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| HYMNS OF JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN |
| by Joyce D. Sohl |
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The disciples did not want children around Jesus. Reflecting their society, they did not see children as people with rights, feelings, abilities, or needs. But Jesus did. He said, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them;” and he picked up the children and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16)
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Children are welcome, Christ said one day,
When the disciples just urged them away.
Children are welcome at Jesus’ knee;
God’s own examples for ministry.
Welcoming God, you open the Way;
Even the smallest worship and pray,
Singing with faith and serving you well,
Your life to know and good news to tell. |
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Jesus’ welcoming message about children continues today. His followers are to advocate and provide for, protect, and love the world’s children. |
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When children wake to tears instead of laughter
or find abuse when seeking arms of shelter,
give us a voice that cries out for the voiceless:
your cry of healing. |
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From “Give Us A Voice” by Mary Louise Bringle
© 2006 GIA Publications, Inc. Used with permission
www.giamusic.com |
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I stand at your table
asking to be fed,
holding up my rice bowl,
begging for your bread.
I stand at your schoolroom
longing just to learn,
hoping that you’ll teach me
ways to live and earn. |
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From “I am Standing Waiting.” Words by Shirley Erena Murray
© 1992 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188.
All rights reserved. Used by permission. To obtain permission to use or copy this hymn,
please visit www.hopepublishing.com. |
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Governments and their rulers have too often failed children. Herod became so enraged when the wise men did not tell him where the baby Jesus was that he ordered the killing of all male babies. We are told that Rachel wept for her children (Matthew 2:1-18). Mothers still weep for their children in the face of war, violence, hunger, poverty, disease, and systemic neglect. |
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In every town and city
the Herods of our day
ignore the needs of children,
so they can have their way.
Good people still stand silent,
few dare to pay the price;
and mothers still are weeping
at each new sacrifice. |
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Forgive us, Holy Jesus,
we did not see you there
among the countless children
committed to our care.
Stir us to break our silence
to give your love a voice,
till every weeping mother
has reason to rejoice. |
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“As Rachel Mourned the Children from
Come Away With Me Text by Mary Nelson Keithahn.
© 1996, 1997 Abingdon Press
(Administered by The Copyright Company, Nashville, TN)
All rights reserved. Used by permission. |
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| Download printable version: .PDF or .DOC |
