Eamus in gaudio…let us go forth in joy!

By Julie Burgess

 

In her womb, Elizabeth’s John leaps at Mary’s joyful news
Eamus in gaudio…let us go forth in joy!

 

The census count in Herod’s land will now increase by one
As Mary lays him in manger bed,
Swaddled for comfort’s sake,
Counting fingers and toes,
brushing his nose,
With mother’s loving touch
Joseph stands by guarding new life
Attentive to child, supporting his wife.
Eamus in gaudio…let us go forth in joy!

 

The angels sing,
The shepherds kneel,
The stars supply the light
Oh! Darkness flee, before this one
Who brings us day from night.
Eamus in gaudio…let us go forth in joy!

 

Let us be John and gaudete!
Let us be Mary and gaudete!
Let us be Joseph and gaudete!
Let us be angel, shepherd, and star,
Let us gaudete, rejoice!

 

Let us not be still or silent or scared,
Let us live in wonder at grace that’s been shared,
Let us sing in joy and dance unaware…
…Eamus in gaudio…let us go forth in joy!