St Peters RC Church Hamilton

“Bless Yahweh, my soul, Yahweh, my God, how great you are! Clothed in majesty and splendour,
wearing the light as a robe!” Psalm 104 v 1, 2

The chorus was full fine throated,
A heavenly anthem, beautiful!
6.10 am and gloriously the birds sang
To greet the dawning morning.
Did they know of this Advent season,
Special reason to be joyfully expectant?
It certainly sounded so, the glow
Of their synchronised song shattering
The darkness of night with urgency, vibrancy.
Calling one to another ‘Awake, join in
And praise, today is almost upon us!’

“One thing I ask of Yahweh, one thing I seek: to dwell in Yahweh’s house all the days of my life, to
enjoy the sweetness of Yahweh, to seek out His temple.” Psalm 27 v 4

The choir sings their heart out.
A glorious choral morning song.
Surely a serenade to amaze at what God plans
For the beauty of the earth?
A Saviour to come amongst us
Offering, bringing all hope, full peace, unbounded joy,
In the miraculous form of a baby boy.

“Oh how beautiful You are, my darling.” Song of Songs 4 v 7

All night the star light had shone
In the bright heavens, as if they too, incurred delight,
For all of God’s creation had heard the wonderful news.
As the twinkling lights of night fade away to honour day,
The morning chorus comes to life
To take up the refrain in heaven’s name :
‘Peace on earth, goodwill to men
Is coming upon us again! When?’

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the
Lord for ever.” Psalm 23 v 6

Be excitedly expectant, hopeful, joyful,
As you await the Christ Child’s arrival.
Christ will change the face of the earth
Forever and a day, come what may.

“There is no flaw in You dearest infant Child.” Song of Songs 4 v 7

Get ready to celebrate, amaze, give all honour
And gladsome praise for Christ’s birth upon earth.
The majesty of God, His reality, here amongst us!
The dawn of a new era, for mankind
To find God’s source of love
Fully dressed in human form, One like us.
Astonishing, breathtaking, life changing; be expectant!

“Your unfailing love is better to me than life itself; how I praise You. I will honour You as long as I
live, lifting up my hands to You in prayer.” Psalm 63 v 3-4

“Bless God, my soul, from the depths of my being His holy name; bless God my soul, never forget all
His acts of kindness.” * 1 ….God’s faithful love for those who fear Him is from eternity and for ever;
and His saving justice to their children’s children * 2 …Bless God, all His works, in every place where
He rules. Bless God my soul. * 3 … You fixed the earth on its foundations, for ever and ever it shall
not be shaken * 4 … the birds of the air make their nests, they sing among the leaves * 5 … How
countless are Your works, God * 6 … They all depend upon You. * 7 … send out Your breath and life
begins; You renew the face of the earth. Glory to God for ever! May God find joy in His creatures! * 8
… Bless God, my soul. * 9 …Alleluia! Give thanks to God, call on His name, proclaim His deeds to
the peoples! Sing to Him, make music for Him, recount all His wonders! Glory in His holy name, let
the hearts that seek God rejoice! Seek God and His strength, tirelessly seek His presence!
Remember the marvels He has done, His wonders. * 10… Faithful to His sacred promise … He led
out His people with rejoicing, His chosen ones with shouts of joy. * 11 … Alleluia! Give thanks to God
for He is good, His faithful love is ever lasting! Who can recount all God’s triumphs, who can fully
voice His praise? * 12 …Bearing His covenant with them in mind, He relented in His boundless and
faithful love; He ensured that they received compassion * 13 … Save us, God our God, gather us from
among the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, and may glory in praising You.
Blessed be God, from all eternity and for ever! Let all the people say, ‘Amen’. * 14 “

*1 Psalm 103 v 1
*2 v 17
*3 v 22
*4 Psalm 104 v 5
*5 v 12
*6 v 24
*7 v 27
*8 v 31
*9 v 35
* 10 Psalm 105 v 1-5
* 11 v 42-43
* 12 Psalm 106 v 1-2
* 13 v 45-46
* 14 v 47-48

Written after receiving the first Christmas Card of this year. A card which boldly states beneath the
scene of Bethlehem, bright star shining above : PEACE HOPE JOY.

1.12.04