,"Most highly favored maiden." Gloria!Source: Christian Worship: Hymnal #3282
QUESTION: Sting, the English musician Gordon Sumner, recorded the Basque carol “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came” changing only one word -replacing “Christian” with “everyone” in the final verse. How closely does this expose Christian scripture to Sting’s secular audience?
ANSWER: from Perplexity:
The lyrics of "The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came" closely parallel the biblical account in Luke 1:26-38, but with some poetic embellishments. Here's a comparison:
1. The opening verse describes Gabriel's appearance, which is not detailed in Luke's account. The lyrics add vivid imagery: "His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame".
2. The greeting in the song, "All hail, said he, thou lowly maiden Mary," is a poetic rendering of the biblical "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28).
3. The phrase "Most highly favoured lady" in the lyrics is repeated as a refrain, emphasizing Mary's chosen status. This echoes the biblical "you have found favor with God" (Luke 1:30).
4. The second verse of the song summarizes Gabriel's message about Jesus' future greatness, reflecting Luke 1:31-33. The lyrics mention "Emmanuel," which doesn't appear in Luke's account but is referenced in Matthew 1:23.
5. Mary's response in the third verse, "To me be as it pleaseth God," closely mirrors the biblical "May it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).
6. The song adds a fourth verse about Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, which is not part of the Annunciation narrative in Luke 1.
While the lyrics capture the essence of the biblical account, they add poetic elements and omit some details, such as Mary's initial confusion and her question about how she could conceive as a virgin.
1 and https://www.hymncharts.com/2023/08/29/the-differences-between-hymns-and-gospel-songs/ and and https://www.hymnsillustrated.com/blog/how-to-study-hymns-using-hymn-eneutics and and https://www.gotquestions.org/psalms-hymns-spiritual-songs.html and and https://founders.org/articles/hymns-and-the-sufficiency-of-scripture/
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."