China

This moving anthem contemplates death and the afterlife, questioning our fear of departure and the physical act of burial. The composer Timothy Swan suggests that death is merely a call from Jesus to his arms, and that our own journey toward the heavens is as swift as time allows. The text speaks of Jesus' own burial, which left a 'long perfume' in the tomb, implying that our loved ones are not truly lost, but are resting in a sacred, consecrated space. This SATB setting in English offers a comforting perspective on grief and faith, encouraging acceptance and a hopeful outlook on eternal reunion.