Tune: HANSON PLACE
“Did not our hearts warm within us…?” the Emmaus Road travelers said when they realized theirs had been a close encounter of the highest kind. As their hearts quivered, so may ours.
We so often talk about “heart-warming” experiences – sometimes brought on by a darling puppy or a cooing baby… or a self-giving act of kindness or sacrifice. In our Christian experience, hearts are often warmed as well – from the inside out! While prompted by some exterior stimuli, the Spirit moves within us and surfaces into broad smiles or bright-eyed wonder… maybe even tears – and at best, song!
One of these days – the sooner the better – we are going to hear a melody of world peace. I’m so tired of the warring and the in-fighting in the Middle East; I’m pretty sure you are with me in that. It will take more than an additional chorus of “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony.” But there must be a grand song of peace on the horizon. And when it rises up around us, our hearts will tremble.
The “peace on earth, goodwill to all” angelic theme is not there just to make Christmas more palpable – nor is Jesus called the Prince of Peace for no good reason. God intends us to get along and to leave peaceably with one another.
Perhaps you anticipate peace in your own home, your larger family, the town where you live, the church you attend, your workplace. While we set our sights on global concord, our hearts vibrate within us when baby-steps toward peace are achieved… and the melody of peace is a balm to our oft-injured spirit.
I know this hymn is about gathering by the river that flows by the throne of God… heaven’s tributary. But I am convinced that this heart-quivering song may be ours on this side of Glory. O that it might begin today.
A Choir Sings Aaron Copland’s Setting of This Hymn
No comments:
Post a Comment
You are welcome to comment on any of the posts. They are sent to ME directly. Thanks for any feedback you would like to make.