A new hymn
A number of people have expressed interest in the new hymn I wrote for Christmas— where the idea came from and how long it all took to complete - and so, maybe to inspire others to have a go, this is how it came about.
When Peter Sheasby shared with me the theme for the Christmas services being around the idea of light, I set to work to find suitable material. Having hunted through hundreds of carols, I can tell you stars and angels have a great deal more to offer! I struggled to find meaningful carols on the theme as I envisaged it.
Also in my thoughts was the gloomy news from Iraq and my
dismay at more troops, this time the Black Watch, being sent on such a dangerous
assignment. This had followed hard on the heels of one of the most moving
of
Remembrance Day Services at our church when we had been joined by the commander
of the troops at Fulwood Barracks, who was
himself
due to be going out to Basra in only a few days' time. Perhaps you now begin
to see the seed bed where my ideas germinated.
If you add to all this the uneasy relationships in some areas of Britain between people of different faiths and cultures, you have the scene as I saw it in early December. The hymn was my attempt to put all this into God's hands as I could see no way to resolve the situation without His help.
And no! it did not really take long to put down most of my thoughts, although there were revisions and re-revisions! What started as my looking for a carol about light, became a very personal prayer. I am so grateful for the chance to share it and for the way it has spoken to some of you too.
Maybe it was an extra Christmas gift!
Darkness all around us, loneliness and pain
Longing for the peace when love alone will reign;
Lord in this darkness
Help us shine anew
Showing love and goodness
To the world for you.When the days seem dismal and the news is grim
May we feel your presence when our faith grows dim.
Blaze out your light
Into that darkest hour
Chase away our demons with
Your transforming power.Guide us Lord in sharing your message for this day;
Love God and our neighbour, put prejudice away.
Burdens will lighten
Lives will know your peace;
Give to God the glory,
See his ways increase.Make me Lord a beacon in a world so torn;
Shining out the good news,Jesus Christ is born,
Light of the world
Reflect your light in me
Show this troubled world
How glorious life can be.
