Let the Earth Sing

From Psalm 98

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth...

At this Christmas celebratory time, I love those psalms that speak about the earth singing and clapping hands.

All creation is singing hymns.

I love to sing and there seem to be more opportunities to sing at Christmas than at other times of year. However, I struggle with the words of many of our favorite Christmas carols.

As I mentioned in the last post, I’ve connected with hymns written by Aussie, George Stuart, who is writing new words to well-known hymn tunes. George describes his theology as progressive, a term that is being bandied around to mean something more to the left of liberal.

See what you think of the traditional words and the alternate words by George:

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed


The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head


The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay


The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes


But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes


I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.


And stay by my side until morning is nigh,

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay


Close by me forever and love me, I pray

to
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care


And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there

Alternate Lyrics:

Away in a manger, no pillow or bed,

the baby boy Jesus is born in a shed

The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay

the baby boy Jesus asleep on the hay.

While cattle stand quietly, the baby’s asleep

sought after by shepherds who leave all their sheep

And wise ones bring treasures, they’ve come from afar

to give gifts to Jesus, they followed a star.

Yes, Jesus is near me, I know he will stay

close by me forever and love me each day

He blesses all children, we know we all share

a wonderful friendship in his tender care.

Our Advent Exploration question for today is: What are your thoughts about changing or updating words of hymns?