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.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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.
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