My Heart Would Ever Wander

This haunting Scandinavian carol is presented in a full, accessible choral treatment with textures ranging from unison to unaccompanied four parts, with translation by Stephen P. Starke. The final stanza is provided with a soaring descant. A rich organ accompaniment underlies the outer stanzas and frames the whole with a quiet introduction and conclusion. Filled with artistry, this is a gorgeous Christmas carol you’ll want to try.

My heart would ever wander
To where my Lord was born,
My thoughts return to ponder
That humble stall forlorn:
My faith there finds its treasure,
Its home of pure delight,
Its peace beyond all measure
This blessèd Christmas night.

Palm branches I would scatter
Around the place You lie.
For You alone, Lord, matter;
For You, I live and die.
Come, let my soul be finding
The joy that makes me whole:
Yourself to me, Lord, binding
Here, deep within my soul.

Lord, come, each bolt removing;
Unlock my heart and mind.
My longing sighs are proving
The welcome You will find.
Your love my heart obtaining:
You purchased it from sin,
Thus evermore remaining—
Your love, wrapped here within!

Copyright © 2011 Stephen P. Starke; administered by Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.