Hilde: I would like to dedicate this to my mother, who passed away a few years ago. She had a great appreciation of the hymns —I think she had most of the Norwegian Lutheran Hymnbook memorized! She wanted to pass that appreciation on to her children; I was the one who took the longest to see what a treasure we have in the traditional hymns.
Pat: Hilde translated all the verses, I worked them into a more poetic form. A week before recording, we decided to go with a more conversational tone. I was still changing words around as we recorded the piece!
Hans Brorson (d. 1764), a Danish bishop inspired by pietism, expressed in “Mitt Hjerte Alltid Vanker” the need for a faith that was lived and not just learned. Many people journeyed to the Holy Land in his time, but often returned disappointed by the commercial atmosphere. Brorson encouraged people to travel to the place in their hearts where they could meet Jesus, knowing they would not be disappointed.
lyrics
Mitt hjerte alltid vanker I Jesu føderum, der samles mine tanker som i sin hovedsum. Der er min lengsel hjemme, der har min tro sin skatt; jeg kan dig aldri glemme, velsignet julenatt!
Den mørke stall skal være mitt hjertes frydeslott, der kan jeg daglig lære Å glemme verdens spott. Der kan med takk jeg finne hvori min ros består, når Jesu krybbes minne mig rett til hjerte går.
Men under uten like, hvor kan jeg vel forstå at Gud av himmerike i stallen ligge må! At himlens fryd og ære, det levende Guds ord skal så foraktet være på denne arme jord!
My heart often visits the place of Jesus’ birth, with the cattle lowing and the star shining down the whisper of angels—here my thoughts gather round. And my longings are at home and at rest and my faith finds its treasure on this Christmas night blest!.
How can I forget this vision, the dark stable filled with creation and Creator, this place is a foretaste of joy complete! I come here daily to roam, leaving behind the world’s mocking scorn and seeking ways to speak, to sing your glorious praise.
How long the memories linger of this ancient manger, a crib of wood and hay—and the miracle within and beyond all this is God appearing here in this stable small and rude. He came, but was despised on this poor earth-Him, the eternal honored Word.
Akk kom, jeg op vil lukke mitt hjerte og mitt sinn og full av lengsel sukke: kom, Jesus, dog herinn! det er ei fremmed bolig, du har den selv jo kjøpt, så skal du blive trolig her i mitt hjerte svøpt.
Jeg gjerne palmegrene vil om din krybbe strø, for dig, for dig alene jeg leve vil og dø. Kom, la min sjel dog finne sin rette gledes stund, tt du er født her inne i hjertets dype grunn!
Yet I can offer Him a dwelling place forever—here within my heart. I am here; “Please come, sweet Jesus,” I sigh, “come to this heart that is your home. I know it is no strange place I offer you for it has been built and bought by you. Here you can come back in to your creation, and I will wrap you gently in my heart and soul. If I could, I would place palm branches all round your feet. For you I will live, and for you I will die. I have found complete joy, as in my heart you are born anew.
credits
from The Court of a King,
released June 1, 1998
Words by Hans Adolph Brorson (1732), trans. by Hilde Bialach and Pat Peterson; music: Norwegian variation of a Swedish folk tune.
Tony: guitar, backing vocals; Hilde: vocals; Mike: bouzouki; Jennifer: fiddle; Mark: whistle; Pat: speaking
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