As newborn stars were stirred to song when all things came to be, as Miriam and Moses sang when Israel was set free, so music bursts unbidden forth when God-thrilled hearts rejoice, to waken awe and gratitude and give mute faith a voice. In psalms that raise the singer's sense to universal truths, in prophet's dark-toned oracle or hymn of three brave youths: the song of faith and praise endured through those God called to be a chosen people bearing light for all the world to see. When God's redeeming Word took flesh to make salvation sure, unheeding hearts attuned to strife refused Love's overture. Yet to the end the song went on: a supper's parting hymn, a psalm intoned on dying lips when sun and hope grew dim. But silence won no vict'ry there; a rest was all it scored before glad alleluias rose to greet the Risen Lord. The Church still keeps that song alive, for death has lost its sting, and with the gift of life renewed the heart will ever sing.