Welcome The Star (Scottish Carol)
SATB, solo treble instrument, and piano. Text by Carol Gunn. Features a prominent lombardic ("Scotch-snap") rhythm throughout. Very tender. One of these days we're going to try it with a bagpipe!
There were whispers of wonder, through high lands and low.
As the starry sky pointed the way;
And the strains of the piper, the herald of news
Came winding through the mists and o'er heather.
'Midst the candles and garlands all over the land,
merry folk paused in reverence that night.
As the piper reminded the young and the old,
of the meaning and magic of yule-tide.
Hear the herald over the Highlands call,
welcoming the Star,
A light that shone all over the earth,
bringing the news of our Saviour.
There were thoughts of that journey
to where the babe lay,
in a stable surrounded by love.
And of Mary and Joseph,
who cradled the world,
by sharing the love of a Saviour.
'Midst the sights and the sounds
'round each bustling hearth,
floated melodies haunting and pure.
As the message united the rich and the poor,
Come welcome the birth of the Christ-child.
Hear the herald over the Highlands call,
welcoming the Star,
A light that shone all over the earth,
bringing the news of our Saviour.
As he wound his way proudly
along the snow-paths,
ribboned rings and the holly were bright.
On a night like no other, so holy, so clear,
the glens would pay homage for ever.
Hear the herald over the Highlands call,
welcoming the Star,
A light that shone all over the earth,
bringing the news of our Saviour.