We sang a new hymn on Sunday, "We Are Called."  Singing a new hymn can be a bit nerve wracking for a pastor.  There are usually folks who "don't like it," purely because it's new, and aren't afraid to say so!  But, often it's worth the risk, because many of the new hymns are really good, have lots to say, and aren't all that difficult if given half a chance.  "We Are Called" is a wonderful hymn, and from looking at the accompanying info, isn't really "new," just "new to us."

 

This hymn is especially meaningful during the season of Epiphany because it is a reminder that we are to "live in the Light."  We are called and chosen as children of God, so have an option as to how we live; we can live an "alternative lifestyle" to what the world has to offer.  On Sunday we read the gospel about Jesus' call to the first four disciples and how they "dropped everything" to follow Him.  Amazing isn't it, that four men who were out making a living, caring for their families, fulfilling their responsibilities, just "dropped everything" and followed Jesus?  Were they totally insane, or is seeing Jesus just that compelling?? 

 

In thinking about how the world operates and the opportunities we know and have to live differently as "children of God," maybe there is a way to live in this world and yet not be so wrapped up in it that we miss the very point of life itself!  Read and spend some time in thought and prayer about the words of this hymn and see if it doesn't make a difference in the way you think and the way you live.

 

    Come! Live in the light!  Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord!  We are called to be light for the kingdom, to live in the freedom of the city of God.  We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly; we are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.

 

Come!  Open your heart!  Show your mercy to all those in fear! We are called to be hope for the hopeless so hatred and blindness will be no more.  We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly; we are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.

 

Sing! Sing a new song!  Sing of that great day when all will be one!  God will reign, and we'll walk with each other as sisters and brothers..united in love.  We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly; we are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God.

 

What a call!!

 

Peace,

 

 Pastor Carol