Carol of the Advent
Embrace the Dawn: A Poetic Journey of Hope and Anticipation
Lyrics
People, look east. The time is near
Encouragement to observe and be aware, signaling an imminent event.
Of the crowning of the year.
Refers to the culmination or peak of the year, possibly a metaphorical crowning.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Instructions to beautify one's home to the best of their ability.
Trim the hearth and set the table.
Advises preparing the hearth and table, symbolizing readiness and hospitality.
People, look east and sing today:
Reiteration to look towards the east and rejoice, as something special is happening today.
Love, the guest, is on the way.
Love, personified as a guest, is on the way, suggesting a positive and loving presence.
Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,
Encouragement for optimism despite barren conditions, as a new beginning is taking place.
One more seed is planted there:
Symbolic planting of a seed, indicating the potential for growth and renewal.
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
Call to sacrifice and nurture the seed to ensure its blossoming into a flower.
That in course the flower may flourish.
Emphasizes the process of growth and flourishing over time.
People, look east and sing today:
Reiteration to look east and rejoice, this time with the anticipation of the rose, a symbol of love.
Love, the rose, is on the way.
Love, represented as a rose, is on the way, suggesting the imminent arrival of love and beauty.
Birds, though you long have ceased to build,
Address to birds to protect the nest that will soon be filled, emphasizing the importance of nurturing.
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Recognition of the need to safeguard the future generation represented by the nest.
Even the hour when wings are frozen
Reference to a critical moment of vulnerability, suggesting divine timing for significant events.
He for fledging-time has chosen.
Assurance that the chosen time for fledging (learning to fly) is well-timed and guided.
People, look east and sing today:
Repetition of the call to look east, now with the promise of the arrival of love in the form of a bird.
Love, the bird, is on the way.
Love, symbolized as a bird, is on the way, symbolizing freedom, joy, and the fulfillment of longing.
Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
Directs attention to the stars and their watchful role during dim nights.
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Foretells the filling of a symbolic bowl with light, representing hope and positivity.
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Description of a light shining beyond harsh conditions, comparable to the combined brightness of the sun and moon.
Bright as sun and moon together.
Visual metaphor for an extraordinary and brilliant event taking place.
People, look east and sing today:
Repeated call to look east, accompanied by the announcement of the imminent arrival of love as a star.
Love, the star, is on the way.
Love, symbolized as a star, is on the way, promising guidance and illumination.
Angels, announce to man and beast
Angels are called upon to declare the arrival of someone from the east.
Him who cometh from the east.
Specifically, the arrival of a significant figure who brings a message or presence.
Set every peak and valley humming
Directive for nature to resonate with the news, suggesting a harmonious response to the announcement.
With the word, the Lord is coming.
The proclaimed message is the imminent arrival of the Lord.
People, look east and sing today:
Final call to look east, now with the assurance that Love, in the form of the Lord, is on the way.
Love, the Lord, is on the way.
Conclusion reaffirming the imminent arrival of Love, identified as the Lord.
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