"Alleluia, Alleluia, God comes to dwell on earth"

This year it has struck me that there are few Christmas carols or songs that include the "Alleluia" acclamation of praise. For the most part, Alleluia's are saved for Easter and the glorious celebration of the resurrection. I thought, though, that in addition to "Glory to God in the Highest" that is the chorus of the angels, it's appropriate to also sing out our Alleluia's with great joy.

What does "Alleluia" mean? We are proclaiming "Praise the Lord!" The gift of the incarnation is definitely reason to praise God for the blessings we receive as we journey to the stable and receive the gift of Emmanuel, God here with us. God's presence in the form of a human being affirms us and our journey; it encourages us; inspires us; delights us and brings us great joy. And we need to proclaim that joy from the depths of our souls, with boldness and confidence. We need to sing our Alleluia's because our lives our changed in that moment when we meet God face to face and as we are touched by God's grace and mercy.

This hymn is meant to share those themes, and especially our Alleluia during the season of incarnation. It is set to a favorite English tune that is familiar, and yet not so familiar too. I pray that you will be blessed in reading it, and perhaps in singing it too. I know I have felt blessed in composing it and in sharing it with you.

“Alleluia, Alleluia, God Comes to Dwell on Earth”

Tune: Forest Green
Meter: 86867686
 
Alleluia, Alleluia, God comes to dwell on earth.
God chose our human life to live, in Jesus and his birth.
To inspire our bleak and changing world to brighten each dark place;
all joy and hope and peace to bring to all the human race.

Alleluia, Alleluia, God comes to dwell on earth.
The story of eternity, a tale that tells our worth.
God delights in every heart and soul, in every time and place;
God blesses us with faith and trust and all through abundant grace.

Alleluia, Alleluia, God comes to dwell on earth.
The gift God offers, we receive, new life through our re-birth.
Hearts embraced and filled with abundant joy, we sing our hymn of praise;
Alleluia, Alleluia, our voices together raise.

Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2012. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.