I Wonder As I Wander

Posted on December 1, 2007
Filed Under Franciscanized World, Image of the Month, Podcasts, Song of the Month |


Performed by Sister Marsaia Kaster and Sarah Gardner, Postulant. Recorded at St. Clement Parish, Sheboygan WI. The lyrics of this beloved hymn are well illustrated by the stunning windows of St. Clement. The windows came from the Meyer of Munich studios, installed after the dedication (1917).

“I Wonder As I Wander” will produce a variety of images and moods to the listener.  Jesus came for everyone and especially “onry (ordinary) people.”  In humility He was born in a stable and yet worshipped by poor shepherds as well as wealthy wise men.

The minor key and simple accompaniment can move us to question our response to Jesus, our Savior and King. In this rendition the Church setting with stained glass windows sets a mood that will be unique to each of us.

The words and music of this haunting Christmas song are attributed to John Jacob Niles.  He claimed he composed this plaintive carol after hearing a young  girl in Appalachia sing a folk song in a similar mood.
I Wonder As I Wander through each day…

Sister Mary Carol

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30 Comments so far
  1. Sister Nancy Kinate December 1, 2007 2:06 pm

    Thank you! This is simply beautiful!

  2. Jasmine Stanley December 1, 2007 4:25 pm

    Personally I liked the song because it kind of gave me a sense of belief in what I already have faith in and know! It was GREAT!

  3. Anna Louise December 1, 2007 4:27 pm

    My new favorite Christmas song! I have never heard that song before and Sarah and Sister Marsaia did a wonderful job giving glory to God through their great talents!

  4. Yasmine Stanley December 1, 2007 4:29 pm

    The song Wonder As I Wonder made me realize how much passion and love that God has for us by giving us his only Son. Sarah sang beautifully and it is a wonderful Christmas song.

  5. Tammy December 1, 2007 4:29 pm

    I thought the song was fantastic!!! Sara has a wonderful singing voice and Sister Marsaia plays the piano better than I’ve heard in a long time. Great Job!!!!!

  6. Gloria Lichtenberg,SFO December 2, 2007 1:10 pm

    How beautiful!! Sara has a glorious voice! I loved this Christmas carol. Sister Marsaia, your piano redition was so suitable. Congratulations. Peace and good.

  7. Sister Mary Ann December 3, 2007 9:26 am

    It is such a joy to be part of Sarah’s postulancy journey and for her to be so open to sharing her gift of song with all of us!

    Along with the beautiful piano by Sister Marsaia; the stain glass windows; and Sarah’s lovely voice; what touches me about this song is that it is a prayer. God is the center of the song, the pianist, the singer, the artist… and those of us who listen are drawn into that prayer!

  8. Steve Mauler December 3, 2007 2:50 pm

    Hi, I’m a friend of your mom here at work. I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that I really enjoyed your song. You have a beautiful voice and I hope to hear more songs from you as you continue your journey.
    May God Bless you in all that you do.

  9. Elena December 3, 2007 4:11 pm

    Hola!
    The singing was fabulous, top drawer! Also Sister Marsaia piano playing was magical.

    Sometime this week I’ll give a reflection based on the meaning of the song.

  10. Isidora Spotz December 3, 2007 9:06 pm

    Sarah,

    Your voice is truly a gift and you share it so generously for the Glory of God.

    I cry with joy!

    Beautiful

    Izzie

  11. Sister Judanne December 4, 2007 11:19 am

    How beautiful! What an Advent blessing!!
    Thank you, all.

  12. Sister Kay Klackner December 5, 2007 8:17 am

    Beautiful reflection! Thank you!

  13. Sister Mary Frances December 5, 2007 5:08 pm

    What a beautiful meditation for Advent! It really places you in the spirit of the season. How Good and Great God is to us! Thank you, Sarah, and Sister Marsaia!

  14. leslie December 6, 2007 1:27 pm

    That was really very impresive. You have a lovely voice Sarah.

  15. Joanna December 7, 2007 7:46 pm

    Thank you! That was beautiful. It is so lifting to hear simple, yet deep songs sung with love of God!

  16. Angela December 8, 2007 11:20 am

    Tha is a beautiful song. Sarah and Sister Marsaia are vry talented and did a great job. Thank you both!

  17. Sister Loretta December 12, 2007 8:52 am

    Beautifully Done!
    Great use of a wonderful gift.

  18. Sister Marie Bernadette Dorn December 12, 2007 9:13 am

    This is a beautiful time of year for a song with such deep meaning. I wander and wonder about this world and try to contemplate God’s great goodness to me. I am so blessed to be in my community of Franciscan Sisters. The benefits out weigh any sacrifice(s) made in early life as well as today. My community assists me to wander right into the Lord’s warm heart! May I always be faithful and true to my love.

  19. Sister Mary Hugh December 12, 2007 3:47 pm

    What a beautiful hymn. I hope you sing some more.

  20. Sister Adrianna Schouten December 13, 2007 7:07 pm

    The song and quality of the performance and video of the stain glass windows all add up to an inspiring experience. So many times during the day I find myself hearing the song/music in my mind and heart. The message is so important to the real meaning of Christmas. God bless you for sharing your talents.

  21. Sister Sean Marie December 14, 2007 1:10 pm

    How awesome that a loving God stoops in humility to gift us with His Son. As we wander through life, it is good to keep this fact ever before us. Sarah and Sister, your rendition was beautiful and inspiring. Thank you.

  22. Sherry December 15, 2007 9:58 am

    Your song Sister Marsaia and Sarah was so beautiful as well as the setting with the lovely stained glass windows. It warmed my heart. Sarah, your mom shared the site with me (Tracey’s sister) and I passed it on to Tracey and Haley. We were excited to hear of your joining and look forward to hearing how everything is going. God bless!

  23. Brenda Smith December 15, 2007 9:18 pm

    I have loved this beautiful and haunting carol from the first moment I heard it. Your simple, achingly clear, and heartfelt rendition of it what just what was needed on this advent night, a chilly rainy one here in N.C. It evokes the paradoxical side of life: born to die, being a king, yet being willing to give your life and live a life so unspoiled that you don’t even have a real place to call home, possessing the power to have anything at your whim, yet instead choosing to exercise the greatest power of all, love, in order to lead the poor ordinary people like you and like I to show us the way, the truth, and the life everlasting. Thank you for your song.

  24. Alice December 17, 2007 5:33 pm

    This was a favorite song of my mother’s. Although she recently passed, the haunting melody will always remind me of her and how blessed I was to be her daughter.

  25. Sister Louise December 19, 2007 7:59 am

    As Christmas day gets closer, it seems that the words of the song, “I Wonder as I Wander” take on even more meaning. Christmas and all of life are about “wonder”. We stand in awe of all the many ways that God shows His love for us. He created and continues to create a world that is filled with beauty. He came as a tiny Babe in a humble stable ready to die for us. He continues to come into our lives in so many ways. How blest we are.

    Thank you Sarah and Sister Marsaia for sharing your talents with us. The meditative mood of the song and your talent in presenting it to us helps us go beyond the busy-ness of these days to the wonder of God’s love for us.

  26. Sister Deborah December 19, 2007 8:47 am

    The song is beautiful and so inspirational! God bless both of you for sharing your talents with us.

  27. Sister Marlene December 22, 2007 8:47 am

    This is a beautiful meditation on the coming of the Savior. Imagine how Mary felt to be asked to mother the Christ. Thank you for sharing your talents with us, and for inspiring us.

  28. Anne-Marie December 22, 2007 5:46 pm

    This woman is a very talented singer!

  29. Erin December 22, 2007 5:49 pm

    I loved the video, it was beautiful.

    Merry Christmas

  30. Karen December 24, 2007 5:57 pm

    What a beautiful song! The lyrics are a wonderful wrap-up to this advent season and a perfect accompanyment to those discerning God’s will for their life. I hope I can always continue to wonder even if I cease to wander.

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