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  • Thompson, Karen Georgia
  • Living Psalm 96 – Christmas

Living Psalm 96 – Christmas

Living Psalms Book
Psalms in the form of words and art, reborn in the specific contexts of our world, privileging the voices of historically marginalized communities and those acting in solidarity with them.

Living Psalm 96: A New Song for Christmas Day
(Invite a variety of people from the congregation to pray/lead each petition)

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth. 
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

The people of God yearn for change
In the midst social ills, 
Injustices,
Broken relationships
In the life of the church and the world.
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

Declare God present among all nations.
Declare God present among all people.
Declare God vast and beyond all that we know. 
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

Declare God’s glory among the nations,
Declare God’s works among all people. 
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

Many in our world are marginalized,
Pushed to the side 
In a world where some have excess while many go without. 
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all
 
Marginalization becomes visible
In poverty, sexism, racism, classism, colorism,
Heterosexism, nationalism, religious bigotry,
And all forms of discrimination.
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

For God is great, and greatly to be praised;
She is to be revered. 
For all the people have different names for God –
Creator, Mystery, Divine.
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

God made the heavens and the earth. 
Honor and majesty are before them;
Strength and beauty are in their sanctuary.
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

The families of the earth are persecuted. 
Children are being separated from their parents. 
Yet all are made in God’s image. 
God is their strength and hope.
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

Say among the nations,
“The world is firmly established;
Yet the environment suffers assault. 
Our aquifers are raided.
Our children drink contaminated water.
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

Oil spills kill the sea creatures, polluting our sacred waters –
rivers, lakes, oceans and seas. 
God will judge the peoples with equity.”
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

Let the heavens be glad,
With a new song
That upholds equity and equality. 
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

Let the earth rejoice with new lyrics
That sing freedom for all of creation. 
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all 

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it
With a tune that celebrates human rights, dignity, respect. 
Come! Sing a new song:
We long for new lyrics, new tune, new chorus
A new song of justice and freedom: a song for all

Let the field exult, and everything in it with a new song
And then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth. 

Living Psalm 96, A New Song for Christmas Day, was written by the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson,  Associate General Minister, Global Engagement and Operations; Co-Executive of Global Ministries.

Living Psalms Book is created by UCC Witness & Worship Artists’ Group, a Network of UCC connected artists, activists and ministers bridging the worship and liturgy of the local church with witness and action in the community.  Maren Tirabassi, Editor.

Logo is detail from Living Psalm 80 by Sophia B. Recovering from significant bullying, Sophia, age nine, read Psalm 80 and thought of brokenness that needs mending. She drew this broken and mended bowl.

© Copyright 2018 Faith INFO Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH  44115-1100.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved. 

Download the DOC

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