December 18, 2005

Have faith in God –
The seven marks receive;
Have faith in God –
A troubled heart relieve;
Have faith in God –
Believe! O friend, believe!
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

There's a Song in the Air

Josiah Gilbert Holland, 1819-1881

    Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Luke 2:28-32.

    Josiah G. Holland created one of the most thoughtful and thrilling of all the carols that we sing during this season.
    Born in Belchertown, Massachusetts, Josiah Gilbert Holland began his professional career as a medical doctor. Soon he became involved in writing and editorial work and eventually helped establish Scribner's Magazine. There's a Song in the Air first appeared in a Sunday School collection in 1874, and five years later it was included in Holland's Complete Poetical Writings. The present tune was composed for these words by Karl P. Harrington approximately 25 years later. The composer was recognized as a church musician, serving in various Methodist churches as organist and choir director. He was also one of the musical editors for the Methodist Hymnal of 1905, when the present version of the carol first appeared.

There’s a song in the air! There’s a star in the sky!
There’s a mother’s deep prayer and a baby’s low cry!
And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!

There’s a tumult of joy o’er the wonderful birth,
For the virgin’s sweet Boy is the Lord of the earth.
Ay! the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!

In the light of that star lie the ages impearled;
And that song from afar has swept over the world.
Every hearth is aflame, and the beautiful sing
In the homes of the nations that Jesus is King!

We rejoice in the light, and we echo the song
That comes down through the night from the heavenly throng.
Ay! we shout to the lovely evangel they bring,
And we greet in His cradle our Savior and King!

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission