Creation

I snapped this photo at a friend's house today. I don't think the child who painted the picture intended it to depict the Genesis creation story, but that was what immediately came to mind for me: the greater and lesser lights to rule the day and night, swirling autumn leaves (signs of the Fall?), and an anthropomorphized apple (lower left). The dark background on the right hand side is a paint-splattered, chalkboard/easel; the contrast between that surface and the paper resembles the separation of darkness and light.

Next to Godliness

Somehow I have established the annual tradition of writing a satirical hymn text on or around the Friday after Thanksgiving. Among other things, I think the practice helps me to digest the liturgical trends and events of the past year. 2009 has been the Year of the Pig—concerns over Swine Flu (H1N1) have raised an unusual number of questions about liturgical hygiene. So here's this year's effort, with a little help from Psalm 51. The tune is Passion Chorale (7676D).

(1) Create in me a clean heart
and sanitize my hands.
Deliver me from microbes
and plagues from far-flung lands.
Put kisses, hugs, and handshakes
upon the vestry shelf;
the peace of Christ is with you—
but keep it to yourself.

(2) There once were ten commandments
but those have been replaced:
now limit human contact,
and never touch your face;
now open doors with elbows,
and cough into your sleeve.
These are the rules we live by,
the things we most believe.

(3) In Christ we are one body,
with Jesus as the head—
but kindly keep your fingers
off my communion bread.
Replace the tabernacles
with high-speed autoclaves.
Vaccines and sanitation:
by these we shall be saved.

(4) Anoint yourselves with something
that scrubs and disinfects.
Sing "holy, holy hygiene!"
from this world to the next.
This good news I remember,
this gospel I profess:
an alcohol-based cleanser
is next to godliness.

© 2009 David Gambrell.

Psalm of Thanksgiving

The superscription of Psalm 100 says: mizmor l'toda, "psalm of thanksgiving." Here's a metrical setting of Psalm 100 to the Genevan tune Old Hundredth (LM).

(1) Let all the earth resound with joy;
to you, O Lord, the world belongs.
We worship you with cheerful hearts
and come to you with grateful songs.

(2) For you, O Holy One, are God.
You made us, Lord, to have and hold.
We are your people, yours alone;
we are the sheep within your fold.

(3) We come with hymns of thanks and praise,
like pilgrims to a holy place.
With trembling lips, we bless your name;
with gratitude, we sing your grace.
 
(4) For all your goodness we rejoice;
upon your kindness we depend.
Your steadfast love, O Lord, is great;
your faithfulness will never end.

© 2009 David Gambrell.

Leaven Our Hearts

A collect for the First Sunday of Advent, Year C, based on the gospel lesson, Luke 21.25-36.

Holy God, heaven and earth may pass away
but your realm is eternal
and your promise is sure.
Leaven our hearts with hope
as our redeemer draws near.
Help us to heed the signs of the times,
so that we may be ready to stand
before Christ, our judge and savior;
in whose powerful, glorious name we pray.

Invitation to the Table

Last month I wrote a musical setting of the eucharistic prayer to the tune Forest Green (CMD). Here's an additional verse that might be used as an invitation to the table.

From north and south, from east and west,
O faithful people, come,
to share the feast that Christ prepares,
where heaven and earth are one.
Come, all who hunger, all who thirst;
with confidence, draw near,
for Jesus Christ, the bread of life
is truly present here.

© 2009 David Gambrell.

Prepare the Way

Here's a new Advent hymn, based on the lectionary texts for the Second Sunday in Advent, Year C—Malachi 3.1-4 and Luke 3.1-6. The tune I have in mind is Ellacombe (CMD); it might also work with Carol.

(1) “Prepare the way!” the prophet called;
a messenger will come
to reaffirm God’s covenant
and lead the people home.
The truth will shine like purest fire
in that awaited hour.
Come, Jesus Christ! You are the way;
renew us with your power.

(2) “Prepare the way!” cried John to all
beside the Jordan stream.
All flesh will see God’s saving work,
the prophets’ ancient dream.
The valleys and the mountaintops
will make a level place.
Come, Jesus Christ! You are the way;
restore us with your grace.

(3) Prepare the way in us, O Lord,
to greet that glorious day
when righteousness and peace will reign
and death will pass away.
The risen one will come again,
descending from above.
Come, Jesus Christ! You are the way;
redeem us with your love.

© 2009 David Gambrell.

Your Assignment

Every so often, I post a set of "creative assignments" at the PC(USA) worship and the arts website—simple suggestions for artistic response to the Revised Common Lectionary. The latest batch, covering Advent 2009 through Transfiguration 2010, is ready; hopefully they will inspire some imaginative reflections on the lectionary scriptures.