In 1671, Johannes Olearius set the opening passage of Isaiah 40 to a melody by Johann Schop, and it later was translated by Catherine Winkworth into English. We love this tune because of its varying meter because it keeps it alive and bouncy!
Comfort, comfort, ye My people / Speak ye peace, thus saith our God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness / Mourning ‘neath their sorrows’ load.
Speak ye to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them;
Tell her that her sins I cover and her warfare now is over.
Yea, her sins our God will pardon / Blotting out each dark misdeed;
All that well deserved His anger / He no more will see or heed.
She hath suffered many a day / Now her griefs have passed away;
God will change her pining sadness into ever-springing gladness.
Hark, the Herald’s voice is crying in the desert far and near,
Bidding all men to repentance since the Kingdom now is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way;
Let the valleys rise to meet Him and the hills bow down to greet Him.
Make ye straight what long was crooked / Make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble as befits His holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord now o’er earth is shed abroad,
And all flesh shall see the token that His Word is never broken.
Church Calendar: Advent, Christmas
Hymn Tune: WERDE MUNTER / GENEVAN 42
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Purchasing this 8-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to four copies for your handbell group (plus the accompaniment score, if part of the purchase) – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
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