Rejoice

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Psalm 118:1-2,14-24 CLASSIC POEM: Rejoice George Macdonald “Rejoice,” said the Sun; “I will make thee gay With glory and gladness and holiday; I am dumb, O man, and I need thy voice!” But man would not rejoice. “Rejoice in thyself,” said he, “O Sun, For thy daily course is a lordly one; In thy lofty place rejoice if thou can: For me, I am only a man.” “Rejoice,” said the Wind; “I am free and strong, And will wake in thy heart an ancient song; Hear the roaring woods, my organ noise!” But man would not rejoice. “Rejoice, O Wind, in thy strength,” said he, “For thou fulfillest thy destiny; Shake the forest, the faint flowers fan; For me, I am only a man.” “Rejoice,” said the Night, “with moon and star, For the Sun and the Wind are gone afar; I am here with rest and dreaming choice!” But man would not rejoice; For he said-”What is rest to me, I pray, Whose labour leads to no gladsome day? He only can dream who has hope behind: Alas for me and my kind!” Then a voice that came not from moon or star, From the sun, or the wind that roved afar, Said, “Man, I am with thee-hear my voice!” And man said, “I rejoice.” *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Praise Angelo Geter Snippet: Today I will praise. I will praise the sun For showering its light On this darkened vessel. I will praise its shine. Praise the way it wraps My skin in ultraviolet ultimatums Demanding to be seen. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]