The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
Jesus Word Of God Incarnate
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of the virgin Mary born.
On the cross Thy sacred body
For us men with nails was torn.
Cleanse us by the blood and water
Streaming from Thy pierced side.
Feed us with Thy body broken
Now, and in death's agony.
Now, now and in death's agony.
The lyrics of Mormon Tabernacle Choir's song "Jesu Word of God Incarnate" are a representation of the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for humanity. The opening line "Jesu, Word of God incarnate" refers to Jesus Christ as the embodiment of God's message and teachings. The following line "Of the virgin Mary born" indicates that Jesus was born of a virgin, as the Bible portrays the story. The next line, "On the cross Thy sacred body, For us men with nails was torn," speaks about Jesus' crucifixion and his willingness to endure physical pain so that humanity could be redeemed.
The following lines "Cleanse us by the blood and water Streaming from Thy pierced side. Feed us with Thy body broken Now, and in death's agony. Now, now and in death's agony," talk about how the blood and water that flowed from Jesus' side after he was pierced was a representation of his sacrifice and how it cleanses the sins of humanity. The last sentence refers to the Eucharist, where Christians partake in the body and blood of Christ as a representation of their faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesu, Word of God incarnate
Jesus, the living embodiment of God's message to humanity
Of the virgin Mary born
Born of the pure and holy virgin Mary, fulfilling the prophecy
On the cross Thy sacred body
Your holy body was crucified on the cross
For us men with nails was torn
Your body was wounded and pierced with nails for the redemption of humankind
Cleanse us by the blood and water
Purify us by the blood and water that flowed from Your side when it was pierced by the spear
Streaming from Thy pierced side
Flowing from the wound that was inflicted upon Your side for our salvation
Feed us with Thy body broken
Sustain us with Your body that was broken for us
Now, and in death's agony
Now, and in our final moments, provide us with the sustenance we need
Now, now and in death's agony
Now, in this moment, and in the final hour of our lives
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnandsmith7104
Jesus was a man and servant of God according to your Bible.
@mrtimothy66
He was the Messiah, as foretold, declared and proven by His actions.
@kennydobbins1345
We believe in the church that is one part of the God head. Also he is the savior and redeemer of the world and the head of the church, which is being guided by his servant, our dear prophet Russell M Nelson.