Notes on the Notes – Monday, December 23, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Longest Night

Blue Christmas Service

Tonight’s music:

“Just as I Am” (VU #508)

“Just as I am, without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

 Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in thee I find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

 Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”

This hymn resonates as we come before God in all of our imperfections, trusting in God’s love and ability to once again give us a “clean heart.”  We are welcome as we are, with our struggles and stress, our grief, and our need to just “take a breath” during this busy holiday season. 

Hear the hymn by The Vagle Brothers at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lxqhPC1mNA

Hear Alan Jackson sing the hymn at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAnSmJecnEk

“Come and Fill Our Hearts” (MV #16)

“Come and fill our hearts with your peace.
You alone, O Lord, are holy.
Come and fill our hearts with your peace,
Alleluia.”

This song of centering and healing prayer comes from the Taize Community, with music by Jacques Berthier (1982).

Hear the song at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1QPhDiiIbE

“God in the Darkness” (MV #17)

“God in the darkness,
God beyond our knowing,
Patient creator,
See in secret growing,
Rock of the living,
Water ever glowing,
Come and renew us.

God in the darkness,
God in all our grieving,
Friend of our tears,
Companion never leaving,
Drawing us past the limits of believing,
Come and renew us.

God in the darkness,
God of holy dreaming,
Giver of hope,
And pledge of our redeeming,
Spirit of truth,
Our memory and meaning,
Come and renew us.”

The words for this hymn remind us of the ever-present nature of God and are also a prayer for renewal and healing. The hymn was written by Elizabeth J. Smith in 1998.

“I am Walking a Path of Peace” (MV #221)

“I am walking a path of peace,
I am walking a path of peace,
I am walking a path of peace,
Lead me home,
Lead me home.

This simple refrain was written by Janet Bauman Tissandier. Additional verses use the phrases “of grace,” “of hope” and “of love.”