At Sunset On The First Sunday Of Advent 2013

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.