One of the most revered hymns traditionally sung in the lead-up to Christmas is Let all mortal flesh keep silence, celebrated for its captivating lyrics and melody that intertwine beautifully. This hymn has achieved great success in drawing both congregations and choirs alike to its profound spiritual essence.
The most common arrangement is attributed to the esteemed composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, who included it in his groundbreaking anthology, The English Hymnal, published in 1906. This collection was revolutionary for its time, embracing folk music as a foundational element. For this hymn, Vaughan Williams adapted the melody from a 17th-century French song, Jésus-Christ s’habille en pauvre, which sheds light on the subsequent name of the tune, “Picardy.” Intriguingly, while the original French words do not correlate with the hymn we cherish today, they bring a deeper context to its themes.
The original lyrics depict Jesus, cloaked in the guise of a beggar, approaching a lavish mansion in search of sustenance. He is met with disdain by the master of the house, who callously states that Jesus is more worthless than the dogs that reside around his table, who at least bring him hares. This stark rejection serves to illustrate the indifference to human suffering that often exists in the world.
Rebuffed by the master, Jesus then catches the attention of the lady of the house from her window. In a turn of compassion, she offers him food and a place to rest, her light shining forth as a beacon of charity. However, Jesus reveals to her a grim prophecy: she will pass away in three days and ascend to heaven, while her husband is destined for eternal damnation. This encounter amplifies the hymn’s themes of mercy and judgment.
In contrast, Let all mortal flesh keep silence elevates the listener’s soul to a higher plane, touching on the profound anticipation of Christ’s second coming, an event whose significance is reflected upon by the Church at the onset of Advent, which occurs just a week from now. The lyrics carry a solemnity that is unmistakable: “Christ our God to earth descendeth, / our full homage to demand. / King of kings, yet born of Mary, / as of old on earth He stood.”
The hymn’s complete lyrics serve as a paraphrase of an ancient liturgical text from the early centuries, found in the Liturgy of St James. This text was later integrated into the Byzantine liturgy and recited on Holy Saturday. The paraphrase, crafted by country clergyman Gerard Moultrie (1829-85), invites worship and reflection.
The original hymn does not specifically reference Jesus’ nativity, as it is not strictly a Christmas hymn; however, it inherently embodies worship towards the God of Jesus, the one born in Bethlehem. The context sets a stage for contemplation and reverence during this sacred season.
The English essence of the original words invites worshipers to reflect deeply: “Let all mortal flesh be silent, and stand with fear and trembling, and meditate nothing earthly within itself. For the King of kings and Lord of lords, Christ our God, comes forward to be sacrificed, and to be given for food to the faithful; and the bands of Angels go before Him with every Power and Dominion, the many-eyed Cherubim, and the six-winged Seraphim, covering their faces, and crying aloud the hymn: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.”
The hymn is typically sung during the procession that carries the bread and wine from the preparation area through the screen or iconostasis to the altar, where the sacred act of the Eucharist will take place. This moment parallels the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on the Cross, drawing a connection between His past and the present liturgical actions of the Church.
The ranks of Angels, Powers, Dominions, Cherubim, and Seraphim mentioned in the hymn serve as celestial companions, accompanying the offerings that symbolize the mysterious presence of Jesus Christ, whom the angels ceaselessly worship in heaven. The liturgical activities of the congregational worshipers unfold continuously in the presence of this unseen angelic assembly.
The ancient hymn’s words stem from biblical scripture, with notable references such as Zechariah 2:13: “Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.” This biblical foundation reinforces the hymn’s significance within the Church.
In its essence, Let all mortal flesh keep silence anticipates the glorious arrival of the Lord into His holy house. The town of Bethlehem, where He was born, translates to “House of Bread.” Thus, during the sacred procession of offerings, the bread is carried toward the Holy of Holies, the altar where His true Eucharistic presence is manifested.
What historical context and liturgical significance does Dr. Thompson provide for the hymn *Let all mortal flesh keep silence* during the interview?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Hymnody Scholar and Musicologist**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Thompson! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss one of the most cherished hymns in the Christian tradition: *Let all mortal flesh keep silence.* Can you start by sharing its historical significance?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me! *Let all mortal flesh keep silence* has a rich history rooted in early liturgical practices. It serves as a paraphrase of an ancient text from the Liturgy of St. James, which later became part of the Byzantine liturgy. This hymn encapsulates themes of reverence and anticipation, particularly relating to the Incarnation and Christ’s second coming, making it especially poignant during the Advent season.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting how this hymn is often connected to Christmas, even though it’s not strictly a Christmas hymn. What do you think draws people to it during this time of year?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely! While it doesn’t directly mention the nativity, the hymn speaks to the profound mystery of Christ’s presence among us, which is central to the Christmas narrative. Its solemn invitation to worship and reflection resonates deeply during Advent, as congregations prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth. The lyrics call for a reverent stillness that allows worshipers to contemplate the significance of Christ’s incarnation.
**Interviewer:** Ralph Vaughan Williams played a crucial role in popularizing this hymn. Can you explain how his arrangement influenced its reception?
**Dr. Thompson:** Vaughan Williams’ version, published in *The English Hymnal* in 1906, was groundbreaking for its time. By adapting the hymn’s melody from the 17th-century French song *Jésus-Christ s’habille en pauvre*, he brought a rich folk music aesthetic to the liturgical setting. This innovative approach helped to elevate the hymn in the choral repertoire, drawing in choirs and congregations alike. The haunting beauty of the melody complements the profound spiritual depth of the lyrics, creating an impactful worship experience.
**Interviewer:** The original story behind the French tune adds a fascinating layer of meaning. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Thompson:** The original melody came from a French text that tells the story of Jesus, disguised as a beggar, seeking help at a wealthy man’s home. The themes of rejection, indifference, and compassion are starkly illustrated in both the original narrative and in the hymn’s lyrics. This contrast enhances the message of mercy and judgment found in *Let all mortal flesh keep silence*, urging listeners to recognise the divine among the marginalized. It’s a stunning reminder of the values of empathy and charity during the holiday season.
**Interviewer:** as we approach Advent, what do you recommend for congregations wanting to incorporate this hymn into their worship?
**Dr. Thompson:** I recommend using *Let all mortal flesh keep silence* as a focal point for reflection during Advent services. It can be beautifully paired with scripture readings that emphasize Christ’s coming, and its performance should invite contemplative worship. Encouraging congregants to meditate on the themes of the hymn can deepen their experience, fostering a worship environment that embraces both silence and reverence—a perfect posture as they await the joyous celebration of Christmas.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson! Your insights into this hymn truly illuminate its beauty and significance during the Advent season.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to discuss such a meaningful part of our musical and spiritual heritage.
