Be Not Afraid

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This resource relating to Zephaniah 3:14-20 provides a poem by John Henry Newman (1801-1890) highlighting a message of reassurance and a poem and song by U2 exploring themes of spiritual doubt and searching for meaning.
Paid Resource: 
N
Lectionary: 
Revised Common Lectionary
Source: 
Englewood Review
Related to Children or Youth: 
N
Audio/Video: 
Y
Full Text: 
*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 CLASSIC POEM: “It Is I: Be Not Afraid” John Henry Newman WHEN I sink down in gloom or fear, Hope blighted or delayed, Thy whisper, Lord, my heart shall cheer, “’Tis I: be not afraid!” Or, startled at some sudden blow, If fretful thoughts I feel, “Fear not, it is but I!” shall flow, As balm my wound to heal. Nor will I quit Thy way, though foes Some onward pass defend; From each rough voice the watchword goes, “Be not afraid!… a friend!” And O! when judgment’s trumpet clear Awakes me from the grave, Still in its echo may I hear, “’Tis Christ! He comes to save.” *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: A Sort of Homecoming U2 SNIPPET: And you know it’s time to go Through the sleet and driving snow Across the fields of mourning to a light that’s in the distance. And you hunger for the time Time to heal, ‘desire’ time And your earth moves beneath your own dream landscape. … [ READ THE FULL SONG ]
Author: 
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
John Henry Newman
role: 
Primary Author
Author: 
U2
Content Type: 
Key Scriptures: 
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Mentioned Scriptures: 
Matthew 14:27
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RCL Lectionary Week: 
Year C Third Sunday of Advent
Date: 
Monday, December 9, 2024