Tag: religion

Hymn for Advent: “Jesus shall reign where’er the sun” (YouTube)

“Jesus shall reign where’er the sun”
Isaac Watts (1719)

sunrise churchJesus shall reign where’er the sun does its successive journeys run, his kingdom stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more.

To him shall endless prayer be made, and endless praises crown his head. His name like sweet perfume shall rise with every morning sacrifice.

People and realms of every tongue dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim their early blessings on his name.

Let every creature rise and bring honor and glory to our King,
angels descend with songs again, and earth repeat the loud amen.

Morning Reading: Psalm Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17

Psalm Ps 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17

baby jesusO God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment.

The mountains shall yield peace for the people, and the hills justice. He shall defend the afflicted among the people, save the children of the poor.

Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain. In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.

Advent Hymn: “O little town of Bethlehem!” (YouTube)

Manger Square in Bethlehem

“O little town of Bethlehem!”
Phillips Brooks (1868)

O little town of Bethlehem! How still we see thee lie; Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth, The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God our King And peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in.

Please read this last verse written by Brooks, and make it your prayer today:

O holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us to-day. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; Oh come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel!

Amen.

Morning Reading: Isaiah 12.1-6 NLT


Third Sunday of Advent

In that day you will sing:

“I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.”

With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!

In that wonderful day you will sing:

“Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

Egypt Votes: Round One – Choose Secular or Islamist? (BBC News Re-Post)

Guess how each of these women voted?
Guess how each of these women voted?

Egyptians vote in divisive referendum on constitution – (BBC News)
People in Egypt are voting on a new constitution endorsed by the Islamist president, which has divided the country and sparked deadly unrest.

President Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood have campaigned heavily in favour of the draft document, which may define Egypt for years to come.

Opponents say it is poorly drafted and overly favours Islamists.

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The BBC’s Jon Leyne reports from Cairo that the referendum is more than a vote on obscure clauses – it is about whether Egypt should be an Islamic country or a secular one.

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The opposition National Salvation Front coalition has accused the Muslim Brotherhood of trying to rig the vote.

However, the ballot, which is staggered over Saturday and a second day of voting in a week’s time, appears to be going smoothly with indications of a high turnout.

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referendum-vote-pope-new.n
How did Coptic Pope Tawadros vote? Click on pic link for story.

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BBC correspondents at polling stations report a relaxed mood. Many people said they were voting for the restoration of stability in Egypt. Continue reading “Egypt Votes: Round One – Choose Secular or Islamist? (BBC News Re-Post)” →