Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Christmas Carols/Carolling (10/02/08)
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TITLE: A Christmas Lament | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kevin S. Weir
10/08/08 -
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How low one needs to lie,
In order to avoid the hail
Of gunfire passing by.
The Sons of Abraham all say
That God is on their side.
Both Jew and Muslim make the claim
That He’s their heavenly guide.
Yet, in this land called ‘Holy,’
They’ve fought two thousand years.
And still, there won’t be any peace
‘Til Christ Himself appears.
Forgive them, Lord. Forgive their sin.
Open their hearts and enter in.
Sing choirs of angels [2]
Dance and loudly sing!
The dreadful sound of orphans’ tears
Drowns the News you bring.
Into this world there came a babe,
Born to be a King.
He set aside His kingly might
His heavenly peace to bring.
And yet, we fail to see the point
Of peace come from above.
In a world that’s out of joint
We don’t know how to love.
Forgive us, Lord. Forgive our sin.
Open our hearts and enter in.
Ding dong! Merrily on high, [3]
In stores the cashpoints jingle.
Another bumper Yuletide binge
Makes vendors’ fingers tingle.
Silent night, holy night, [4]
Spoiled by noise, and garish light.
People flee when gangsters clash,
While sirens sound and blue lights flash.
Burglars burgle, killers kill,
Rapists rape, and robbers steal.
Would that they were good as I,
Who sees a beggar, and walks on by.
I’d like to help, but I’m of the few
Who rush to church to worship You!
Can it be that years ago,
Long, long before our time,
You put the plan in motion
That would set us free from crime?
“What crime is that?” I ask, aghast.
“I’m pure as driven snow.
I live a life that’s always good.
I help nice folk I know.
“How dare you call me ‘Sinner!’
What do you think I’ve done?”
“The hardness of your heart
Is an offense against My Son!”
Forgive me, Lord. Forgive my sin.
Open my heart and enter in.
Perhaps we’d hear the age-old cry,
If the noise of war would cease.
“Come unto me, you weary,
And I will give you peace.” [5]
In a world that’s been ruined by man’s will,
There’s still a hope, however dim.
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in. [6]
Around the world that song of old
Continues loud to ring:
“O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
And hear the angels sing.” [7]
“Soon,” the Lord says, “I shall come.”
“Amen,” I say, “Your will be done.” [8]
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[1] O Little Town of Bethlehem, Philips Brooks (1835–1893)
[2] O Come All Ye Faithful, Frederick Oakley
[3] Ding Dong! Merrily on High, George Ratcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
[4] Silent Night, Joseph Mohr (1792–1848)
[5] Matthew 11:28 (paraphrase)
[6] O Little Town of Bethlehem, Philips Brooks (1835–1893)
[7] It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, E. H. Sears (1810–1876)
[8] After Revelation 22:20
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I had a few problems in some cases getting the words to fit into the melodies of the familiar songs, which was a slight distraction.
I appreciate your boldness in writing this lament.