Christmas is such a special time of faith, and for the renewing of our relationship with God. And yet, I have been reminded that God also uses the ordinariness of life to reach out to us, to speak to us and to call us into further relationship with Him.
The gift of the Incarnation is a prime example of that. In many ways, Mary was an ordinary young girl living an ordinary life engaged to an ordinary man. Yet something extraordinary happened to her and through her.
And there was the ordinary politicians who were doing their ordinary work of governing their nations and peoples. They were conducting an ordinary census which took these two ordinary individuals on a journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. And speaking of Bethlehem, talk about ordinary small village that was barely on the map. And yet something so extraordinary would happen when they reached their destination, something so much more than simply being counted.
The shepherds were ordinary guardians of the sheep out in an ordinary pasture doing their ordinary nightly chore of watching over their sheep. Yet something extraordinary was made known to them which they then witnessed with their own eyes. And through them God spread an extraordinary message.
The stable was an ordinary barn with ordinary animals making their ordinary noises, eating from their ordinary trough of hay and oats. Yet something extraordinary happened there as God used that space to be born into this world.
As God takes on human flesh, something very extraordinary happens. God becomes one of us and we are blessed beyond measure. God reaches into our very souls and gives us a message of hope and promise that we really do mean something to Him, that God loves us more than we could ever imagine, that God wants us to be free of all that burdens us in this ordinary life we live.
This Christmas, ask yourself what are the ordinary moments, routines, traditions and even people that are in your life; and in those ordinary moments, how, when and where do you experience the extraordinary gift of God's presence and God's hand of healing upon you and this world in which we live.
I wrote this hymn on the theme of the exraordinary gift we receive in the ordinary moments of our lives. I hope that it inspires you to recognize the power of our extraordinary God right here today in your life and in mine!
"In the Ordinary Moments"
metre: 8787
tune: Stuttgart
In the ordinary moments
of our ordinary lives;
promises of sacred presence
as Incarnate God arrives.
Humble in a stable lowly,
cradled in a cattle stall;
nothing special, yet so holy,
brings redemption meant for all.
Angels sang their sacred message
to the shepherds unaware;
they should go and pay their homage
for good news was in the air.
Not expecting such great blessing
in the ordinary ways
of our world and daily living
God inspires us to amaze.
In the ordinary moments
of our ordinary lives;
promises of sacred presence
as Incarnate God arrives.
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
"Justice, Mercy and Forgiveness" ... a Hymn for the Reign of Christ
The reign of Christ is about today and the present as much as an event in the past. In fact, even more so! Jesus' life, ministry and teaching and of course his death, resurrection and promised gift of the Holy Spirit are all integral to the message of hope that we know as His kingdom and His reign. But that is also about today; and it's about us today too as disciples and faithful followers.
The message of Jesus' reign is a foreign one in our contemporary society just as it was in His own day too. Mercy, justice and forgiveness are the marks of the reign of Christ that is for all time and all places; they are the foundations of the Kingdom of God. How does that fit with a society that rewards the very opposite of what Jesus himself proclaimed, and what in the end he died for? It doesn't! But that's what we profess to believe in; and that's the message we're called to preach with conviciton; proclaim with boldness; and live out with confidence. It is only through the gift of the Holy Spirit that we can ever hope to do so!
We know Jesus' crown wasn't made of glittering gold, it was a crown of thorns; and, his throne wasn't comfortable either, it was the splinters of a wooden cross. All that Jesus did in his ministry and all that he taught were foundational to this moment of sacrafice as he suffered and died. And, the hope that we trust in was made real in a resurrected Christ who appeared to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, in the upper room and on the beach.
Christ ascended to glory with the promise that He would return. And in truth, he does return again and again. He makes himself known in the everyday, ordinariness of life. We have opportunity to recognize and experience the glories of the resurrected Christ in kingdom moments we encounter along life's road; in our times of suffering, as well as in our times of joy and celebration. All we have to do is be open to seeing, hearing and ultimately believing!
For me, no where is the glory of the reign of Christ more evident than as we gather at the holy table to share in the holy banquet. We have a standing invitation. All we have to do is accept the invitation; go to the table; and receive that grace that God has in store for us; food for the journey; nourishment for the soul!
The mystery of the reign of Christ is that it is a reign that was in the past, that is today and that is yet to come in all of its fullness. Let's enter into the mystery of this sacred and holy feast day; let's celebrate the mystery with faith, hope and promise!
I wrote the words to this hymn as a reflection of what the Reign of Christ means to me. It's sung to one of my favorite hymn tunes, Cwm Rhandda. I hope you are inpsired to reflect on what the Reign of Christ means for you.
"Justice, Mercy and Forgiveness"
metre: 878787 and repeat
tune: Cwm Rhondda
Justice, mercy and forgiveness are the mark's of Jesus' reign;
His compassion is forever, healing those who are in pain.
Promised freedom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.
With a twisted crown of thorns; from the cross his sacred throne;
Jesus was compliant unto death, as God's grace and love were shown.
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.
Far beyond our comprehension; more than we could ever ask;
with the promised resurrection, He's the one up for the task.
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.
Through the promised Holy Spirit; God will lead us on our way;
By a holy invitation as we take the time to pray.
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.
God's prepared a sacred banquet, now we're called to take our place;
With the table spread before us; with all those of every race;
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
The message of Jesus' reign is a foreign one in our contemporary society just as it was in His own day too. Mercy, justice and forgiveness are the marks of the reign of Christ that is for all time and all places; they are the foundations of the Kingdom of God. How does that fit with a society that rewards the very opposite of what Jesus himself proclaimed, and what in the end he died for? It doesn't! But that's what we profess to believe in; and that's the message we're called to preach with conviciton; proclaim with boldness; and live out with confidence. It is only through the gift of the Holy Spirit that we can ever hope to do so!
We know Jesus' crown wasn't made of glittering gold, it was a crown of thorns; and, his throne wasn't comfortable either, it was the splinters of a wooden cross. All that Jesus did in his ministry and all that he taught were foundational to this moment of sacrafice as he suffered and died. And, the hope that we trust in was made real in a resurrected Christ who appeared to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, in the upper room and on the beach.
Christ ascended to glory with the promise that He would return. And in truth, he does return again and again. He makes himself known in the everyday, ordinariness of life. We have opportunity to recognize and experience the glories of the resurrected Christ in kingdom moments we encounter along life's road; in our times of suffering, as well as in our times of joy and celebration. All we have to do is be open to seeing, hearing and ultimately believing!
For me, no where is the glory of the reign of Christ more evident than as we gather at the holy table to share in the holy banquet. We have a standing invitation. All we have to do is accept the invitation; go to the table; and receive that grace that God has in store for us; food for the journey; nourishment for the soul!
The mystery of the reign of Christ is that it is a reign that was in the past, that is today and that is yet to come in all of its fullness. Let's enter into the mystery of this sacred and holy feast day; let's celebrate the mystery with faith, hope and promise!
I wrote the words to this hymn as a reflection of what the Reign of Christ means to me. It's sung to one of my favorite hymn tunes, Cwm Rhandda. I hope you are inpsired to reflect on what the Reign of Christ means for you.
"Justice, Mercy and Forgiveness"
metre: 878787 and repeat
tune: Cwm Rhondda
Justice, mercy and forgiveness are the mark's of Jesus' reign;
His compassion is forever, healing those who are in pain.
Promised freedom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.
With a twisted crown of thorns; from the cross his sacred throne;
Jesus was compliant unto death, as God's grace and love were shown.
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.
Far beyond our comprehension; more than we could ever ask;
with the promised resurrection, He's the one up for the task.
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.
Through the promised Holy Spirit; God will lead us on our way;
By a holy invitation as we take the time to pray.
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.
God's prepared a sacred banquet, now we're called to take our place;
With the table spread before us; with all those of every race;
Promised kingdom; God's great blessing;
is our gift eternally; is our gift eternally.
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Monday, September 7, 2009
50th Wedding Anniversary Hymn ... "Patient Love, Such Awesome Grace"
This month my parents are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. This is a time of joy and celebration for us as a family. I am grateful for my relationship with them that has assisted in my growth into who I am today. Being grounded in a family that cared for and about each other was and remains a gift in my life. Celebrating their anniversary is honoring and paying tribute to the relationships in their lives, mine included, that have meant and continue to mean so much.
Love is first and foremost a gift from God. God shows us over and over again what it means to truly love. Of course the most profound example of that is the sending of his Son Jesus Christ to make things right and offer us the hope and promise of grace. Paul so eloquently describes for the early church, and for us too, the love of God in that well known passage from his first letter to the Corinthians.
We're called to emulate that love in our relationships with each other. Sometimes we do that very well; other times we don't. However, it's always something we're called to strive for.
“Patient Love, Such Awesome Grace”
Tune: Duke Street
Metre: LM
Perfect love, such awesome grace,
Love that is joyful to embrace.
Love that is patient and endures
This is the love that Christ ensures.
Through all time God’s love doesn’t end
God’s love grows stronger to transcend.
In sacred moments, on holy ground
God’s love is surely to be found.
Love faithfully in gentleness,
Show one another kindness.
God’s example is to be lived
As one another we forgive.
Faith and hope and love abide,
These are the gifts that God provides;
But to be sure love is the best
And by this love we all are blessed.
Love one another as I love you
Christ’s great commandment live anew.
In the relations of your life
As parent, child, husband and wife.
Perfect love, such awesome grace,
Love that is joyful to embrace.
Love that is patient and endures
This is the love that Christ ensures.
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Love is first and foremost a gift from God. God shows us over and over again what it means to truly love. Of course the most profound example of that is the sending of his Son Jesus Christ to make things right and offer us the hope and promise of grace. Paul so eloquently describes for the early church, and for us too, the love of God in that well known passage from his first letter to the Corinthians.
We're called to emulate that love in our relationships with each other. Sometimes we do that very well; other times we don't. However, it's always something we're called to strive for.
I offer this hymn about God's love and our call to love each other in celebration of my parent’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. My prayer for them is that they will continue to love each other, and those around them, just as God has loved them; and, that I may continue to learn from their witness as together we celebrate their 50 years of marriage.
“Patient Love, Such Awesome Grace”
Tune: Duke Street
Metre: LM
Perfect love, such awesome grace,
Love that is joyful to embrace.
Love that is patient and endures
This is the love that Christ ensures.
Through all time God’s love doesn’t end
God’s love grows stronger to transcend.
In sacred moments, on holy ground
God’s love is surely to be found.
Love faithfully in gentleness,
Show one another kindness.
God’s example is to be lived
As one another we forgive.
Faith and hope and love abide,
These are the gifts that God provides;
But to be sure love is the best
And by this love we all are blessed.
Love one another as I love you
Christ’s great commandment live anew.
In the relations of your life
As parent, child, husband and wife.
Perfect love, such awesome grace,
Love that is joyful to embrace.
Love that is patient and endures
This is the love that Christ ensures.
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Celebrating 20 Years of ordained ministry ... Hymn about ministry
Next week, I will celebrate 20 years since I was ordained a Deacon in the church. I find it difficult to believe it has been that long. It has been a very fruitful ministry with many blessings, as well as times of difficulty. In all of it, I have felt assured that God has called me to this vocation, and that God has blessed me to be able to do the work he has invited me into. It has been a time of many grace moments, of standing on holy ground, and of entering into very sacred conversations. It has been about relationships - between God and I, as well as between the people of God's church and me. I give thanks for the parishes in which I have served, and for the lessons of faith I continue to learn. I give thanks for colleagues in ministry I have worked with.
For me, times of anniversary are a natural time to look forward as well as to the past. I do so confident that God is very much a part of my present, and will undoubtedly be part of my future ministry as well. It is only by God's grace, and under the guidance of God's Holy Spirit that I can and will do the work placed before me.
Ministry is definately a priviledge. I thank God for entrusting me and for continuing to empower me to be the priest he has called me to be. I pray that my future in ministry may be as fruitful as my past; that God will continue to work through me, by His grace and blessed by His Spirit.
I wrote this hymn, "You Call us into Ministry" in honor of this anniversary to one of my favorite tunes, Woodlands, meter 10 10 10 10.
You call us into ministry to serve,
to work through us your kingdom to preserve.
Help us to always seek to do your will;
the gospel promises you will fulfill.
To care and love as instruments of grace;
a priviledge and blessing we embrace.
Its humbling as we stand on holy ground.
God is a presence real and so profound.
Blessed and empowered we're able to discern;
we're gifted with vocations as we learn;
from day to day, the story comes alive;
God's hope and promise surely will survive.
Help us to be your hands, your feet, your ears.
Inspire in us a trust despite our fears.
It seems a daunting ministry ahead;
yet with your help it's one we need not dread.
So may we risk just as the Spirit soars;
faithful and trusting that each call is yours!
Help us the truth with confidence to speak;
God's guiding presence is all that we seek.
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
For me, times of anniversary are a natural time to look forward as well as to the past. I do so confident that God is very much a part of my present, and will undoubtedly be part of my future ministry as well. It is only by God's grace, and under the guidance of God's Holy Spirit that I can and will do the work placed before me.
Ministry is definately a priviledge. I thank God for entrusting me and for continuing to empower me to be the priest he has called me to be. I pray that my future in ministry may be as fruitful as my past; that God will continue to work through me, by His grace and blessed by His Spirit.
I wrote this hymn, "You Call us into Ministry" in honor of this anniversary to one of my favorite tunes, Woodlands, meter 10 10 10 10.
You call us into ministry to serve,
to work through us your kingdom to preserve.
Help us to always seek to do your will;
the gospel promises you will fulfill.
To care and love as instruments of grace;
a priviledge and blessing we embrace.
Its humbling as we stand on holy ground.
God is a presence real and so profound.
Blessed and empowered we're able to discern;
we're gifted with vocations as we learn;
from day to day, the story comes alive;
God's hope and promise surely will survive.
Help us to be your hands, your feet, your ears.
Inspire in us a trust despite our fears.
It seems a daunting ministry ahead;
yet with your help it's one we need not dread.
So may we risk just as the Spirit soars;
faithful and trusting that each call is yours!
Help us the truth with confidence to speak;
God's guiding presence is all that we seek.
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
"Living and Chosen Stones" ... Hymn based on 1 Peter 2
I appreciate Peter's use of the image of living and chosen stones to describe the church. As I hold on to a stone in my hand, whether it is smooth or rough, no matter where I picked it up, no matter what colour it is, that stone reminds me of the relationship between God and the church. In particular, it gives me great hope in terms of where we are headed in the mission and ministry God has invited us into.
To be living means to be alive and full of the Spirit. God gives the church life, and despite our many challenges, I feel confident and hopeful that God's church will never die. We have work to do and conversatons to be had and decisions to be made. If we intentionally stay attuned to God's desire for the church, then we will have the means to do the ministries we enter into because they will be of God. God gives us life, and to be sure I believe God will sustain us as well! That is our only hope for the future. As the doxology for the Eucharist reminds us, God can and will do far more than we can ask or imagine. There is no limit to what God will do with us and through us! Thanks and praise to God for that truth!
God has chosen the church as well. It's a priviledge to be chosen, and a gift too. We are called by God as individuals, and collectively too. Whether we are talking about the church at the local parish level, or diocesan or national or as a communion, God says to us "You are my beloved; I have and continue to call you; I have chosen you; I have something I need you to do for me and for the world!" The question remains, what is our response. I pray that we will work with the Spirit in our midst, and become more and more the followers of Christ we are called to be.
In our baptisms we said "Yes!"; each time we renew our baptismal covenants we say "Yes!" again. What does that "Yes!" really mean? And when we promise to live that covenant with God's help, are we really ready to ask for the assistance of the Spirit, and listen for the advice of the Spirit and follow the direction of the Spirit? I hope so, and I pray so. The ministry of the church depends upon it. And I believe we have a bright, optimistic, spirit filled future ahead of us.
We are "living and chosen stones"! Let's never forget that and especially let's never stop living that vocation we are called to by God.
These reflections led me to write “Living & Chosen Stones” set to the tune "Darwall" with a metre 66 66 88.
Living and chosen stones, we’re built upon the rock
Foundation solid in God’s Son, Lord Jesus Christ!
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.
Our faith is made secure through stories we have heard,
Alive and vibrant as we listen to God’s Word.
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.
We gather to discern, our mission to embrace;
Unsure ourselves where we might go we ask for grace.
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.
As living, chosen stones, there is a way ahead;
And with attentive prayerful hearts we’re Spirit led
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.
All praise and thanks to God who guides us on our way;
We are empowered by the Spirit every day!
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
To be living means to be alive and full of the Spirit. God gives the church life, and despite our many challenges, I feel confident and hopeful that God's church will never die. We have work to do and conversatons to be had and decisions to be made. If we intentionally stay attuned to God's desire for the church, then we will have the means to do the ministries we enter into because they will be of God. God gives us life, and to be sure I believe God will sustain us as well! That is our only hope for the future. As the doxology for the Eucharist reminds us, God can and will do far more than we can ask or imagine. There is no limit to what God will do with us and through us! Thanks and praise to God for that truth!
God has chosen the church as well. It's a priviledge to be chosen, and a gift too. We are called by God as individuals, and collectively too. Whether we are talking about the church at the local parish level, or diocesan or national or as a communion, God says to us "You are my beloved; I have and continue to call you; I have chosen you; I have something I need you to do for me and for the world!" The question remains, what is our response. I pray that we will work with the Spirit in our midst, and become more and more the followers of Christ we are called to be.
In our baptisms we said "Yes!"; each time we renew our baptismal covenants we say "Yes!" again. What does that "Yes!" really mean? And when we promise to live that covenant with God's help, are we really ready to ask for the assistance of the Spirit, and listen for the advice of the Spirit and follow the direction of the Spirit? I hope so, and I pray so. The ministry of the church depends upon it. And I believe we have a bright, optimistic, spirit filled future ahead of us.
We are "living and chosen stones"! Let's never forget that and especially let's never stop living that vocation we are called to by God.
These reflections led me to write “Living & Chosen Stones” set to the tune "Darwall" with a metre 66 66 88.
Living and chosen stones, we’re built upon the rock
Foundation solid in God’s Son, Lord Jesus Christ!
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.
Our faith is made secure through stories we have heard,
Alive and vibrant as we listen to God’s Word.
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.
We gather to discern, our mission to embrace;
Unsure ourselves where we might go we ask for grace.
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.
As living, chosen stones, there is a way ahead;
And with attentive prayerful hearts we’re Spirit led
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.
All praise and thanks to God who guides us on our way;
We are empowered by the Spirit every day!
We are God’s church, a praying house to do God’s will, proclaiming truth.
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
"Earth Day" Hymn ... Hymn about Creation
In the next month, the world will celebrate "Earth Day". In the church it is imperative that we join in this secular observance to honor the gift of creation, and to remind ourselves that we are called to be stewards of this blessing God has given to us.
God is so present in creation ... in the beautiful sunrise and sunset; in the crashing waves of the ocean; in the rugged mountains; in the simple flower blooming in the garden; in the ice on the trees; in the cardinals that fly across the backyard; in the clear blue sky; in the hazy cloudy day too. These are sacred scenes where we encounter the holiness of God's presence in this precious gift he has so generously given to us.
The environment is a "hot" topic these days, with conversations about conservation and global warming, pollution and climate control, the carbon footprint and nuclear waste. We in the church need to be part of those conversations. We need to be in the dialogue. We need to be up front in taking action. We need to be the voice of advocacy and the impetus to doing something that makes a lasting difference.
With these thoughts in mind, I set out to write a hymn that expressed a theology of creation and to remind us to be faithful stewards, collectively and individually. We are called to be faithful in caring for and looking after this great gift we have been blessed with so that there will be something to pass on to future generations to enjoy too!
“God Creator of All Beauty”
Tune: Thaxted
Metre: 13 13 13 13 13 13
God creator of all beauty, you formed the earth and sky.
You created all of nature, all of the birds that fly.
We are blessed by your creation; you surround us with your grace;
In the summer’s bright warm sunshine, and autumn’s cloudy haze.
You are here in all the colours, so full of life and bright;
You are here amidst the darkness, as the daylight fades to night.
God creator of all beauty, you formed us as your own.
And you gave us your creation, to enjoy as life goes on.
And you’ve called us to be stewards, to take care of this great earth.
So with honor and thanksgiving, what a ministry of worth.
It’s a privilege to do our part, just as you ask us all.
So responsible and caring, make us worthy of our call.
God creator of all beauty, you saw that is was good.
Now empowered with your Spirit, our calling understood.
Our desire is to be faithful, your creation now to serve.
Help us understand the danger, if we do not conserve.
This great earth is such a blessing, one easy to neglect;
May we not abuse your goodness, rather show our great respect!
God creator of all beauty, the seasons, years and days;
We do thank you for your glory, and offer you our praise.
Now entrusted to our care, for generations yet to be,
This inheritance to pass on, for the future fresh and free.
Help us on this road of preservation, as we journey on.
May the gift that we now treasure, still to our children dawn!
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
God is so present in creation ... in the beautiful sunrise and sunset; in the crashing waves of the ocean; in the rugged mountains; in the simple flower blooming in the garden; in the ice on the trees; in the cardinals that fly across the backyard; in the clear blue sky; in the hazy cloudy day too. These are sacred scenes where we encounter the holiness of God's presence in this precious gift he has so generously given to us.
The environment is a "hot" topic these days, with conversations about conservation and global warming, pollution and climate control, the carbon footprint and nuclear waste. We in the church need to be part of those conversations. We need to be in the dialogue. We need to be up front in taking action. We need to be the voice of advocacy and the impetus to doing something that makes a lasting difference.
With these thoughts in mind, I set out to write a hymn that expressed a theology of creation and to remind us to be faithful stewards, collectively and individually. We are called to be faithful in caring for and looking after this great gift we have been blessed with so that there will be something to pass on to future generations to enjoy too!
“God Creator of All Beauty”
Tune: Thaxted
Metre: 13 13 13 13 13 13
God creator of all beauty, you formed the earth and sky.
You created all of nature, all of the birds that fly.
We are blessed by your creation; you surround us with your grace;
In the summer’s bright warm sunshine, and autumn’s cloudy haze.
You are here in all the colours, so full of life and bright;
You are here amidst the darkness, as the daylight fades to night.
God creator of all beauty, you formed us as your own.
And you gave us your creation, to enjoy as life goes on.
And you’ve called us to be stewards, to take care of this great earth.
So with honor and thanksgiving, what a ministry of worth.
It’s a privilege to do our part, just as you ask us all.
So responsible and caring, make us worthy of our call.
God creator of all beauty, you saw that is was good.
Now empowered with your Spirit, our calling understood.
Our desire is to be faithful, your creation now to serve.
Help us understand the danger, if we do not conserve.
This great earth is such a blessing, one easy to neglect;
May we not abuse your goodness, rather show our great respect!
God creator of all beauty, the seasons, years and days;
We do thank you for your glory, and offer you our praise.
Now entrusted to our care, for generations yet to be,
This inheritance to pass on, for the future fresh and free.
Help us on this road of preservation, as we journey on.
May the gift that we now treasure, still to our children dawn!
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Road to Emmaus ... Contemporary hymn for Easter season
I think that of all the resurrection appearances of Jesus, my favorite is the story of the encounter on the road to Emmaus. These two followers, in their grief and sadness, are returning home. Their lives have changed; they don't understand; they have so many unanswered questions; they feel despair and hopelessness.
Jesus comes along beside them. They don't recognize him because they can't. They're so caught up in what they've been through and what they are going through now that they can't see him for who he really is. They can't believe that he doesn't know all that's gone on these past days. After all, everyone in Jerusalem must have known. It was the talk of the city and of all the pilgrims there for the holy festival. So they explained it all to him. And he listened to their lament even though he was all too aware of what went on.
Jesus then re-told all the stories of their faith, from the prophets of old on. He reiterated that God had promised that a Messiah would come and bring salvation and redemption. But that wouldn't happen without suffering, pain, death and even grief. But God's glory would prevail.
As they reach Emmaus, it looked like this fellow traveler on the road was going to journey on further down the road. It was late, why not stop and spend the night with them. The conversation was good; they were enjoying the fellowship and the reflecting together, even if they didn't really get what he was saying to them. He knew so much; he was so well informed. There was something about him.
Jesus did stay, at least for a brief period of time. And in that time he did what needed to be done for them to recognize him for who he was. He sat at the dinner table with them; he broke bread with them. At that very moment they recognized and knew him for who he was. It all now made perfect sense. That's why they were so taken with him and all he had to say to them.
But, they couldn't keep it to themselves, and they weren't supposed to. They knew they had to tell the story to the others. They needed to indeed celebrate and rejoice because Jesus wasn't dead; he was very much alive; and, he had appeared and journeyed along the road with them.
We too need to recognize the presence of the risen Christ with us on our journeys through life, whatever the name of the roads we take. How profound it is when we too break bread and know that real presence that brings joy in the midst of sadness; healing in the midst of brokenness; light in the midst of darkness; hope in the midst of despair.
Thank God for the disciples on the road to Emmaus; thank God for their story, for it is our story too.
These thoughts inspired me to write this hymn, "As they Walked Along Emmaus Road" sung to the tune Kingsfold (CMD).
As they walked along Emmaus road, full of grief and in despair,
This stranger came along with them who would help them be aware.
Jesus was dead, there was no hope, he was buried in his tomb.
But they’d find new life for there was hope even in the midst of gloom.
Imagine if they recognized the risen Christ with them.
But the time had yet to be fulfilled when they’d see the valued gem.
All the things they could have said to him, all the things his death had bought.
They really didn’t understand despite the things he’d taught.
So he opened up the Word for them, a word to set them free.
The Messiah had to suffer, into glory then he’d be.
Open up your eyes, your ears, your hearts; believe and be made whole.
Learn the story of God’s glory; let freedom fill your soul.
At the edge of town they asked him, come with us and spend the night.
Come to dinner, come and sleep well; til the morning light is bright.
So he sat with them at supper, and he took and he broke the bread,
It was then the truth revealed itself, he was risen from the dead.
To stand on holy, sacred ground, spirit fed and hearts aflame.
What a privilege to walk this road! What a faith and hope to claim!
Alleluia, Christ is raised indeed, made known in breaking bread!
Alleluia! God’s true promise; a message to be spread.
As we gather at your table, Lord, fill our hunger, quench our thirst.
May we now relive the story trusting death has been reversed.
Break the bread with us and pass the cup; through this mystery amaze.
Yes! The tomb is empty and we live. Boldly now proclaim God’s praise!
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Jesus comes along beside them. They don't recognize him because they can't. They're so caught up in what they've been through and what they are going through now that they can't see him for who he really is. They can't believe that he doesn't know all that's gone on these past days. After all, everyone in Jerusalem must have known. It was the talk of the city and of all the pilgrims there for the holy festival. So they explained it all to him. And he listened to their lament even though he was all too aware of what went on.
Jesus then re-told all the stories of their faith, from the prophets of old on. He reiterated that God had promised that a Messiah would come and bring salvation and redemption. But that wouldn't happen without suffering, pain, death and even grief. But God's glory would prevail.
As they reach Emmaus, it looked like this fellow traveler on the road was going to journey on further down the road. It was late, why not stop and spend the night with them. The conversation was good; they were enjoying the fellowship and the reflecting together, even if they didn't really get what he was saying to them. He knew so much; he was so well informed. There was something about him.
Jesus did stay, at least for a brief period of time. And in that time he did what needed to be done for them to recognize him for who he was. He sat at the dinner table with them; he broke bread with them. At that very moment they recognized and knew him for who he was. It all now made perfect sense. That's why they were so taken with him and all he had to say to them.
But, they couldn't keep it to themselves, and they weren't supposed to. They knew they had to tell the story to the others. They needed to indeed celebrate and rejoice because Jesus wasn't dead; he was very much alive; and, he had appeared and journeyed along the road with them.
We too need to recognize the presence of the risen Christ with us on our journeys through life, whatever the name of the roads we take. How profound it is when we too break bread and know that real presence that brings joy in the midst of sadness; healing in the midst of brokenness; light in the midst of darkness; hope in the midst of despair.
Thank God for the disciples on the road to Emmaus; thank God for their story, for it is our story too.
These thoughts inspired me to write this hymn, "As they Walked Along Emmaus Road" sung to the tune Kingsfold (CMD).
As they walked along Emmaus road, full of grief and in despair,
This stranger came along with them who would help them be aware.
Jesus was dead, there was no hope, he was buried in his tomb.
But they’d find new life for there was hope even in the midst of gloom.
Imagine if they recognized the risen Christ with them.
But the time had yet to be fulfilled when they’d see the valued gem.
All the things they could have said to him, all the things his death had bought.
They really didn’t understand despite the things he’d taught.
So he opened up the Word for them, a word to set them free.
The Messiah had to suffer, into glory then he’d be.
Open up your eyes, your ears, your hearts; believe and be made whole.
Learn the story of God’s glory; let freedom fill your soul.
At the edge of town they asked him, come with us and spend the night.
Come to dinner, come and sleep well; til the morning light is bright.
So he sat with them at supper, and he took and he broke the bread,
It was then the truth revealed itself, he was risen from the dead.
To stand on holy, sacred ground, spirit fed and hearts aflame.
What a privilege to walk this road! What a faith and hope to claim!
Alleluia, Christ is raised indeed, made known in breaking bread!
Alleluia! God’s true promise; a message to be spread.
As we gather at your table, Lord, fill our hunger, quench our thirst.
May we now relive the story trusting death has been reversed.
Break the bread with us and pass the cup; through this mystery amaze.
Yes! The tomb is empty and we live. Boldly now proclaim God’s praise!
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10 Commandments hymn ... Contemporary hymn for Lent
As I reflected on the first reading in the lectionary for this Sunday (Lent 3), and on what I might preach, I realized that many people see these commandments as just rules to follow or else they will be punished by God. Instead of this, I'm exploring the idea of these commandments being a gift from God which are meant to free us just as the people of Israel were liberated from their slavery. As a gift, if we live in that freedom God has given us, following these logical guidelines for our living in relationship with God and with others, then our lives as individuals and as a whole society will be blessed.
With these intial thoughts, I set out to write the text of a hymn which is sung to the tune "Westminster Abbey".
“I Am God, Your Own True God”
Based on the 10 Commandments
Tune: LMD Westminster Abbey
I am God, your own true God; I have brought you to this place;
On a journey out of slavery, into freedom by my grace.
Promised life you will inherit, full of blessings to embrace.
I am God, your own true God; I take pleasure in this gift!
This new life beyond your slavery brings redemption free and clear.
Make your choices; build your friendships always faithful to my Word.
I am God, your own true God; in your freedom take your rest.
Now live free of lifeless idols, free of jealous envy.
Free from stealing, free from lying, free from murderous tyranny.
I am God, your own true God; now you need not be afraid.
Not condemning, not demanding, these commands bring unity.
Blessed life in God’s communion lived within community.
I am God, your own true God; ours today as yesterday.
Still we’re called to faithful living our redemption to embrace.
Still a blessing, meant for freedom, gift of God a gift of grace.
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
With these intial thoughts, I set out to write the text of a hymn which is sung to the tune "Westminster Abbey".
“I Am God, Your Own True God”
Based on the 10 Commandments
Tune: LMD Westminster Abbey
I am God, your own true God; I have brought you to this place;
On a journey out of slavery, into freedom by my grace.
Promised life you will inherit, full of blessings to embrace.
I am God, your own true God; I take pleasure in this gift!
This new life beyond your slavery brings redemption free and clear.
Make your choices; build your friendships always faithful to my Word.
I am God, your own true God; in your freedom take your rest.
Now live free of lifeless idols, free of jealous envy.
Free from stealing, free from lying, free from murderous tyranny.
I am God, your own true God; now you need not be afraid.
Not condemning, not demanding, these commands bring unity.
Blessed life in God’s communion lived within community.
I am God, your own true God; ours today as yesterday.
Still we’re called to faithful living our redemption to embrace.
Still a blessing, meant for freedom, gift of God a gift of grace.
Text: copyright, The Rev. Mark Kinghan, 2009. Not to be reproduced or redistributed in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
