Sound the Trumpet! Tell the Message!
The appointed scriptures for the season of Advent (and at many other times) remind us to “stay awake”; “be alert”; “prepare the way of the Lord”. In other words, to pay attention. With all of the distractions of an ever-more digitally-wired world, getting someone’s attention can be a challenge. Long before the age of phones and television, bells and trumpets were used to get the people’s attention when something of importance was about to happen. They were used to ‘herald’ all kinds of news: celebrations, disasters, or an impending war. You know, the sorts of things to which one should pay attention. Think how many newspapers have the word Herald in their names.
This Sunday, we will sing a hymn called “Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment” (# 70 in The Hymnal 1982). I know the title sounds austere, as will the minor key in which the music is written, but the text of the four stanzas tells(‘heralds’) things of great importance that we are to share. I don’t know why, but for some reason I’ve never chosen this hymn. The composer of the music is Robert J. Powell, who has served the church for many years and written much organ and choral music. In our hymnal alone, he composed the music for this hymn, and settings of Holy, Holy, Holy (S 129), Lamb of God (S 163) and Glory to God (S 280).
Because this is a new hymn for us, I will play it as part of the Prelude music paired with another piece chosen to draw ‘attention’ to the day’s rather pointed warnings in the Gospel reading. Below is the text of this wonderful hymn that gives us news to share.
Peace,
John
“Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment”
Herald, sound the note of judgment, warning us of right and wrong, turning us from sin and sadness till once more we sing the song. REFRAIN: Sound the trumpet! Tell the message! Christ, the Savior King, has come!
Herald, sound the note of gladness; tell the news that Christ is here; make a pathway through the desert for the one who brings God near. REFRAIN
Herald, sound the note of pardon: those repenting are forgiven; God receives his wayward children, and to them new life is given. REFRAIN
Herald, sound the note of triumph; Christ has come to share our life, bringing God’s own love and power, granting victory in our strife.
REFRAIN: Sound the trumpet! Tell the message! Christ, the Savior King, has come!
Words: By permission of Margaret Waters.
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