For the list of Gospel passages used in Years A,B and C click here
Christmas 1 Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) particularly on verses 8-20
Christmas 1 Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) particularly on verses 8-20
The Outcast Shepherds (YA No 6)
The Outcast Shepherds (YA No 6)
The stories we tell that bring us great joy
The stories we tell that bring us great joy
Are legends about the birth of a boy;
Are legends about the birth of a boy;
The myst’ries surrounding that birth long ago
The myst’ries surrounding that birth long ago
Still charm and excite us; the details we know.
Still charm and excite us; the details we know.
But hidden within are seeds of unrest;
But hidden within are seeds of unrest;
For shepherds are those whom others detest;
For shepherds are those whom others detest;
They’re unclean, they’re outcasts, don’t keep Sabbath days;
They’re unclean, they’re outcasts, don’t keep Sabbath days;
Their sheep steal their fodder wherever they graze.
Their sheep steal their fodder wherever they graze.
Yet shepherds are those, those chosen to hear
Yet shepherds are those, those chosen to hear
Glad tidings of joy that bring such good cheer;
Glad tidings of joy that bring such good cheer;
Not emperors nor monarchs, not noble nor priest
Not emperors nor monarchs, not noble nor priest
Are given the news that is shared with the least.
Are given the news that is shared with the least.
The story unfolds and Jesus becomes
The story unfolds and Jesus becomes
A rabbi of note who never succumbs
A rabbi of note who never succumbs
To power abused or to systems corrupt;
To power abused or to systems corrupt;
The use of oppression he tries to disrupt.
The use of oppression he tries to disrupt.
So why at his birth are last made the first?
So why at his birth are last made the first?
His major concern were those treated worst;
His major concern were those treated worst;
He ate with, befriended the wretched and poor;
He ate with, befriended the wretched and poor;
The most disadvantaged - he loved them the more.
The most disadvantaged - he loved them the more.
So back at his birth the shepherds are there;
So back at his birth the shepherds are there;
These outcasts are first to praise and declare
These outcasts are first to praise and declare
That hope and compassion will always be found
That hope and compassion will always be found
With Jesus; we too sing his love - so profound.
With Jesus; we too sing his love - so profound.
Tune Laudate Dominum AHB 83, 144(ii) TiS 96, 215
a6.pdf Mus