Epiphany: Revealing the Light

Epiphany is a very appropriate religious season for the northern latitudes. It celebrates the revealing of the light of Christ. Yes, with the visit of the magi and the baptism of Jesus by Simeon: the revelation of the "light to enlighten the nations." (We haven't gotten it yet.)


During this season we also celebrate the baptism of Jesus by John, the beginning of his mission, with the voice of God and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove;  and the Transfiguration, where it is revealed to several disciples who Jesus is. (We haven't gotten this yet, either.)


In our part of the world the days are beginning to get noticeably longer (yes, even as the cold get stronger). The darkness begins to part. There is hope. 

Regardless of your tradition, Christian or not, this is a time to celebrate the light that shines through all creation. Realize the light within you. Then, in the words of my brother Roger, "let us be the instrument that God needs to change the lives of others around us. Let’s equip ourselves to be His people where we are and thereby fulfill the purpose for which He gave us life in the very beginning."

Below is a short hymn or chant that I composed some years ago. It is included in my collection, Devotional Chants and Mantras. Here is the audio clip:  Light of Heaven  


   Light of heaven, pure and indestructible, beyond arising and ceasing. 
   Give us your blessing. Purify, transform, awaken us. 
   Shine through our words, deeds and thoughts, 
   That we may give blessings to others. 


  

New Work: Devotional Chants and Mantras

I recently finished the score of a collection of fifty short chants and mantras that have "come to" me at various times over a period of years, from about 1992 to last month. Sample pages of the score and a link to audio clips of some of the selections are at posted at:  


http://www.johnnewellmusic.com/Vocal.html

It was quite a challenge to collect them from various pieces of paper lying about; often a chant would come to me at a time when I was not had no music paper handy, so I would quickly jot it down on whatever piece of paper I could put my hands on. I expect that the collection will continue to grow.  

I composed the texts, unless otherwise indicated. These chants are appropriate for personal devotion; many of them will work also in a group worship setting. Accompaniment is optional, and may be helpful in some cases. In a few of the chants I couldn't resist writing out simple chordal accompaniments; but again, these are not necessary. One may find it helpful to use a one or two note drone; a two note drone should be tonic and dominant notes (e.g. C and G). 

I notated the chants in a voice register that is comfortable for me. You should pitch them wherever it is comfortable for yourself.