A different Advent hymn

Growing up as a boy chorister at St. John the Divine in Victoria I remember well the hymns of Advent. “Come thou redeemer of the earth,” “Lo, He comes with clouds, descending,” “On Jordan’s bank the Baptist cry,” with many others. These well populate my musical memory in a wonderful way, though I must say they feel remote from the world I inhabit today. As both priest and musician over the years, during Advent I often search for new texts to join with traditional melodies, texts which connect with contemporary challenges and opportunities. Hence my interest in the hymnic compositions of liturgist, pastor, theologian, and musician, Michael Joncas.

Catholics and protestants alike will be familiar with the song On Eagle’s Wings. Written by Fr. Michael in 1970 following the death of a friend’s father the folk hymn is frequently sung at funerals and Sunday liturgies in most Christian communities. Based on Psalm 91, Exodus 19, and Matthew 13 it is a song of hope, confidence, and trust.

During a recent webinar a group of us from the Associated Parishes for Liturgy and Mission (APLM) spoke with Fr. Michael about the celebration of Advent. In conversation he shared with us a hymntext from 2010 especially suited for the First Sunday of Advent; it can however be used at other times early in the season.

I found it to be especially relevant to the “signs of the times”  for today’s world. The struggle for peace continues unabated; the powers of darkness will never defeat the unrelenting light—though in many instances, victory seems distant. We turn to, and live in hope, as did Sarah and Abraham and all the saints.

Stanzas 1 and 2 clamor for peace, disarmament—and while avoiding the term itself—reconciliation.

Stanza 3 responds to our growing abuse of truth-telling, the practice of public lying, and the ever-present threat to the freedom which truth brings.

Stanza 4 introduces the voice of prophecy, a strident and resilient voice announcing that “the long dark night is ending.” Relief, at last.

Stanza 5 celebrates the presence of God’s visionary, powerful love. We do not, we cannot continue alone, save from the Daystar itself, the one for whom we wait. Our role is to receive what God offers in Christ.

May the Daystar lead us all to better things, to a better world, and to all which lies beyond.

1. We read the ancient vision / Within the ancient books:
That swords be turned to plowshares / And spears to pruning hooks,
That warring hearts turn gentle / And peace should grace our land:
The long, dark night is ending; / The daystar is at hand.

2. Yet how can we stay hopeful / While counting up our dead,
While wars and insurrections / Remain our daily bread,
While in the heart’s deep chambers / We strive against the light,
The long, dark night embracing / The daystar not in sight.

3. When we conspire with evil, / Trade righteousness for lies,
Committing deeds of darkness, / Sleepwalking through our lives,
God’s word sounds to arouse us, / To open slumbering eyes:
“The long, dark night is ending; / The daystar will arise.”

4. When nations bristle conflict, / When pacts are torn and tossed,
Negotiations falter, / And hope itself seems lost,
The prophet’s voice still echoes / Within our longing ears:
“The long, dark night is ending; / The daystar drawing near.”

5. So come, O God of visions, / To heal our world of pain.
Come, rouse us from our slumber, / Stir up our hope again.
Renew our falt’ring courage / And help us to believe
The long, dark night is ending, / Your Daystar to receive.

Copyright 2010, Jan Michael Joncas Trust.  Published by Oregon Catholic Press.  All rights reserved. 
To the tune: AURELIA (The church’s one foundation)