This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:18-21)
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Husband of Mary, hail!
Chaste as the lily flower
In Eden's peaceful vale.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Father of Christ esteemed,
Father be thou to those
Thy foster Son redeemed.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Prince of the house of God,
May his blest graces be
By thy sweet hands bestowed.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Comrade of angels, hail!
Cheer though the hearts that faint,
And guide the steps that fail.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
God's choice wert thou alone;
To thee the Word made flesh
Was subject as a son.
Mother of Jesu, bless,
And bless, ye saints on high,
All meek and simple souls,
That to Saint Joseph cry.
2 comments:
Don't know this hymn at all!
The hymn is sung to the tune 'St Cecilia' - which is often associated with the words 'Thy kingdom come, O God, Thy rule O Christ, begin;' - another very suitable hymn for the Advent season.
Post a Comment