Here comes the Shepherd!

Mokong wrote in one of his December articles a popular Christmas carol in Gagalangin which he fondly called “Ay que lindo”. Every time the Aguinaldo Masses are said, the choir’s repertoire won’t be complete without it. I don’t really know the exact title of this carol, but I am often intrigued with what these Spanish lines mean:

Bienvenido a nuestro valle,
Pastorcito celestial.
Que el ganado ya perdido
Te pudiera nos nombrar.
Pero solo con tu vista
Ya se vuelve a restaurar.
Ay que lindo!
Ay que bello!
Ay que hermoso!
Ay! Ay! Ay!
Que el amor a tus ovejas
De el cielo le hizo bajar!

I attempted to translate it using my basic Spanish. Here it goes (You can sing if you want…):

Welcome to our valley,
Heavenly Shepherd.
That the cattle already lost
You were able to identify us.
But alone with your view
It is already restored again.
Oh how delightful!
Oh how beautiful!
Oh how wonderful!
Oh! Oh! Oh!
That the love you have for your flock
Caused you to come down from heaven.

Filipino, please!

Maligayang pagdating sa aming bayan,
Makalangit na Pastol.
Na ang kawang nawala
Nagawa mong makilala sa amin.
Ngunit tanging sa iyong pananaw
Matitipon itong muli.
Ay kay aya!
Ay kay ganda!
Ay kahanga-hanga!
Ay! Ay! Ay!
Dahil sa pag-ibig sa iyong kawan
Nanaog ka buhat sa langit.

During Advent we have been reminded to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus, the Heavenly Shepherd, this Christmas. Our preparation is summed up by our sober “Come, Lord Jesus!” He will indeed come. It is my ardent wish and prayer that we may truly realize how He loves us and took pains in becoming like one of us. At His birthday, let us greet the Saviour with our heartfelt “Welcome!”

From Nidz and myself, have a Lovely Christmas!