The Rev. Bill LeMosy has shared with us four hymn texts that he has written, which he hopes might "fit the bill" for a request by the Rev. Dorothy Duquette for hymns that are suitable and nourishing for a progressive Presbyterian congregation.

>> For Advent:  Dreamers, Awake This Holy Day
>> For Epiphany:  The Magi Came from Far Away
>> The Lordship of Christ:  Come to the Feast
>> God of the Hurting

We have also posted previously a number of the hymn texts written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Here are a few samples:

>> You Formed Us in Your Image, Lord -- a hymn for families
>> Creator God, You Made the Earth -- celebrating the God of creation
>> A Voice Was Heard in Ramah -- for the day after Christmas

Another source for progressive, non-violent hymns
[1-24-06]

Bill LeMosy adds this suggestion:

Dreamers, Awake This Holy Day

Dreamers, awake this holy day,
Your hope comes as the dew.
A Spirit comes upon you now
To move you forth anew,
To move you forth anew.

So, face the Advent wilderness
Wherein you now are born.
The gracious One empowers you
As people of the morn,
As people of the morn.

The hungry ones shall walk with you
As sisters, brothers true.
The homeless too, the tired and lame,
Shall find God’s love in you,
Shall find God’s love in you.

Be not dismayed if you should fall,
For Christ the Lord does lead.
You still shall travel by his grace
And captives shall be freed,
And captives shall be freed.

Now, hold the dream within your soul
And with your feet do pray.
The Christ who comes now brings you home
Here in our present day,
Here in our present day.

The Magi Came from Far Away

The magi came from far away,
Somewhere east near Babylon.
A star they followed all the way,
Straight to Herod, they did come.
Where is the child king of the Jews?
We’ve seen his star arising.
King Herod quivered on his throne
Feeling threatened to the bone.

The words for "The Magi Came from Far Away" are by William B. LeMosy, Copyright (c) 2006. Permission is granted for one-time use. For further permission, please contact him at lemosy6975@msn.com .

Come to the Feast

Come to the feast, the wedding feast
Of Christ the royal Son!
Come honor him, the Lord of all;
The dancing has begun,
The dancing has begun.

Come from the streets and prisons full
Where broken ones abide;
Come bad and good alike today,
You will not be denied,
You will not be denied.

Come celebrate the graciousness
Of One who authors life,
And leave behind the pridefulness
That leads to endless strife,
That leads to endless strife.

Come give allegiance to the God
Who made you heart and soul,
And give yourself to what is done
To make creation whole,
To make creation whole.

Now, clothe yourself in righteousness,
Let justice be your home,
And leave behind the gods of power
Who make creation moan,
Who make creation moan.

The words for "Come to the Feast" are by William B. LeMosy, Copyright (c) 2006. Permission is granted for one-time use. For further permission, please contact him at lemosy6975@msn.com .

God of the Hurting

The words for "God of the Hurting" are by William B. LeMosy, Copyright (c) 2006. Permission is granted for one-time use. For further permission, please contact him at lemosy6975@msn.com .