New Hymns for the Lectionary
Proper 4A - Gospel
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Can We Pledge Our Lives Today?
TEXT: Mark Ryman (2004) based on Matthew 1:18-25.
TUNE: "Canterbury," by Orlando Gibbons (1623).

Mary was betrothed to man
When a mystery began.
The virgin swelled with God’s child:
Heaven’s grace and mercy mild.

This life was the Light of Life—
Yet, Mary was not God’s wife.
Kind Joseph would marry her
Though this life began to stir.

This was not what Joseph planned.
He had yet to understand.
Divorce seemed the best way out
‘Til an angel removed doubt.

She will give birth to the Son
Of the Ever Living One.
He will save you all from Hell.
Jesus is Emmanuel.

God had planted this great seed
So that one day Christ would bleed,
Saving us from hemorrhage—
ever bleeding, this soul cage.

Can we pledge our lives today
Letting God plant as He may—
Giving birth in you and me
His own Son for all to see?

The copy on this page, including the hymn and commentary, is copyrighted by Mark Ryman. © 2004.
I use CYBER HYMNAL for all of my tunes, which means you can use the tune yourself. Information on
the Revised Common Lectionary may be found at both textweek.com and Vanderbilt Divinity SChool.
You may freely use these hymn lyrics and/or commentary in whole or in part for study and/or worship
as long as you use the following citation: "©2004 Mark Ryman. More hymns at edoxy.com."

If you would, please email me, letting me know how you have used the hymn(s). That would be a blessing.
If you wish to publish this or any of my hymns, you must of course gain my permission. © Mark Ryman

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