I really enjoy the more obscure Christmas songs ---especially after hearing Jingles Bells sung by 100 different artists (thought I do love Jingle Bells). I have discovered more and more recordings of songs long forgotten which I really wish would be played even once and awhile ---simply to add to the variety. This one is titled VOICE of the CHIMES. And I have seen it recorded on at least 3 different labels --- Pathe', Vocalion, and this rare beauty --- all from the early 1920's.
I can only imagine that while it must have been somewhat popular in its day, it wasn't a child's favorite or a church hymn --- and so it just faded away.... Enjoy!
Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming, as men of old have sung.
It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.
Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;
Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind.
To show God's love aright, she bore to us a Savior,
When half spent was the night.
The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright,
How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night.
To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger they found Him,
As angel heralds said.
This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;
True man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us,
And lightens every load.
To my ears the piano part in this is plodding to say the least. Give it back to Kings College Cambridge and an organ please. On the other hand it’s nowhere near as nausiating as the ‘with it’ Christmas music spewed out in Supermarkets from October onwards.