Emmanuel: God with us
C
hristmas Festival
of L
essons and Carols

with introductory sonnets by

Archdeacon Harold Macdonald

Harold MacdonaldIntroduction to the 2nd Reading Isaiah 35:1-10

 

Be In Strong Hope by Harold Macdonald

 

Be strong in hope the Lord is on his way!.

Trembling knees be firm and straight!

Heads held high, your God await!

Mirages turn to pools upon that glorious day!

 

Limp arms take up the Spirit’s healing sword!

Ee’n now the Way of Holiness appears;

done the darkness, done the timeless years!

Hope now, the Lord will keep his Word.

 

You are too filled with anxious things

the mind is lowly crammed

the heart is devil damned

Be still, for Lo the heavenly Spirit sings

 

And make a place for God, of emptiness

and build within yourself, the Baby’s crèche.

 

Lesson 2: Isaiah 35: 1-10

 

Christmas Festival of Carols and Lessons

Festivals of Light Christmas