Be Still Blessed Babe

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Matt. 2:13-23 CLASSIC POEM: Lulla, Lullaby My Sweet Little Baby William Byrd My sweet little Baby, what meanest Thou to cry? Be still, my blessed Babe, though cause Thou hast to mourn, Whose blood most innocent to shed the cruel king has sworn; And lo, alas! behold what slaughter he doth make, Shedding the blood of infants all, sweet Saviour, for Thy sake. A King, a King is born, they say, which King this king would kill. O woe and woeful heavy day when wretches have their will! Lulla, la-lulla, lulla, lullaby. Three kings this King of kings to see are come from far, To each unknown, with offerings great, by guilding of a star; And shepherds heard the song which angels bright did sing. Giving all glory unto God for coming of this King, Which must be made away — King Herod would Him kill. O woe and woeful heavy day when wretches have their will! Lulla, la-lulla, lulla, lullaby. Lo, lo, my little Babe, be still, lament no more: From fury Thou shalt step aside, help have we still instore; We heavenly warning have some other soil to seek; From death must fly the Lord of life, as lamb both mild and meek; Thus must my Babe obey the king that would Him kill. O woe and woeful heavy day when wretches have their will! Lulla, la-lulla, lulla, lullaby. But thou shalt live and reign, as sibyls hath foresaid, As all the prophets prophesy, whose mother, yet a maid And perfect virgin pure, with her breasts shall upbread Both God and man that all hath made, the Son of heavenly seed, Whom caitiffs none can ‘tray, whom tyrants none can kill. O woe and woeful heavy day when wretches have their will! Lulla, la-lulla, lulla, lullaby. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: The United States Welcomes You Tracy K. Smith a poem about the immigrant / refugee experience Found in Wade in the Water SNIPPET: Why are you afraid? And why do you invade Our night, hands raised, eyes wide, mute As ghosts? Is there something you wish to confess? … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]