Out in Anglican-Land it is Advent. There is, of course, all the usual crush of issues and concerns in our somewhat befuddled fellowship, but for a few moments at least many of us actually find time to think on matters of greater weight than, say, the future of the Anglican Communion or the Episcopal Church.
I have been taking Sunday School Chapel off and on this fall at St. Peter's in the village by the bay, Lewes, and the few minutes we have together turns out to be among the most challenging moments I have in my ministry these days. And so at Advent I have had a small question rumbling around in my head: How can we say or sing something that connects the baby Jesus with the prophet, priest and king and all the other images we know belong to Jesus the Messiah? How can we connect Jesus with all of that and bring it into the present?
So, others bring wonderful Advent meditations to the web. I am making a stab at a simple song for children. It's a start. More work later. I know it is really a Christmas song /prayer, but it is Advent-urous. Suggestions?
A Song / Prayer to The Christ Child. (Tune: Tallis' Canon or some other simple tune.)
Born long ago,
And on this day,
Dear Lord be with us
As we pray,
That in your coming
We may see
Your love for us,
Hope filled and free.
In mercy promised,
Justice done,
Lord let us live
With you as one,
Help us to spread
The news around
That God is love
And love is found.
Jesus we praise you
Where you lay
For all the wonder
Of this day,
And for the joy
That you bring here
To hearth and home
And world so dear.
That is lovely Mark. If I may, I shall see about setting it to the mountain dulcimer. If I find a tune that works I will send you a midi of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for it!
FWIW
jimB
I love it!!! ;-) And the idea of a dulcimer is terrific. I hear Judy Collins singing ...
ReplyDeletebb
Okay, here's what came to mind as I read your lyrics.
ReplyDeleteThought you'd like the Pete Seeger touch too. ;-)
Keep writing, Mark - you are such a good writer.
bb
Did I include the link? I can't remember and now I can't tell. Here it is, just in case:
ReplyDeletehttp://youtube.com/watch?v=-Kbr6tUhDRI
bb
Perhaps there is something going on and an advent... jim and babyblue both liked the poem!
ReplyDeleteJim I hope you find a tune. I've been working on one and it might get on the blog in the next week or so.
BB... here's looking at you, kid. Its wonderful to hear words of praise from someone who writes as well as you do! Thanks for the judy collins and pete seeger piece.