Ancient Contemporary Language

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart

I was watching a documentary last week about the story, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Considered one of the first pieces of Arthurian legend, many have attempted to translate it into modern English. Some choose to translate it as close to the original alliteration that was employed around 1370. Others choose to translate the meaning of the original words and not so much the method of the words. But no matter how it is translated, some have also chosen to follow the way of life that is in the story. A Pagan minister gave a short tour of some holy rocks and discussed the ways that Gawain and the knight may have worshipped or attempted to live.

Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home

During the Middle Ages, many pre-Christian works of literature gathered dust on monastery shelves. In the late 1400s, Francesco Petarch, an Italian poet, rediscovered many of the works. Petrarch was angry that the words had been forgotten. Frenchman Michel de Montaigne felt that he found truth in 1571 by going back to the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates.

Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Today we often quote Franklin, Lincoln, and Jefferson. We recognize the wisdom of the words that these great men spoke. Some return to the stories of Sophocles or Shakespeare. And some return to the words of the Ancient One, the origin of wisdom and of words. He was the first to speak, and he has never stopped speaking to those who will listen.

Ancient Words was written by Michael W. Smith