Blest merriment: Global news

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

(based on the carol ‘God rest you merry, gentlemen’)

God make you happy, one and all,
no need to be dismayed,
For Jesus Christ the Saviour
was in a manger laid,
but born to save us from the things
which trap us when we’ve strayed.
Bringing news of real comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
Bringing news of real comfort and joy.

God make you happy, give you joy,
He is the only One
who can our lives’ confusions solve,
and so He sent His Son,
announced to shepherds in the field
salvation’s work begun;
Global news: lasting comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
Global news: lasting comfort and joy.

tune: 8686 86 and refrain eg tune of ‘God rest you merry, gentlemen’.

Light to the Bleakness

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(based on the carol, ‘In the bleak mid-winter’ by Christina Rosetti)

In the bleak mid-winter
all is cold,
troubles biting, bitter –
Love foretold
God is coming bringing light,
comfort and release
to lives cold as winter
He sent peace.

In the wintery bleakness
where is joy?
sorrow, hardness, weakness
– a baby boy,
God is coming as foretold
the miracle will be
he’ll redeem from bleakness,
set us free.

Those who’d heard with patience
wait amid
sorrows of all nations,
but God did
come as promised touching hearts,
for Christ paid,
now imparts redemption,
life and aid.

Tune: Cranham by Gustav Holst (irregular) tune of ‘In the bleak mid-winter’ by Christina Rosetti. on which this is slightly based.

Out of the overflow of the heart …

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Whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are true,
pure and just and admirable –
fill your mind to say and do
what you know would please your Saviour
– mind will influence behaviour.

Core and cause of sin and failure
is the private life of thought.
Discipline – desire direction,
not in tasteless musings caught.
Need the Holy Spirit dwelling
in us, purity instilling.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praise worthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Tune 87 87 88 (can be sung to some 87 87 77 eg Irby (tune of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’)

Emmanuel (= God with us)

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O come, O come, Emmanuel,
all people need good news – Noël*
to give life purpose, future clear ,
and know his grace and comfort near.
Rejoice, Emmanuel has come
– the Light to shine for everyone.

O come, Emmanuel to free
from Satan’s lies and tyranny
with power to save and truth to teach
our guilt and fears your grace can reach.
Rejoice, Emmanuel …

Israel was taught to wait, prepare
– their God would come, their nature share
as man to teach, in mercy serve –
bearing the judgement we deserve.
Rejoice, Emmanuel …

All nations would be called to Him
the wonderful and glorious King,
to bow, receive abundant life
support while in this world of strife.
Rejoice, Emmanuel …

  • Noël = Good News
    Tune: LM+refrain, eg ‘Veni Emmanuel’ tune of the old carol, ‘O come, O come, Emmanuel’’ on which this is slightly based.

The Secret of Contentment

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

Greed attacking gratitude,
discontent with what’s received;
whingeing, wanting something else –
Satan many has deceived.

Want to ‘get’ more than to give –
what’s the greatest thing to own?
not possessions physical –
Jesus Christ’s salvation known.

If we sometimes have abundance,
still temptation to want more.
When in straitened circumstances,
all you’re needing trust God for.

If we do, we learn his goodness,
taste, experience faithfulness
of our Father, freed from lusting,
and enjoy supplies of grace.

Tune: 87 87

Personal, Church, and Society

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‘We long for you and loving grace,
each morning need your strength to face
the day that lies ahead whatever
may come our way, we would endeavour
to walk with you our Help and Guide
indwelling, and there at our side,
and when encountering distress
please save us in our helplessness.

‘Oh, fill your church with righteousness,
repentance for its waywardness,
give wisdom, valuing your Word
to bow in awe before you, Lord.
What treasure ours when you we own,
but in our times so few have known
this sure foundation that they need’ –
available, his presence heed.

Tune DLM

“Oh, LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. … he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:2, 5b, 6

Captured for Freedom!

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I’m bound to my Lord, so now I am free! –
I’m free of the hold, the old misery
of gripping temptations, sin’s harsh slavery:
a servant of Jesus has real liberty!

I’m free to delight in flowers and song,
enjoying Christ’s love, to whom I belong,
and free of frustration, greed, jealousy gone:
this pleasurable service in him has begun!

I’d thought myself free to live as I please
with no obvious crimes I’d enjoy life of ease,
but then I felt aimless, and empty, no peace –
I didn’t feel happy, and longed for release.

We’re all needing boundaries – just like a child,
and peace with the Father, to him reconciled,
and that brings empowerment to quit what’s defiled,
and in all life’s troubles, he’ll walk by my side!

Tune: 10 10 11 11 eg Houghton

Ignoring God when life is easy

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It is so easy not to bother
when life is pleasant, easy.
not give a thought at all to wonder
‘Is there a God who sees me?’

But when a tragedy comes sweeping
with death and suffering, crying,
why do so many turn to blaming
the God they’d been denying?

If he’s omnipotent and sovereign,
all this he is allowing,
but love divine that’s strong, supporting
those trusting him are knowing.

So in such difficulties, maybe
some rouse to seek him, waking
to turn from negligence and folly,
their mutiny forsaking.

Tune: 97 97

God’s Only Restorative

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No solution to our problems
if God’s answer we despise,
try to modify his message
with inventions vain and lies.
He sent Jesus, holy Saviour
dying for us on the cross
so we may not face the judgment;
if we shun him, huge our loss.

It’s no service to our neighbours
if we preach philosophies
that don’t tell of Jesus dying
on a cross there to appease
righteous judgment on our failures,
bear the consequences full
so that we may know forgiveness:
urgent message meant for all!

1 Corinthians 1:22-24

Tune: 87 87 D

Out of the overflow of the heart …

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

Whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are true,
pure and just and admirable –
fill your mind to say and do
what you know would please your Saviour
– mind will influence behaviour.

Core and cause of sin and failure
is the private life of thought.
Discipline – desire direction,
not in tasteless musings caught.
Need the Holy Spirit dwelling
in us, purity instilling.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praise worthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Tune 87 87 88 (can be sung to some 87 87 77 eg Irby (tune of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’)