In a previous post I offered a literal translation of all seven stanzas of the German Advent/Christmas Carol “Maria Walked Amid the Thorn” (see Thoughts on “Maria Walks Amid the Thorn”). With this post I offer a new metrical translation of the carol. Interestingly, singing the full version makes the carol a song that can be sung at other points of the Church Year, including today, the Baptism of Our Lord. I had the privilege this morning of singing as a duet with my wife Marie.
Maria walked through wood of thorn,
Kyrie eleison! (Lord, have mercy!)
Maria walked through wood of thorn,
which seven years no leaves had borne.
Jesus and Maria.What lay there under Mary’s heart?
Kyrie eleison! (Lord, have mercy!)
A Child of Peace come to be slain
there under Mary’s heart was lain.
Jesus and Maria.Then roses bloomed upon the thorn!
Kyrie eleison! (Lord, have mercy!)
When Mary’s baby boy was born
then roses bloomed upon the thorn.
Jesus and Maria.What shall we call this baby boy?
Kyrie eleison! (Lord, have mercy!)
His name is Jesus Christ, our Lord;
begotten, ever Love outpoured.
Jesus and Maria.And who shall baptize Christ, our Lord?
Kyrie eleison! (Lord, have mercy!)
Saint John shall baptize Christ, our Lord,
God’s only Son, whom all adore.
Jesus and Maria.What gift did God the Father give?
Kyrie eleison! (Lord, have mercy!)
All might and pow’r in earth and heav’n
’twas gift of God to Jesus giv’n.
Jesus and Maria.Who has redeemed the world alone?
Kyrie eleison! (Lord, have mercy!)
God Father, Spirit with His Son
sent down to earth; God Three in One.
Jesus and Maria.Copyright © 2015 Martin P. Dicke. All rights reserved.
May the implications and all the blessings of the Baptism of Our Lord be ever apparent and dwell in your heart and life!
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