The French Version

O Canada!

Being someone who may lean toward feeling anxious in these more and more tumultuous times, I don't utilize much of my brain space focussing on political matters. Lately, however, who could help but get at least a little amped up about everything involving government?

For the past few weeks a group of women in our church have been meeting to pray on Tuesday mornings. Specifically, we prayed for the people in government who wield the power, as well as for us -- the people responsible for voting them in.

Disappointed in the results, or not, we gathered the morning after the federal election to continue praying, as well as to sing some worshipful songs. Because I was leading the singing portion, and we planned to sing 'O Canada', I did some research on our country's anthem.

With humility, I'm compelled to admit that I hadn't been aware of the FOUR verses in our nation's song. Not only that, but I didn't know that the French version has completely different lyrics than the ones we sang at the beginning of every school day. (I've really dated myself right there, but I hope they still sing at least the one verse in our nation's schools.)

When I read the FRENCH words of this--our country's anthem--I teared up a little. The words originally penned in french, but even when translated into english, are built on faith in the God who loves, cares and is FOR US. Our country was founded on faith, and this song is a tribute of praise!

After the election, something struck me. With how the parliamentary seats are now allotted, essentially much of the power rests with the people owning many less chairs at the table. The Bloc Québécois (BQ), for one, will wield that power with their votes, thereby tipping the scales in one direction or another.

I don't know about you, but I don't think our prayers should cease now. In fact, even more need to rise up. I'm hoping the BQ, along with the rest of us, will read and remember the lyrics inside the French version of the Canadian anthem (below).

*O Canada! (French translated to English)

Vs. 1:

O, Canada! Land of our forefathers,

Your brow is girt with glorious flowers.

Your arm knows to carry the sword, just as it knows to carry the cross!

Your history is an epic of the most brilliant exploits.

And your valour, drenched in faith, will protect our home and our rights.

Vs. 2:

Beneath the eye of God, near the great river,

the Canadian grows greater in hope.

He is born of a proud race, blessed was his cradle.

Heaven marked his course in this new world.

Always guided by its light, He will keep the honour of his flag.

Vs. 3:

From his patron, agent of the true God,

He bears on his head a halo of fire.

Enemy of tyranny, but forever loyal,

He strives to keep in harmony his proud liberty;

And, through the efforts of his genius, on our soil plant truth.

Vs. 4:

Sacred love of the throne and of the altar,

Fill our hearts with your immortal breath.

Among foreign races, our guide is the law:

Help us to be a people of brothers under the yoke of faith.

And let us repeat, like our fathers, the triumphant cry: "For Christ and King."

It's important to remember that God hasn't changed. He is in control, and always will be--no matter who appears to have the most power on earth. With that knowledge, I sleep peacefully at night, and I hope you do too.

As God did with the Israelites, lets not forget that He knows where we live, and He loves us!

"Those who trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever." Psalm 125:1&2 (NASB1995)

As we sing in the English version of our anthem:

May God keep our land glorious and FREE!

Pattie Janzen

As always - know that I am praying for you. If you have any specific requests please contact me through this website.

*(English translation of the original French Canadian National Anthem. Taken from multiple sources. The words vary slightly between sources researched, and have been interchanged to avoid plagiarism. Taken from The Public Perspective, December/January 1996 - People, Opinions, & Polls, as well as: Mad Beppo - For students of French and for some others; and other websites.)