First Sunday in Advent 2017

A stunningly beautiful full Cold Moon, the best supermoon of the year, cast its light across north Georgia this evening. It was a wonder-filled event to usher in the close of  the First Sunday in Advent 2017.

The Descent of Peace   William Blake

I give you the end of a gold string.
Only wind it in a ball,
It will lead you to Heaven's gate
built in Jerusalem's wall.

                                                                             William Blake, "Jerusalem"




As we enter into the seasons of Advent and Christmastide, it is time once more to explore almost two thousand years of music written and performed for this holy time. Dating from the 7th century, here is the plainsong, Conditor Alme Siderum (Creator of the Stars at Night):

Here is some background on the hymn including its original text and an English translation.