To Be God's Father Here (Joseph's Canticle)
Lyrics
REFRAIN
Glory to the Lord!
God's name be praised,
for You chose to save
Your servant's heart from fear.
Dream in me, O Lord,
grant me the grace
to be God's father here.
Open my heart,
which by Your Spirit stirred
receives the Holy Word:
the promise my bride has heard.
We hope and trust,
surrender to Your plan:
You've sent the Son of Man.
Salvation is at hand!
Lend me Your love,
to raise Him as my own,
provide Him with a home,
where justice and peace are known.
God from above
becomes Emmanuel:
Our restlessness dispel!
In God, teach us to dwell.
BRIDGE
Hallelujah! Praise the Son!
Hallelujah! Holy One!
Hallelujah! Child most dear,
I'll be Your father here.
Information
Words: Roy Tolentino
Music: Norman Agatep
Arrangement: Norman Agatep
Inspired by Matthew 1:18-23
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us."
- Matthew 1:18-23