The moving song below was performed on one of the Christmas specials I recently watched. I was first drawn in by the beautiful melody and then the lyrics.
I was unable to locate a recording to post, but I hope you enjoy the lovely, but bittersweet lyrics. They reflect my feelings about this past year and the new one that is almost upon us. It's a nod to the past and a glance towards the future. Let's hope there are more bright moments and fewer dark days ahead. So while our futures are still unknown, perhaps if we all hold strong together we'll get through it.
Thou
Gracious God
Thou
gracious God, whose mercy lends
the light of home, the smile of friends,
our gathered flock thine arms enfold
as in the peaceful days of old.
Wilt thou not hear us while we raise
in sweet accord of solemn praise
the voices that have mingled long
in joyous flow of mirth and song?
For all the blessings life has brought,
for all its sorrowing hours have taught,
for all we mourn, for all we keep,
the hands we clasp, the loved that sleep.
the light of home, the smile of friends,
our gathered flock thine arms enfold
as in the peaceful days of old.
Wilt thou not hear us while we raise
in sweet accord of solemn praise
the voices that have mingled long
in joyous flow of mirth and song?
For all the blessings life has brought,
for all its sorrowing hours have taught,
for all we mourn, for all we keep,
the hands we clasp, the loved that sleep.
The
noontide sunshine of the past,
these brief, bright moments fading fast,
the stars that gild our darkening years,
the twilight ray from holier spheres.
We thank thee, Father; let thy grace
our loving circle still embrace,
thy mercy shed its heavenly store,
thy peace be with us evermore.
these brief, bright moments fading fast,
the stars that gild our darkening years,
the twilight ray from holier spheres.
We thank thee, Father; let thy grace
our loving circle still embrace,
thy mercy shed its heavenly store,
thy peace be with us evermore.
Words/lyrics - American Poet - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. 1869
Music/English Folk Tune - Wareham
I love the treasures you share, dear Diane! Have a wonderful New Year! Warm hugs and much love. :)
ReplyDeleteDear Diane, I love the first image and could gaze at it for hours. The words are beautiful and very moving thank you so much for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year dear friend, I hope it brings you nothing but joy. x
Lovely blog with really precious sharing and loved the beautiful poem so much .
ReplyDeletewishing you a happy new year!
Wishing you all the best in 2017, Diane!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year - I hope 2017 is wonderful! I love all the festive photos in your previous post.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year, Diane! All the best for 2017.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Diane!!! Many blessings for 2017!!!! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you all my dear blog friends! You have made this year special! I fear that Santa brought my hubby and I colds for Christmas and now we are suffering in the new year with sore throats and general lethargy! What a way to start the New Year! But we will survive! I tried to get around to all your blogs, if I've missed you, I will try to get around when I'm feeling a bit better. See you soon! xxooxx Diane
DeleteHappy New Year, Diane! xx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Diane! Thank you so much for the kind words you left on my blog post. I am trying to stay hopeful this year. President Obama always gave us "hope" even when things were difficult.
ReplyDeleteOliver Wendell Holmes "knew from whence he speaks". :) I think that is the expression. xoxo Pam
Dear Diane - beautiful lyrics - ones I have never read or heard before. So very appropriate as we give thought to what has been and look to hope for what is to come. May you have a blessed New Year friend. Will be looking forward to our visits in 2017. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMy kind, thoughtful friend, Diane. Thank you for such a wonderful post. My humble apologies for the time it took for me to arrive on your magical site.
ReplyDeleteMy wish is that you and your loved ones have a peaceful, hopeful 2017.
Gary :)
May 2017 sucketh less than 2016.
ReplyDelete