Christians awake (Vol 1 No 23)
The first three verses in italics may be read by a worship leader and the last three sung by the congregation.
As we approach this Christmas time of year,
Tempted to spend. It’s sure to bring good cheer!
We have been told we must give more, not less.
Peace and goodwill have given place to stress.
Driven by profit; money is the thief
Of deeper values. “Please, we need relief!”
It will be welcome when this time has passed;
Sure it will be as trying as the last.
Over indulgence and the spending spree;
Buying too much because we ‘get one free’.
Trading, when brisk, is economic good.
Consuming everything. We’re told we should!
Children are targets of this market clout;
“Don’t be so mean. Don’t let your child miss out!”
So rears again the hideous head of greed;
‘Buy now; pay later’, is the common creed.
Human fulfilment flows to young and old
From hope and love. These can’t be bought or sold.
Christians Awake! We can’t ignore the sham,
Insulting him who is the great ‘I am’.
Why prostitute his birth to foster trust
In more possessions that will turn to dust.
Where is the Christ child and the godly bliss?
Where is our Jesus found in all of this?
Christians Awake! The call is here to heed;
Stand firm against the wrongs of human greed.
Jesus, himself, threw from the temple courts
Those profiteering from their business rorts.
Now at his birth, we turn to those in need,
To those who hunger and to those who bleed.
Christians Awake! The message is Good News.
God’s constant love is here for those who choose;
Not in the presents or the fairy lights,
But in the love that helps in bleak, dark nights.
God’s love is given, full and free for all.
We come to ponder at the lowly stall.
Tune Stockport AHB 231 TiS 306
23a (1).Mus pdf