Praise to God, whose Holy Spirit

The Holy Family

Words: Marnie Barrell, copyright 1995
Many other Marie Barrell hymns can be found at Oremus
Both links open a new window at Oremus.org

Music: Rebecca by Colin Gibson, copyright circa 1996
Abbot's Leigh by Cyril V. Taylor, copyright 1941
Blaenwern, MIDI / Noteworthy Composer
Rustington, MIDI / Noteworthy Composer
Hyfrydol, MIDI / Noteworthy Composer
Meter: 87 87 87 87

1. Praise to God, whose Holy Spirit
formed the life in Mary's womb,
won the trust of gentle Joseph
praise to God for Jesus' home.
We give thanks for those who loved him,
fed his body, shaped his mind;
all who helped to make him holy
blessed, through him, all humankind.

2. Poor the home where humble parents
lived and worked beside the boy
poor in comforts and possessions,
rich in wisdom, love and joy.
Here was suffering met with courage,
here God's will was daily done;
rich indeed the home where Jesus
grew as God's beloved Son.

3. Faithful Israel's son and daughter,
chosen from the chosen race,
we will honour you and praise you,
first to see God's human face.
Heirs of Abraham and Sarah,
you bring us, through Jesus' birth,
every blessing God has promised
all the families of earth.

This hymn is reproduced here by the generous permission of the author, Marnie Barrell.  According to the author, you are welcome to use it, unaltered, and with proper acknowledgement.  If you wish to reproduce it further, please apply for permission by sending her an email.

Ms. Barrell is also the author of numerous other hymns. Steve Benner at Oremus has a great list. Her Christmas-tide hymns and carols on this site include:

• Come Now Where We Least Expect You (Advent)
• All Who Would See God's Greatness (Christmas)
• Praise to God, Whose Holy Spirit (The Holy Family)
• Who Are These Who Ride By Starlight (Epiphany)
• Hail Mary, Full of Grace! (A Hymn To Mary; The Annunciation)

Four of her Christmas hymns are published in the New Zealand hymnbook, Carol Our Christmas -- A Book of New Zealand Carols (The New Zealand Hymnbook Trust Inc,  PO Box 2011, Raumati Beach,  New Zealand,  1996; ISBN: 1869340582). It is published by the New Zealand Hymnbook Trust, and also available through the Hymn Society of America. The book Carol Our Christmas is also available at OC Books and New Zealand Books. Also available are Alleluia Aotearoa: Hymns and Songs For All Churches (1993) and Faith Forever Singing (2000), both of which contain additional hymns by Marnie Barrell. "Aotearoa" is the Maori term which means "land of the long white cloud," which is now known as New Zealand.

 

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