To Welcome in the Stranger

Oh, the lovely and wonderful things that they don’t play on the radio. In the endless loop of holly jolly reindeer rock–and Celine Dion, of course–we miss out on alot of really beautiful and even prophetic music.

James Taylor’s “Who Comes This Night” has become a seasonal fave of mine, and i’ve never once heard it on the radio. Probably because it has little to do with creating a warm, fuzzy, insular Christmas feeling for ones own, and everything to do with welcoming the stranger and preparing room for the holy.  It also lets us sit with the notion that perhaps Jesus, himself, comes as the stranger. That being the case…are we still ready to greet him?

In most circles, that doesn’t sell. BUT, it makes for a gorgeous song, if you can find it. My brother has shared this for Foothills’ Christmas Eve service a few times while visiting me for the holidays. His version, too, is just stunning. In fact, if i can get a recording of him, i will repost! Meanwhile, JT will have to do. I’m including the lyrics, because they need to be read as well as heard…Enjoy.

Who comes this night, this wintry night, as to the lowly manger?

The Shepherds and the Kings did come to welcome in the stranger.

Who sends this song upon the air, to ease the soul that’s aching

To still the cry of deep despair and heal the heart that’s breaking?

Brother Joseph bring the light; fast, the night is fading

And who will come this wintry night to where the stranger’s waiting?

Who comes this night, with humble heart, to give the fullest measure

A gift of purest love to bring, what good and worthy treasure?

Brother Joseph bring the lamb for they are asking for him

The children come this starry night to lay their hearts before him.

For those who would the stranger greet must lay their heart before him

And raise their song in voices sweet to worship and adore him.

Brother Joseph bring the light; fast, the night is fading

And who will come this wintry night to where the stranger’s waiting?

Brother Joseph bring the lamb for they are asking for him.

The children come this starry night to lay their hearts before him.
Pure of heart this starry night to lay their hearts before him.

"Brother Joseph, Bring the Light!" Chris Campbell via flickr