Here’s a new contemporary hymn based on Mary’s song in Luke 1: 46-55 (the Magnificat), and reflecting current events. It was written by Andrew Pratt on November 19, 2011.
Bankers, politicians and the Magnificat
(inspired by Luke 1: 46-55)
Upturned world, the bankers humbled,
politicians brought to book,
children show new ways of living,
heads will spin and turn to look.
Mary sang, exultant virgin,
birth would change her life and ours,
generations watch with wonder,
shaken like wealth’s shining towers.
Love incarnate’s gentle thunder
wakes the earth to truth and light,
hypocrites meet naked justice,
find no place in fear for flight.
Mary sings, when will we hear her:
revolution born of love,
heralding new dispensation,
cage the hawk and free the dove?
When the prison gates are broken,
when the poor can feast and dine,
then Magnificat is bringing
age of justice and new wine.
Wine of joy and celebration,
end of hunger, God is near,
time of endless new beginnings,
birth of Jesus, end of fear.
— Copyright © Andrew Pratt 19/11/2011, and posted on his blog Hymns and Books. Pratt writes, “Hymns posted on this blog may be used freely locally with acknowledgement. To publish for profit, please contact the author.”
Tune ideas: HYFRYDOL (“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”)
For more worship resources for the fourth Sunday of Advent (December 18, 2011), click on Advent 4 B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page, or visit this index of Advent Worship Resources.
