By Richard Rodney Bennett (I just read that he passed away yesterday)
BPMC Handbell Choir
Mitt Hjerte Alltid Vanker
Arve Moen Bergset, voice
The translation is below. Note the inclusion of more than Christmas … at least for me. The palm leaves speak to me of what is to come.
My heart doth always wander
To Jesus’ manger bed.
His lowly birth I ponder;
To Him my thoughts are led.
My yearning finds assurance,
And faith renews so bright,
When I recall with reverence
That blessed Christmas night.
Ah come, dear Lord, be with me.
And in my heart reside.
Sweet comfort Thou shalt give me;
Come, Jesus, here abide.
To my heart be no stranger–
Thy home it e’er shall be.
And as within the manger
My love shall cradle Thee.
Thy holy crib I’ll honor
And round it palm leaves lay.
To Thee alone, dear Savior,
I give my life each day.
Come, grant me heav’nly pleasure
And true delight impart.
For Thou art my soul’s treasure,
Born deep within my heart.
Straight from the YouTube page:
Sir Colin Davis conducts the London Symphony Orchestra, Susan Gritton, Sara Mingardo, Mark Padmore, Alastair Miles and the Tenebrae choir performing Handel’s Messiah. http://bit.ly/OSVpV Recorded in December 2006.