We don’t want to remember
the real cost and cast of war, the self-sacrifice of dog-tags.
Lord, she who conceived and gave birth to Israel;
swaddled and held them, bent down to feed them.
Congregational leaders often assume that their job is to represent the various interest groups and constituencies of the church.
Remembering that leadership serves something larger may help us keep our attention on God's mission and purposes within our congregations!
Father, God of the Christ child,
born into poverty, in the filth of a manger.
Lord, there’s no question, life has been hard this fall;
and too few words spoken, too many days – just finish.
It takes little effort to see
that some are blessed,
others not.
For better or worse, now we can see ourselves,
in this family, among these brothers.
What was it like when you walked
with humans at the close of day?
Promises, promises, promises—
you are still a God long on promises;
Promises, promises, promises—
Lord, you are a God long on promises
Where did the time go?
Five years, only yesterday,
we brought her home,
tiny and defenseless.
Lord God, who created this world,
and all that is in it to be good—very good.
Who will overlook legal status,
and see them as your children,
those made in your image?