Fernando Ortega - Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
and with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded,
For with blessing is His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to demand.
King of kings, Yet born of Mary,
As of old earth He stood,
Lord of lords, In human vesture,
In the body and the blood;
He will give to all the faithful.
His own self for heavenly food.
Rank on rank the host of heaven
spreads its vanguard on the way,
As Light of light descendeth
from the realms of endless day,
That the powers of hell may vanish
as the darkness clears away.
At His feet the six-winged seraph,
Cherubim, With sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to His presence
as with ceaseless voice they cry:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia! Lord Most High!

[@AprilJoi5]

Fernando Ortega's style... He leads you to the cross, and then without you even noticing... he slowly moves away so you can engage with the Lord.

[@sherryannefelix3707]

This statement here is absolutely beautiful...amen, praise the name of the LORD

[@ibperson7765]

@@sherryannefelix3707 I saw April’s comment and thought ‘what a beautiful comment’ and then see you wrote exactly that

[@donnahundl5205]

WOW!! Beautiful @AprilJoi5!!! I just love this and absolutely LOVE this hymn!!! Beautifully sung!!

[@randilund2558]

I can nothing but cry. Come soon my Savior Jesus Christ. Come soon. I am tired of this world. 😢 Thank you Jesus Christ for I am under your Precious BLOOD. From Randi in Denmark 🇩🇰

[@Prancer1231]

By some accident I have this playing in two windows simultaneously, starting at different points and it's making an incredible round.

[@cybrus9925]

Still a amazing hymn

[@cybrus9925]

How you doing now

[@maryesther4394]

Well composed music beautiful voice

[@GailColeman]

I must try this! In "single sound" it's amazing! In double, like a round? Must be incredible!

[@doming1949]

Thanks🙏🏼❤️

[@skitty449]

Fernando Ortega's music has helped me through my depression and my spiritual crises so many times it's not funny. God bless you, good man. Absolutely God bless you.

[@BobfromSalem]

Same for me while I was recovering from the loss of a spouse 14 years ago

[@Numbers_6.24-26]

@@BobfromSalem My husband died 9/24/2018 so I know what you mean. This song was beautiful but mournful for what Christ went through for us but is now glorified at God's right hand.

[@ibperson7765]

Ive been wondering why God allows so much suffering. The “free will” reply is not Biblical; certainly not in it’s simplistic form, but actually not at all. We were dead and trapped in sin, as many now are and I often feel like. Bible says it is because He knows the arc of redemptive history is better than if He had no let the serpent into the garden (or even made the serpent). For example in Gal 3.21-26 and Rom 8.16-34. He gave Satan certain dominion and His heart breaks with us and the battle is real, with Christ saving. But He did that because it is better in the long run. Been listening to NDE’s and they have truth exuding from them, about Heaven. To make and set free living souls holy and blameless before Him in love is apparently no small task. I guess making real love, real joy, real freedom and meaning victory and holiness require such. Clearly the eternal can wipe away everything and make ANY amount of suffering worth it. (I am endlessly amazed at the number of Christians who speak at length about the problems of pain and evil without even once mentioning Heaven and Eternity. Almost all will do that.) But that formula of infinite benefit outweighing anything finite is often largely intellectual and theoretical for me. However, the evidence for it is surprisingly substantial once I looked, plus faith and the Holy Spirit telling our souls. But on a gut level, it is slowly sinking in. For example, your comment, the song they wrote, ortega’s performance of it... are all examples of a maturity and *goodness* and holiness that so clearly required the hard knocks of life in the past. God bless you for that Kitty.

[@johnayelwin9760]

AMEN AMEN AMEN.

[@sallyedwards2400]

He seems to channel holy healing. Sometimes makes me weep.

[@murr-murs7786]

One of the most beautiful hymns I've ever heard.

[@matthewheun1458]

It's also from the 4th century. such a good god glorifying hymn it sounds beautiful

[@misterbee66]

Yes, it is.

[@caroleimani9754]

Praise the Lord.......

[@ibperson7765]

The oldest one

[@thesaltycatholic318]

"Lord of Lords in human vesture, in the Body and the Blood" 😭 That's why I love singing this song when we take part in the Eucharist at Mass. It's such a calm and haunting melody that really makes us think about the reality of Christ and what we are receiving in Communion.

[@marthacannizzo4791]

My exact thought too. Very well said. Our Lord loves us beyond our human comprehension.

[@mghewitt1]

I just looked up the word 'vesture;' it means more than just covering. "Vesture" includes the covering of the land in every crop (except trees.) Doesn't that sound like 'Food' to you? 🥖🍷 This song is my prayer for our country and world right now. Thank you.

[@bornagainchristian4160]

Repent from your sins guys, because your religion is an idolatry to God. It is man made, fake Christ and fake God. The one who you should follow the true Christ and God is Christian. Repent and give your life to Christ.

[@EricClifton-dk5jq]

Such a beautiful song it has made a difference in my life and thank you God for sending your son down to earth to free us from sin

[@kaweah64]

It always gets me emotional 😊

[@margohenderson2877]

Worshiping today through this song. May Jesus be praised.Bless you Fernando for singing this song.

[@marioochoa1433]

“At His feet the six-winged Seraph Cherubim with sleepless eye veil their faces to His Presence as with ceaseless voice they cry: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Lord Most High! a paraphrase from Isaiah 6:2,3 Fernando Ortega... One of the greatest worship leaders of all time... Maybe only second to King David.

[@NeomiNemeth]

I keep coming back to this amazing song and video, and I am touched each time. I love playing along on my violin and watching the visuals, and when I do, magic happens. Thank you for this and God Bless everyone listening/reading

[@joelmateo58]

Too beautiful to describe! Tears flow from me, regardless of how many times I sing it. Sorry Lord, I try but you mean too much to me to finish...

[@olginga]

Me too.

[@Numbers_6.24-26]

It made me cry too -- it is 12/18/2019 today.

[@drewtankersley9357]

Well said

[@jdsmith2k7]

Thank you Lord for your body and blood! Thank you for making your dwelling amongst us undeserving sinners.

[@jillhudson6430]

Absolutely the most gorgeous version of this hymn I have ever heard.

[@victoriasanchez6503]

I believe Fernando's voice is a secret to his unique spirit of wisdom from Jesus Christ

[@KatherineHannon-e4n]

Absolutely beautiful!! Played this on the piano for the first time in church last Sunday and it is now one of my favorites

[@ruthmcgee2879]

All these worshipful songs are warm, mellow, heartfelt. Thanks for low-key meditative music, all about Him! JESUS.

[@doorkeeper7491]

When we understand who Jesus Christ is..........our heartfelt response is to fall on our face and cry Holy Holy Holy...with surrendered heart, mind and will - joyfully to serve you LORD OF LORDS most high - by your Holy WORD implanted and your Holy Spirit indwelling. Amen

[@AMDG_-nk2dp]

And to fall to our knees to honor and adore our Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. Jean.

[@yvettehale6556]

Amen Amen❤

[@DannyWJaco]

This is the first time I've heard this song with lyrics. Until now, the only version I've known was instrumental, arranged and performed by Kildare on their Christmas album "Celtic Carols". If I ever teach music theory or songwriting, I'm going to use this song as an example of the beauty found in simplicity. The message is deeply moving as well. Thank you for sharing.

[@nevermind1534]

The tune is called Picardy. There's a number of hymns that are set to it.

[@basicaa]

The fact that Jesus Christ died is more important than the fact that I shall die, and the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead is the sole ground of my hope that I, too, shall be raised on the Last Day. Our salvation is "external to us." I find no salvation in my life history, but only in the history of Jesus Christ. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

[@Cml725]

This hymn has always had a very special meaning to me. It's an old French tune and is known as The Story of Jesus Christ, translated. We used to sing the French version in French class. Ever since, this hymn as sung here, has become my favorite non-Christmas hymn. :-) Thank you for posting!

[@SkyBlue1031]

I have just discovered this hymn this year. This is beautifully sung here. The song is so lovely in both melody and lyric, that it would be superfluous to use vocal acrobatics in any way. The vocals here render it perfectly, with the emphasis on worship of God, not personal performance. Amazing. Thank you for it.

[@dmavrenim3634]

every time I feel that I am moving away from God because eagerness of this world, I listen to Fernando Ortega, and immediately his music makes me move my heart and fall to my knees and have that intimate communion with my Lord again My writing english is no very well, Im sorry if there is some wrong expresion. GOD BLESS IU

[@Sk3tchful]

Could I get some piano sheet music for this? I love this tune, and this is quite a nice rendition of it.

[@xHannaHx33]

Anyone listening in 2018???

[@alecpurser2262]

Still listening to this wonderful song November 2018

[@RA-dm1yn]

Hannah X Still listening to the Lord and great hymns in Nov. 2018.

[@AzertyAzerty-rs4gp]

me

[@tm33398]

Yep

[@maryellenrose4812]

Yes. I broke my ankle and I’m on mandatory bed rest for at least two more weeks. I’m working on repairs to our family’s “soft” nativity.

[@gstevens866]

I saw this song in my harp book and was curious about how it sound. I've never heard of this song and instantly was brought to tears. This is beautiful.

[@crzychk77]

Absolutely love this. Beautiful to pray with, to sing with, to dwell with. The lyrics are so powerful. To God be the glory, forever and ever! Amen.

[@duesmemelord4202]

I like how dark it sounds. Not many church songs sound this dark (that we sing in my church) I think it's very beautiful and is sung in one of my favorite keys.

[@randyladiski3743]

Agreed. I just started as an alternate musician at my Church, and I love playing old minor key hymns like this

[@TKOJOJO]

It's the right setting as the author takes us to Gethsemane

[@chinaricanbeast5228]

Lots of anglican hymns have this flavor, especially organ pieces

[@ZalkarGorm]

You'll hear hymns like this especially during Lent in lot of Catholic churches.

[@lai_strength_training]

It's supposed to provoke feelings of reverence, fear, & awe in us, something largely lost in the modern church.

[@alboshqipo237]

I am speechless, when I listened to this song.

[@basicaa]

His name is Emmanuel - the God who is with us - who is made out of the same stuff we are and who is made out of the same stuff God is and who will not let either of us go.

[@markkelly3859]

This hymn is awesome, in the original sense of the word.

[@olginga]

I'm rendered speechless...every time.

[@aJoshudHowar]

very respectful

[@ГеоргиГеоргиев-ш5н]

Praise LORD GOD ALMIGHTY !!!

[@madeleinebaier5347]

AMEN! TO GOD BE THE GLORY, NOW AND FOREVER!!

[@Go2God]

Please. Let is just enjoy the blessings of this awesome Holy song. ..Praise HIM...ponder nothing earthly minded..

[@JaneFrizzell]

hi Miss Opinionated I have not seen you in a long time. This is one of my most favorite hymns, it is so solemn and grave. our FULL HOMAGE TO DEMAND, may it be so. I love the part when singing RANK ON RANK THE HOST OF HEAVEN SPREADS IT VANGUARD ON ITS WAY..

[@richardprice9730]

well said , But beyond the words YOU must go!

[@sueschooks]

Jesus did not write a book. He passed His teaching on orally to his followers who then wrote letters that later became chosen through the inspiration of the Holy spirit to become what we call the bible. It wasn't until the 400's that there was an authoritatively defined canon... there was only one catholic (universal, from greek) church. Also the second part of your comment- Jesus is not bound by time. We are the ones who are temporal and so have great difficulty understanding the great mystery

[@kevinstephenson4361]

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis.

[@bigdog95355]

Amen

[@michellemcdermott2026]

Benedictus Qui Venit in Nomine Domine. Hosanna in excelsis.

[@davo92755]

It is appropriate for using during Christmas as well as other seasons. I am using for for Advent 2 this week. It also fits for Lent. Actually it is a great one for Holy Eucharist any time during the church calendar.

[@rohitcherian501]

tells us how much Jesus loved us !!!!

[@fredkoelmeyer4974]

rates as highly as St. Thomas Aquinas's Eucharistic hymns of such sublimeness, in its beauty and majesty, and melody

[@LK-ns7hr]

I have been humming this for a while and didn't know the name. How wonderful to find it sung by this beautiful voice!

[@jameslyons3157]

vOne of my favorites; very soothing and meditative.

[@drewtankersley9357]

This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard . Truly captures our good Lord. I have a schizophrenic cat that this calms him immediately, truly an answer to my prayers.

[@calebstone6583]

The last verse and the mental imagery it comes with brings me nearly to tears every time.

[@franpettifer7529]

Beautiful hymn nicely sung. But why do modern renditions of songs like this have to be shoehorned into 4, 8, 16 beats and bars? The original has the first four lines in 6 beats and they flow wonderfully into each other. "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" is another one commonly warped this way, gaps put in to change a 3/4 melody into 4/4. Are modern musicians too lazy, ignorant or disrespectful to stick to the composer's original intentions?

[@phun1901]

Can you link to a recording with the 6/4 timing?

[@Anastace]

Totally agree with you!

[@182roadwarrior]

Great song, but the video is misleading. This song is all about the Incarnation, the beginning of our salvation. This is a Christmas song.

[@MsGrannyfrog]

No, it is perfect...Christmas foreshadows the passion and Easter. Listen to the Carol with your eyes closed.

[@tessiemae4038]

Nancy Jocoy In the Episcopal church, it is often used as a communion hymn. "He will give to all the faithful, his own self for heavenly food."

[@dovidpadraigben-avrohom3751]

+182roadwarrior It's actually a Western version of the Cherubic Hymn from the Liturgy (Mass) of St. James (the Brother of Christ). This is actually not at all a Christmas song. It is sung as the Priest brings the Bread and Wine to the altar to be transformed by the Holy Ghost into the Body and Blood of Christ. This song is not about something that happened (ie, the Nativity of Christ), in it's context, it is about something that is about to happen (ie Christ becoming present as Priest and Sacrifice on the Altar). When this hymn is sung, it is meant literally, and in real time.

[@182roadwarrior]

+Patrick Armano Thanks! Since I made this post I converted to Eastern Orthodoxy. I know they use the Liturgy of St. James in Western Rite Orthodoxy. I would love to see it sometime!

[@dovidpadraigben-avrohom3751]

+182roadwarrior Welcome home! It's often used as the communion hymn in the Western Rite, but that's the Mass of St. Gregory. Depending on your parish, it should be the Cheruvikon this Friday (23 October), as we use the Liturgy of St. James instead of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom on the Feast of St. James.

[@MANUELM78]

Que gran canción, para un cantante especial como es Fernando Ortega. Nunca me canso de escuchar sus canciones. Verdaderamente es un adorador de Dios

[@aaliyahrestrepo7711]

I love this

[@sherryannefelix3707]

Glad that no one has disliked this video...not the video per se but the words of the song...absolutely beautiful and humbling...blessed be the name of the LORD most High

[@deenafinney]

So beautiful. I love the old deeply spiritual hymns of Christmas. Thank you!

[@junepaul4763]

One of mine and my father's favorites - he wept every year when we sang it in church . . . such a deep and profound hymn - words adapted from an Eastern Liturgy by Gerard Moultrie maybe 150 or so years ago? Still touching souls . . .

[@TSALAGI1839]

+june Paul This has actually been sung as an Offertory Hymn since A.D. 275

[@UnwaveringLight]

Dates back to the Liturgy of Saint James, so perhaps even further! Incredible. Though this melody is much more recent.

[@jimggg333]

This particular melody is a traditional French tune. The text is from a 4th century liturgy.

[@MaketheMusicFasion]

This is so beautiful ❤️

[@mottledbrain]

@emarvin135 My friend, you are missing out on the most personal kind of relationship we can have with our Lord and Saviour. Not only can I pray to Him, I can also physically receive His very Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. To allow us to continue to do this He established His Church with Peter as the earthly head of the Church. Note this: Jesus never left us a book. He only left us His Church. His Church (the Catholic Church) is protected and guided by the Holy Ghost. Pax.

[@debstaton1022]

Beautiful Catholic Adoration Hymn! Thanks for posting.

[@davidconsoer8552]

Greek Orthodox actually.

[@RA-dm1yn]

Deb Staton it’s on page 80 in the Baptist Hymnal.

[@ritareilly8548]

Beautiful arrangements and photographs enhance these powerful lyrics

[@maria49ism]

GLORY TO,YHWH. GOD bless you!🤲🎶📖🙏💪

[@mottledbrain]

Notice the present tense: "Christ our God to earth descendeth". That is what happens at each and every Catholic Mass!! I am SO excited about coming home to the Catholic Church! God himself comes down from heaven and he physically enters everyone who receives Holy Communion. Wow.

[@SuburbanWhiteBoy4lif]

This is the best hymn ever Thank you so much for putting this up! AWESOME! POWERFUL!!

[@koreaisraelm]

Reminds me the time 10 years ago.. still awakening the heart.

[@Numbers_6.24-26]

That is just beautiful!

[@momheinan]

You can only imagine that these words are so true at the birth of God made man.

[@mchen730]

You're welcome and Praise God!

[@robidou22]

What a great song. Praise God it has lasted since the 4th century.

[@orielgb]

I've requested this beautiful song/hymn on Classic F.M. where I first heard it, for several years now, but they won't play it, I wonder why? Especially as they play rubbish like We saw three ships, which has nothing to do with Christmas anyway.

[@joys1783]

I just love it this is 1 of the most prettiest Christmas songs!

[@michaelhaywood8262]

It is not only a Christmas song, it can be sung all year during the Distribution of the Holy Eucharist [although the last verse must be omitted if used in Lent because of the Alleluia].

[@thaliarose8741]

Praise the Lord, Jesus Christ our Lord God

[@jackieann5494]

Ancient and written as a hymn to be sung at distribution of Holy the Eucharist ... Our deep roots are unspeakably beautiful ❤️

[@thisiswheezie]

Its a Cherubikon actually, the Offertory Verse in the St James Liturgy.

[@jackieann5494]

@@thisiswheezie Thank you ! Never even heard of a Cherubikon before .

[@lbmeredith9839]

About 10 days ago this song got in my head, no idea where I'd heard it. Found the words and chords and we did it last Sunday 17 Jan 2K21. People said it was beautiful. Played it in my 45 YO Epiphone 12 String.

[@TheHufflepuffGuy]

A humbling piece of music.

[@brucealanwilson4121]

Tune a French folk song. Text from the Eastern Orthodox Liturgy of St. James. In most hymnals.

[@gwynnaployhar1078]

Beautiful song I am not fully Cristian because I don't go to church but I belive in god and I play this song on the piano bless the world and the children in it

[@frankmontez6853]

Do you want to know more from a trusted source ? Go to www.catholics.com . We believe that Jesus is really there in the Eucharist to feed us .

[@frankmontez6853]

Sorry , that's www.catholic.com

[@gwynnaployhar1078]

Frank Montez​ oh thank you but no that's my parents dessicion but thank you for offering

[@gwynnaployhar1078]

BrandonX15 Yeah. Thank you.... I've seen the evils in the world and that's why I believe in and worship God.

[@desnialumera5396]

You are no less of a Christian because you don't attend church service. There are boast that they are above everyone else because they sat on a pew. (Modern day Pharisees) If you believe in Christ the Messiah, you are a Christian, and you are higher than those who think that they are worth more than you in God's eyes.

[@BoswellGary]

i dont really like this, because the tone of the singing isnt very good. Don't get me wrong but when I sang this with my chamber choir it sounds a lot better by adding variety of singing tones in consideration of what words you are singing.

[@usa2tube]

nice, but kinda mismatched the lyrics of the third verse with the imagery... the third verse is about the Son coming down at His conception in Mary’s womb. the generic “light” images do not do it justice.

[@gstevens866]

I love this song and his voice.

[@marthacannizzo4791]

Still beautiful in 2020.

[@cvmocanu]

Our Lord Jesus Christ highly valued the Bible. During His temptation He always answered with "It is written" (Matthew 4:1-11). When confronting the scribes and the pharisees He said repeatedly "Have you never read?" (Matthew 19:4, Mark 12:26, Luke 6:3, etc.) The Jewish church was also guided by the Holy Ghost but only as long as it was faithful. When it became unfaithful, Jesus said: "your house is left to you desolate". Don't put you faith in fallible, sinful man! Grace and peace from our Lord!

[@christiannahellwig]

Jesus absolutely did leave us a book, " The Holy Scriptures contained in the old and new testament." And as for the physical body and blood, When Jesus gave it to his disciples did he have two bodys One to give to them and one to live in? Or did he live in another body while he gave them his to eat? And then He must have had to take them back somehow for when He suffered on the cross.

[@marcialewis4540]

This is so amazingly beautiful. So much comfort in the words and such a beautiful voice and arrangement. Thank you, Fernando. God bless you.

[@Dorianandsong]

Great song! Reminds me 2010...

[@makuochukwulawrence4335]

Will the coming generations carry on with these? Many distractions. Alas!!! God can do all things.

[@stephencarlton-jones7119]

This is a beautiful rendition of Let all mortal flesh keep silence, the piano accompaniment sounded phenomenal! Is there sheet music for this?

[@lisabergmann732]

This is such a rich and meaningful hymn. Thank you, Fernando and musicians for presenting it to us here.

[@karaokeandallthatjazzkjdj3571]

Love how you slowed this down, very intense!

[@crochetladyny]

Makes me feel as if I am in heaven.

[@swimcat2333]

2020 thank you most high God of Jesus of Nazareth!!!

[@TheMexican1821]

Perfect song just before Adoration. So fitting.

[@mchen730]

@Cml725 I would love to hear the French version of the song. Do you know where I can find it?

[@jonesthephones]

Beautiful rendition of a fine musical experience

[@joys1783]

Oh wow this is the prettiest I've ever listened to in my life!

[@michaelhaywood8262]

We occasionally sing this hymn at the Catholic Church I attend.

[@japotillor]

beautiful, my 2nd favourite hymn after Adoro Te Devote...if we can sing this instead of gather us in....I'd be a lot happier

[@joys1783]

Oh wow this is pretty and perfect for Christmas!

[@MystSilverDragon1]

Lord Most High!

[@DONNANARMADANGONADI]

Christ our god decenderth global president and fernado ortegas

[@loslingos1232]

I'm glad everyone is talking about God but, no one is saying that this song is one of the oldest songs know to man so far. Not the oldest song but it's very old.

[@michaelhaywood8262]

Our oldest hymns which we still use are the Psalms.

[@mghewitt1]

Thank you for this. This is my prayer for my country and the world right now. Amen. 🍻🙏

[@darrellsloan7663]

Absolutely Beautiful Message, and song Thank You

[@andrewf5210]

I'm an atheist, but this is my favorite xian Xmas hymn.

[@Tias.W]

nice!

[@CYBERstupor]

Oneof my favorite hymns. beautiful arrangement/rendition. Sort of haunting, but beautiful.

[@kashaija]

I love this hymn. I could listen to it all day! I would also love to download it.

[@ghost_lad08]

Now this song is cool bit I'm an atheist so idk what to do ab this

[@kariebeez]

Very very pretty rendition of this most beautiful and spiritual hymn.