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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Thank you! This is simply beautiful!
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!
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!
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.
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!!!!!
How beautiful!! Sara has a glorious voice! I loved this Christmas carol. Sister Marsaia, your piano redition was so suitable. Congratulations. Peace and good.
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!
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.
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.
Sarah,
Your voice is truly a gift and you share it so generously for the Glory of God.
I cry with joy!
Beautiful
Izzie
How beautiful! What an Advent blessing!!
Thank you, all.
Beautiful reflection! Thank you!
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!
That was really very impresive. You have a lovely voice Sarah.
Thank you! That was beautiful. It is so lifting to hear simple, yet deep songs sung with love of God!
Tha is a beautiful song. Sarah and Sister Marsaia are vry talented and did a great job. Thank you both!
Beautifully Done!
Great use of a wonderful gift.
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.
What a beautiful hymn. I hope you sing some more.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
The song is beautiful and so inspirational! God bless both of you for sharing your talents with us.
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.
This woman is a very talented singer!
I loved the video, it was beautiful.
Merry Christmas
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.