The hymn below was written by Catharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel in the 1700’s. If you want to hear a 21st Century rendition of this very old hymn, watch the video at the bottom of this page. Enjoy!

[1] Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to your God to order and provide;
in ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: your best, your heav’nly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

[2] Be still, my soul: your God will undertake
to guide the future as he has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
his voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

[3] Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
and all is darkened in the vale of tears,
then shall you better know his love, his heart,
who comes to soothe your sorrow and your fears.
Be still, my soul: your Jesus can repay
from his own fullness all he takes away.

[4] Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Amen!

Curious about the tune? Click below and listen:

The Meaning of Christmas Is Hope, According to Plan

Jesus was born to an unwed mother, and although she was engaged at the time, her fiancé was not the baby’s father. Like many of us, Jesus emerged from the womb into a messy situation of human uncertainty (baby daddy, baby mama drama). But while her pregnancy wasn’t the result of longterm human intentions, it was truly the result of God’s plan. In the same way, none of us were born–and none of our children are ever born– outside of God’s planning.

Despite Mary’s surprise at learning she would give birth to Jesus, God was not surprised. Despite her fiancé Joseph’s initial lack of enthusiasm, to say the least (He was going to dump her!), God enthusiastically anticipated the birth of Christ our Messiah.

New life and new purpose is possible for all of us because of God’s gift.

Yes, Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season, just as all those bumper stickers say. And God’s great love for us is the reason for Easter. That means hope for everyone, according to plan.

It’s coming! It’s coming! Hold on! It’s coming! Amen!