During the Advent season, I watched a video about the Coventry Carol (1). The history is fascinating and rather odd to our ears and sensibilities. Given the context of one song among many about one subject within the wider story of Christ’s incarnation, I understand its use. But why must we persist in such a narrow interpretation in our present context?
So, I determined to write new words to go with this haunting, ancient tune, ones more broadly capturing the message and purpose of our Savior’s arrival. Try singing it along with the tune listed below (2).
When Jesus came to earth that day
Mixture of joy and pain
Birthed in a stable where they stay
Rough in a manger lain
Oh, but the joy of shepherds then
Fresh from the angels’ song
Worship the child who came to win
Sinners from all their wrong
Then came the magi with their gifts
Praise for the Infant King
Gifts were symbols, this child uplifts
All of His glory sing
Next sorrow came with Herod’s rage
Children killed cruel and cold
Then Rachel’s weeping came of age
Mothers are not consoled
A man of sorrows for our sake
Wept over suffering
Thus “a bruised reed He did not break”
Sickness and pain curing
So was the sorrow and the joy
When Jesus crucified
He suffered our sin to destroy
Rose to be glorified
CreatorWorship 