This song is based on the following passage from Matthew’s Gospel:
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” … Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road. (Matthew 2:1-2, 7-12. NRSV)
This Psalm Offering, with its march like melody, is a musical representation of the Magi journeying from faraway places to see the Messiah. Melody A is the Star they are following to lead them to the birthplace of the Messiah. The middle section, Melody B, is when they seek information from the Scribes and King Herod. Melody A returns to conclude in a majestic manner the Magi finally finding the stable and adoring the Christ Child.
I wrote this Psalm Offering as a Christmas present to Gwen Pearson. Gwen was the organist who accompanied the choir at St. Hubert. She, though Lutheran, was very generous with her time and her musical skills. She was a lovely woman, and a good musician. She used to love Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis and the organ concerts they use to present there. She loved the pipe organ and truly believed it to be the King of all instruments. A most faithful Lutheran who played more Catholic Masses than Lutheran services, may she rest in the eternal peace of God.
