This edition was prepared by Tim Blickhan — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Before Jesus
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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Before Jesus by Tim Blickhan — Lyrics
Before Jesus was his mother.
Before supper in the upper room,
breakfast in the barn.
Before the Passover Feast,
a feeding trough.
And here, the altar of Earth,
fair linens of hay and seed.
Before his cry, her cry.
Before his sweat of blood,
her bleeding and tears.
Before his offering, hers.
Before the breaking of bread and death,
the breaking of her body in birth.
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About Before Jesus
This SATB anthem for mixed choir sets a reflective English text exploring the profound connection between Mary and Jesus, from his birth to his sacrifice. The lyrics draw parallels between the events of his life and Mary's own experiences, highlighting her role as the first witness and offering. The text invites contemplation of Mary’s maternal love and her essential part in the unfolding of salvation history. The composer Tim Blickhan's setting is suitable for occasions within the Christian year that focus on Mary, such as Marian feasts, or for general services exploring the Nativity and the Passion narrative through a unique lens. The anthem offers a devotional experience for both choir and congregation.
