I was thinking today, Lord,
of so many things I don't have to worry about...
- like having a warm winter coat to wear
and gloves with no holes in the fingers
and new coats, boots and mittens and hats
to outfit each of my children...
- like a house with heat that I can afford
and windows that keep out the rain and the snow
and comfy pajamas for each of my kids
and blankets to keep us all warm through the night...
- like a job that pays me a living wage
and money to cover the rent or the mortage
and a car that will make it 'til spring comes 'round
- and cash to buy presents for under the tree...
- like peace of mind not cluttered by bills
and Christmas joy not burdened with worry
and hope for a new year kinder than last
when things will be better, when all shall be well...
Such are the things I've been thinking of, Lord,
things about which I've no need to worry
- except to get busy and find some ways
I can ease my neighbors' burdens and cares...
Lord,
I've got the luxury of taking my time
in supplying whatever I need for myself
but give me a strong, swift kick in the butt
to reach out now to others' needs
for facing the winter, for Christmas peace
and for comfort and joy in the year to come...
Protect us, Lord while we're awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
Some background on tonight's song and soul cakes:
In medieval Britain, around All Souls Day, the poor would visit the homes of the wealthy begging for food and coins, promising in return to pray for the souls of the homeowner's dead relatives. The practice became known as souling. The trio of Peter, Paul and Mary helped turn this into a Christmas tune by adding a Christmas verse at the end of the song. (While PP&M use "soal" in the recording's title their sheet music for this song uses "soul." in the lyrics.)
A' Soalin' by Peter, Paul and Mary
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Hey ho, nobody home.
Meat nor drink nor money have I none
Yet shall we be merry
Hey ho, nobody home
(Meat nor drink nor money have I none)
Hey ho, nobody home.
Yet shall we be merry
Hey ho, nobody home
Hey ho, nobody home
Soul, a soul, a soul cake,
please good missus a soul cake.
An apple, a pear, a plum, a cherry,
any good thing to make us all merry,
One for Peter, two for Paul,
three for Him who made us all
God bless the master of this house,
and the mistress also
And all the little children
that round your table grow
The cattle in your stable
and the dog by your front door
And all that dwell within your gates
we wish you ten times more
Go down into the cellar
and see what you can find
If the barrels are not empty
we hope you will be kind
We hope you will be kind
with your apple and strawber'
For we'll come no more a 'soulin'
till this time next year
The streets are very dirty,
my shoes are very thin
I have a little pocket
to put a penny in
If you haven't got a penny,
a ha' penny will do
If you haven't got a ha' penny
then God bless you
Now to the Lord sing praises
all you within this place
And with true love and brotherhood
each other now embrace
This holy tide of Christmas
of beauty and of grace
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
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