Psalm Offering 6 Opus 3
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.
Scripture passage: When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
