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I found this old hymn and thought it was made for this blog. Sentimental, cheesy, sweet, idealistic about the institution of Motherhood, honest about how Mothers are not the ones really determining how their kids turn out--the kids choose, and hopefully they will choose to follow in the footsteps of their (heavenly) Father.And I like the idea of, when the day is having its way with me, saying with exasperated eyes and hands lifted to heaven, with laughter, "O precious day of Motherhood!"
O Blessed Day of Motherhood
O blessèd day of motherhood!
We lift our hearts in praise,
To thank the Source of every good:
Thy joy crowns all our days.
O God, our Father, bless this day,
Enrich its golden store
Of blessèd mother love, and may
Thy children Thee adore.
O gracious day of motherhood!
Our faith, by God increased,
Hath each alluring foe withstood;
Our souls He hath released.
O God, our Father, bless this day,
Enrich its golden store
Of gracious mother love, and may
Thy children Thee adore.
O precious day of motherhood!
Teach us in Christ to find
The greater gifts of brotherhood;
Bring peace to all mankind.
O God, our Father, bless this day,
Enrich its golden store
Of precious mother love, and may
Thy children Thee adore.
O wondrous day of motherhood!
Thy love to all abound;
Beside the cross once Mary stood;
Again let love be crowned.
O God, our Father, bless this day,
Enrich its golden store
Of wondrous mother love, and may
Thy children Thee adore.
Words: Ernest F. McGregor, 1925.
Music: Mater, Arthur Depew, 1925 (MIDI, score).
painting: Les Joies dune Mere by William Bougereau (1825-1905)
We lift our hearts in praise,
To thank the Source of every good:
Thy joy crowns all our days.
O God, our Father, bless this day,
Enrich its golden store
Of blessèd mother love, and may
Thy children Thee adore.
O gracious day of motherhood!
Our faith, by God increased,
Hath each alluring foe withstood;
Our souls He hath released.
O God, our Father, bless this day,
Enrich its golden store
Of gracious mother love, and may
Thy children Thee adore.
O precious day of motherhood!
Teach us in Christ to find
The greater gifts of brotherhood;
Bring peace to all mankind.
O God, our Father, bless this day,
Enrich its golden store
Of precious mother love, and may
Thy children Thee adore.
O wondrous day of motherhood!
Thy love to all abound;
Beside the cross once Mary stood;
Again let love be crowned.
O God, our Father, bless this day,
Enrich its golden store
Of wondrous mother love, and may
Thy children Thee adore.
Words: Ernest F. McGregor, 1925.
Music: Mater, Arthur Depew, 1925 (MIDI, score).
painting: Les Joies dune Mere by William Bougereau (1825-1905)
I found this song, too, and am going to record myself singing it for my mom for Mother's Day (I'm always a few days behind). I played around with the arrangement a little, updated the language a little (Thee, Thy, hath, mankind = You, Your, has, humankind). I probably wouldn't have even commented, but then I noticed that we're neighbors...I'm just up the coast a ways in a small apartment in San Francisco. I figured that was a sign that I should give you an online "high five" or "cool beans" or "Amen!" for posting the hymn. Plus, your kids happy faces made it a joy to comment. God's Blessings! Daryl
ReplyDeleteWEll, thanks for stopping by, neighbor! : ) I hope your mom likes the song you record. I have not heard the music to this, I just liked the words. I'll have to look up the music.
ReplyDelete