"We must obey God rather than men.”

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Thursday of the Second Week of Easter | USCCB

In our first readings from the Acts of the Apostles, we hear of the ongoing persecution of the apostles as they continue to proclaim that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. They faced imprisonment and harassment for proclaiming the Risen Lord.

The apostles persisted in preaching the Risen Lord and so serve as an example of how we are to live out our faith in Jesus Christ. When challenged by the religious leaders (who could not bring themselves to mention Jesus' name), Peter famously says, "We must obey God rather than any human authority" (Acts 5:29). There will always be people in our families and friends that may say to us, “…to stop teaching in that name.” People simply don’t want to hear about Jesus and the fact that he is Lord and Messiah. But we must be persistent in our sharing our faith in Jesus Christ. It doesn’t need to be as dramatic as with the apostles where we may be arrested and thrown in jail. Or we may not be called to stand on the street corner with bible in hand preaching Jesus. But we are called to live out our lives in a way that people will know that we are followers of Jesus Christ. We are called to preach Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbor. Like the apostles, we are to be counter-cultural in living out our Christian Faith, which is contrary to how society sees things.

Frequent attendance at Daily and Sunday mass, regular time for daily prayer and treating people with love and respect is how we are to preach Jesus Christ to a world that may reject who the Lord is. But, like the apostles we are to be persistent in our faith in the Risen Lord. We are to place God first in all our actions.

The Lord has Risen, indeed he has Risen from the Dead.

GOD OF THE OPEN ARMS

Savior, King, Messiah, LORD, 

JESUS, our Emmanuel

So many names, such mystery!

But on this Christmas morn I see 

Another name You are to me

And have been throughout history:

You're the GOD of the open arms.

 

Since Eden You've extended grace

So we could turn and seek Your face.

Your people failed and turned away,

But when they turned to You and prayed,

If only with a fleeting glance, 
You'd offer them a second chance:

You're the GOD of the open arms.

 

At last You came at Bethlehem

To Mary, shepherds and Wise Men.

Your tiny arms were open wide

To welcome all who came inside 

The stable, then the house.

God Incarnate, in Your flesh we see

What You've been from eternity:

The GOD of the open arms.

 

You grew, and then as a grown man

You proved that all could come to You

With burdens, sorrows, sin and pain

And in You we'd be born again.

You taught us the unchanging love

Comes from the Father up above,

For prodigal returning home

Find the GOD of the open arms.

 

Then one dark day at Calvary

Your loving arms stretched open wide

Were nailed upon the Cross to be

Embracing all humanity.

You died to save the world from sin

For anyone who'll let You in.

Your death to be the seal to prove

You're the GOD of the open arms.

 

And when You rose from death You came

To frightened friends who saw Your face,

And once again felt Your embrace

As the GOD of the open arms.

 

And still Your arms are open wide

To welcome all to come inside.

You touch us in Your Word and prayer

And Sacrament abiding there.

 

Someday I trust I'll see Your face

And run into Your warm embrace,

When I am finally HOME to dwell

With my GOD of the open arms.

 

(c) Copyright 2014 by Arlene B. Müller (Arlene Clare Müller, OSF).

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Daily Bible Reading - April 8, 2026 | USCCB

In our gospel for today we read of another Resurrection encounter with Jesus.  This story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus has always been one of my favorite stories of an encounter with the Risen Jesus. 

These two disciples, grieving over the death of Jesus, have no idea that he rose from the dead. They seemed to have forgotten the times before Good Friday when the Lord predicted his death and resurrection. Then a beautiful thing happens on the Road to Emmaus: Jesus joins them and enters into conversation with them and starts explaining scripture to them about all that was predicted about His Death and Resurrection. Wanting to hear more, as they approached where they were staying in the village, something wonderful happens: Jesus blesses the bread, breaks it, and gives it to them. It was then that their eyes were opened. Then Jesus vanishes. They were so overjoyed that they had to return to Jerusalem to share the good news with the other disciples, who in turn had their own resurrection story.

This gospel story of the Apostles on the Road to Emmaus reminds me of what we encounter each time we go to Mass. First, we hear scripture readings, then the priest or deacon attempts to explain the meaning of the Scripture, then we move on to the Eucharist, the Breaking of Bread. We, like these men on the Road to Emmaus, encounter Jesus each time we attend Mass, both through Scripture and through the Eucharist. We are called, like these disciples, to go and bring the Good News of the Risen Jesus to all those in our lives. 

As we live out our lives as Christians, let us always be open to share with others the Good News that Jesus took our sins to the Cross, died for us and rose glorious on Easter Sunday. Let us always say, like the apostles, “The Lord has truly been raised..." (Luke 24:34)

Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord."

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Daily Bible Reading - April 7, 2026 | USCCB

On this Tuesday in the Octave of Easter, we hear in the Gospel of John Mary Magdalene's encounter with the Risen Jesus at the Tomb. She's there in front of the empty tomb, crying and weeping due to the death of Jesus on Good Friday. Then she has a vision of angels telling her that the Lord has been raised from the dead. At first, she finds it hard to believe. Then Jesus approaches her. At first, she doesn't recognize him. She only comes to recognize him when he calls her by name. After her encounter with Jesus, he instructs her to share the Good News of His Resurrection with the disciples!!

Overjoyed, she runs to the disciples to bring the Good News of the Risen Lord. We, like Mary, are each called by name by Jesus to bring the Good News of the Risen Jesus to those in our lives. We experience the Risen Jesus each time we receive Him in Holy Communion at Mass and each time we study scripture and meet him in our daily prayer routine. 

During this time of Easter, let us not be afraid to share the Good News of the Risen Jesus with all those in our lives. Say to them, “I have seen the Lord,” and share with them the Love that Jesus has for each one of us. 

They paid him thirty pieces of silver…

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Wednesday of Holy Week | USCCB

Every year the Wednesday of Holy Week is known as Spy Wednesday. It’s the day when we hear of Judas meeting with the Jewish leaders to turn Jesus over for the cost of 30 pieces of silver.

I often wonder what made Judas betray Jesus to those in authority. He was one of the 12 apostles and spent three years with Jesus hearing him preach and seeing him heal people and bring them back into relationship with God. Couldn’t he see that Jesus was indeed the Messiah? Why was he disappointed with Jesus?

We know that Jesus was destined to die for our sins on the cross. As a result, Judas had his part in having that come about. We do hear in today’s gospel Jesus saying, “Woe to the man would betray me.” (Matthew 26:24) Judas did regret betraying Jesus and attempted to return the 30 pieces of silver. The scribes and pharisees refused to accept the money back, and unfortunately Judas would go off and commit suicide.

Had Judas not committed suicide, when Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, he, like Peter would have received forgiveness.

As we meditate upon Judas’ part in the betrayal of Jesus, let us remember that we, too, betray Jesus every time we sin. But, fortunately for us, the Risen Lord is waiting for us to turn to him in the sacrament of confession to forgive us.

In confession the Lord is asking us, like he asked Peter, “Do you love me?” We respond, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Please forgive me.” Jesus then forgives our sins.

As we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday, let us turn to the Lord with love in our hearts and know that he is always waiting for us to bring us forgiveness and salvation.

Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.”

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032626.cfm 

In our gospel for today we see another confrontation between Jesus and the Jews. Jesus was teaching that he is indeed the Messiah and God and to believe in him mean that you have eternal life.

The Jews had a problem accepting the fact that Jesus was both God and Man. They only saw the fact that he was man and considered him possessed for teaching that he is God and as a result were ready to stone him to death.

During this time of Lent as we journey towards Holy Week and Easter Sunday, we can ask ourselves what is our attitude towards Jesus? Is our faith strong in believing that he is the Messiah and our Lord and Savior? Or do we sometimes have doubts as to who Jesus really is in our lives.

There could be many reasons why we would doubt Jesus and his divinity. We daily face issues that we feel frustrated over and may not feel his presence in our day-to-day existence. In our own confusion and pain, it can be hard to hear, hard to see God with us. What might you be clinging to so tightly that you’re not seeing? What’s getting in the way of receiving Jesus?

During the remainder of Lent and during Holy Week, turn to Jesus and pray for help in our issues and pain. Ask the Lord for an increase your faith. Pray: “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” Amen.

"By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons."

 

Scripture for this reflection can be found at  Thursday of the Third Week of Lent | USCCB

In our gospel for today, we see how people had a problem with who Jesus was and what he was doing regarding the healings he was performing. They assumed it was through the Evil One that the Lord was doing these healings. They had trouble accepting the fact that he was the Messiah they have been waiting for and had power over good and evil. Because he is both fully God and fully man, he had this power to heal people and to expel demons. Yet the people were blinded to this truth and rejected him. Jesus rightly points out, “…if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?”

What is our attitude towards Jesus? Do we accept him as Messiah and God? Or do we have our doubts about who he and what he can do in our lives. In today’s gospel and throughout all the gospels we can see and come to know that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. We just need to put our trust in him and know that he will be there for us in all our needs. Our needs may not be as dramatic as in today’s gospel where Jesus is expelling a demon, but Jesus is there for us in all our problems, whether emotional or physical. We just need to turn to him and ask him for his help and healing in whatever we are facing, whether for ourselves or for our families or friends.

In our first reading we hear Jerimiah give us this message from God: “Listen to myvoice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the waysthat I command you, so that you may prosper.” Let us always have God in the center of who we are so that we can receive the emotional or physical healing we need. God will always answer our prayers in a way that we need. We my not get the answer we expect but we will always get the answer or healing God feels we need. We just need to be open to God’s voice in every aspect of our lives.

Praise be Jesus Christ now and forever.

 

She came and fell at his feet.

 

Scripture for this reflection can be found at Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

In today’s gospel Jesus originally just wanted to be there unnoticed, but as soon as people heard he was there, it was hard for Jesus to be left alone. The gospel goes on to tell us of Jesus paying attention to a non-Jewish woman who needed her daughter to be healed of the demons that were plaguing her. As we hear, he was reluctant at first to respond to the woman.

Jesus saying to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs” sounds harsh to my ears. At this point, Jesus had been mainly ministering to people who were of Jewish background. But what I think was happening here was that Jesus was starting to reach beyond the Jewish circles and reaching out to the Gentiles to bring his teachings of faith in God and the fact that He’s the savior not only of the chosen people, but for everyone. Once she responds that “even dogs get the scraps from the children’s table,” Jesus sees her faith and grants her request. Central to all of Jesus’s healings in the gospels is faith in Him and His power to cure. He saw in this non-Jewish woman faith in His power to cure her daughter and He granted her request.

This woman is also an example for all of us who may have children that may need our prayers. This woman’s daughter is seriously sick with a demon, and Jesus heals her. We may not have children or relatives as sick as this child, but they may be away from the practice of the faith and still need our prayers for healing and to return to the church. This woman serves as an example of what we should be doing for those people we love: our prayers for them.

During this upcoming season of Lent, let us encourage all those in our lives to return to church on Ash Wednesday, or anytime throughout Lent, to receive the healing that is waiting for them in the sacrament of confession and of Holy Communion. Our prayers and encouragement for those away from Church can be all they need to come back into relationship with God through his Holy Church.

Beatitudes or Be Attitude

 

Scripture reading for today's reflection is from Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

In our gospel for today, we hear the familiar Beatitudes. We are all familiar with these teachings of Jesus. We’ve heard the beatitudes numerous times throughout our lives, so much so they have become like second nature. But the question is: do we really pay attention to what the Lord is trying to teach us in them?

In these teachings from the Lord, he is teaching us what our attitudes in life should be, in other words: “Be-attitudes.” The Lord is calling us to a life of humility. He’s calling us to be more faithful to our calling as His followers. It’s a way of life that will bring us closer to God.

The Lord starts off by saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus is inviting us to humility. In other words, we are to think less of ourselves and more of God and of others in our lives. We are to focus on the command of “Love of God and love of neighbor.” By focusing on serving God and that of others will lead us to the rewards of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” We all come across those in our lives that are struggling due to various issues or problems. We are called to bring comfort to these people by being available to them, whether by listening or by just being present and showing compassion to them in their time of need. Sometimes we don’t need to say anything to those who are suffering, we just need to be “good listeners” to those who needs someone who is dealing with a problem.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” is another teaching that our Lord expects us to follow. If there’s any dispute or problem within our family or among our friends, we are called to bring the peace of God into whatever way we can. Bringing the love of God into any dispute or problem can help solve the issue.  

Finally, our Lord reminds us that being his followers is not easy. He says, “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” As we live out our lives as followers of Jesus Christ, let us always remain focused on doing what is right according to the Lord and His teachings. People may not understand where we are coming from and attack us for it. Our focus should always be on doing the Will of God. Pleasing God is more important than worrying about what other people may think of us.

Let us rejoice that we are followers of Jesus Christ and pray for those in our lives that may be away from the Lord for whatever reason. Our reward, then, will be great in heaven.

Truth and Consequences

We have a contributor today from Arlene Muller, lector & Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at St. Pancras Parish, Singer in St. Margaret's Choir, Professed Secular Franciscan at St. Adalbert's Secular Franciscan fraternity, itinerant speech/language Therapist with Preschool Children with Delayed Language Development. Arlene likes to write spiritual reflections in words and song to promote the gospel & the gospel of life. Her song "Anthem of Praise" is song by the Adult & Youth Choirs at St. Margaret's Church. 

Arlene is responding to the article in Give Us This Day. The link is as follows: Truth and Consequences - Give Us This Day

My understanding of this account of David being pardoned by GOD for his adultery with Bathsheba, his deception/"cover up", and his murder of her husband, Uriah is twofold: 

1. GOD forgives, cleanses the soul from sin & restores the relationship & fellowship between the sinner (in this case, David), & erases the eternal consequences of the grave sin, so that the sinner (in this case, David) will not spend eternity in hell & will have the hope of heaven. 
2. 
   
3. At the same time, actions have consequences & there are still temporal consequences.  One of the most important life lessons to be learned in life, as early as possible, is that all our actions have consequences, and when we choose an action, whether good, bad, or somewhere in between, we choose the consequences of that action.  That is why our parents & other authorities in our lives discipline us.  GOD is our perfect parent.  In the book of Hebrews the writer addresses the issue of GOD’S discipline: the proof that we are GOD’S legitimate children is that we are subject to GOD’S discipline to perfect us.

The Kingdom of God

 

Scripture readings for this reflection can be found Friday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time | USCCB

In our gospel for today the Lord is comparing the Kingdom of God to that of seeds being scattered and growing day by day. The farmer is unaware of how this will happen. He would do his part to nurture the seed by watering and cultivating the ground and allowing the sun to do its part in order for the seeds to grow into full plants, rising towards the sun. The Lord also mentions the mustard seed going from the smallest seeds to the largest of plants.

The seeds mentioned in today’s gospel is comparable to that of our faith in God. The seed was planted at our baptism, whether we were baptized as children or as adults, the seed was planted in us when the water was poured over us and the words of baptism was said by the priest or deacon. Our faith at the time of baptism is small and needs nurturing for it to grow. It is through those around us that our faith is watered and we can grow in relationship with the Lord. As we grow and mature in our faith, we need to take an active part in cultivating it by the regular study of scripture and the precepts of the church. It is through regular study that we can come to a better understanding of who the Lord is in our life and our relationship with Him.  

Further, the regular use of the sacraments, such as receiving Holy Communion often, or going to confession on a regular basis can keep our faith alive and growing. This will be pleasing to God. This is how the Kingdom of God will grow within us and we can get closer to the Lord Jesus.

Further, our own lives can be “seeds” for other people in their faith journey to the Lord. By sharing our faith with others, or by simply praying for them, it will help the kingdom of God grow in them.

Let us continue to grow in our faith by turning to God daily to lead us closer to him. Let us always be open to how God is talking to us through scripture and with His Sacraments. It will be then that we can grow in a way pleasing to God.

“You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb” Psalm 139:13

 

“You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb” Psalm 139:13

On this date, January 22^nd, we remember the tragic Supreme Court Decision from 1973, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion throughout the United States. Because of this ruling, countless number of children have been killed through abortion.  Since that day the church has called each diocese in the United States to observe “a day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through the act of abortion.”

The church clearly teaches that abortion is evil and, as Catholics, we are to reject it and are to protect human life from conception to natural death. The Catholic Church clearly teaches the following:

 

• Life Begins at Conception: The Church believes a human being exists from conception, possessing inherent dignity and rights, including the fundamental right to life

.

• Grave Moral Evil: Direct abortion, defined as intentionally ending a pregnancy, is considered a serious violation of God's law, contrary to the commandment "You shall not kill".
• Unchangeable Doctrine: The Catechism states this teaching has been consistent since the first century and remains unchangeable. 

With that in mind, we are all called to help defend innocent children from being killed by abortion, while at the same time showing compassion towards women who may feel trapped in a situation that they have unfortunately found themselves in. We are never to condemn a woman who may have chosen to have an abortion, but rather we are called to show her God’s compassion and forgiveness.

To help prevent abortions, we can start supporting such groups that not only seek to protect the child in the womb, but to offer help to woman in crises pregnancies. One such group is the Sisters of Life, founded by Cardinal O’Connor in 1991.

From their website we read, “Entrusting ourselves completely to the Lord of Life, we commit our lives to the protection of human life and to the promotion of new life in Christ, acknowledging the goodness of every person, and sharing the gift of God’s abundant mercy with all those we meet.” The Sisters of Life offer to women in crisis pregnancy help and protection during their difficult situation, protecting not only the baby, but helping the mother through whatever difficulties they are facing because of their pregnancy. They also offer retreats for those who may have had an abortion but are seeking God’s love, forgiveness and healing. Having an abortion can be very traumatic for the woman who had one done. The Sisters of Life offer healing and God’s forgiveness.

As we pray for an end to abortion, let us pray also for all those who may be in a situation where they feel they have no other choice but to get an abortion. And let us pray for those who may have had an abortion and are looking for healing and forgiveness from God.

If you wish, you can make me clean

 

Scripture readings for today's reflection can be found at Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

In our gospel for today we hear of one of many healings of someone with leprosy. This person had a great deal of courage in approaching our Lord to be healed. Back during the time of the Lord, lepers were to separate themselves from society in order for others not to catch their disease. Anyone touching a leper would be considered unclean and have to separate themselves from society as well. So, being a leper was a lonely life away from family and friends. This leper was desperate to get some relief and be healed. He heard of all the stories of Jesus’ healing power and went to the Lord, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”

Then Jesus’, amazingly, touches the leper to heal him. The Lord could just spoken the words of healing. He could have just gave the command, “Be healed” and the leper would have been healed. But Jesus saw the need to touch the leper. He knew the leper was desperate for a human touch. So, the Lord reached out, touched him, and healed him.

Overjoyed, the leper, instead of going to the priests to prove he was healed, went and started sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. He was so overjoyed to be part of society and to be healed thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ.

In our own lives the Lord has answered many of our prayers, maybe not as dramatically as being cured from some horrible disease like leprosy. But the Lord is always present in our lives, answering our prayers in many smaller ways. As a result, we too are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Jeus is available for all of us, and we are called to share the good news that Jesus is Lord and Savior.

Further, if we are going through any sort of problem or issue that causes us worry, or if we have a health issue, like the man in the gospel, turn to Jesus in prayer and ask Jesus to enter into the situation to heal us of the worry or health issue we are facing. Jesus, in is own way, will answer your prayer in a way that’s best for you and your situation. Jesus will always answer our prayer and be present to us in all our needs.

Lord Jesus, please grant us the healing that we need so that we can proclaim to others that you are Lord and Messiah.

Whoever loves God must also love his brother

 

Scripture for this reflection can be found at  Thursday after Epiphany | USCCB

In our first reading from the first Letter of Saint John we hear the challenging words of love. Central to all of John’s writings is that we not only believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and keep his commandments, but John is teaching what the Lord Jesus Christ had taught throughout His ministry on earth: “Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” John makes it very clear when he says, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1John 4:20).  These are strong words. We all can say that we love God, but when it comes to loving our neighbor and doing good for them, that’s when things start getting tough and challenging.

The challenge is to try to live out this gospel of love in our day-to-day life. We will always encounter people, whether in our families or those we meet during the day, that we just simply do not like, no less love. Our own families could be the most challenging since they know us so well. They could be those family members that may be away from the regular practice of the faith and just get angry at us for being faithful to God and His commandments. It is in these situations that God is calling us to return that hatred and anger towards us with that of love that John speaks about. As the old saying goes, LOVE CONQUORS ALL.

In our gospel for today from St. Luke, we hear of Jesus returning to Nazareth and going to the synagogue. He then reads from the prophet Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.” The people were amazed when he says that this scripture is fulfilled in their hearing. Here’s this man who they knew from childhood proclaiming to be the fulfillment of this prophecy from Isaiah. The gospel goes on to say that they were amazed at the words that came from Jesus. As we know, eventually they have a problem accepting Him as the long-awaited Messiah and proceed to have him crucified.

Our scripture readings for today are teaching us two things: to always love God and neighbor with our whole being, and we are to accept Jesus Christ as our savior and keep his commandments in our daily lives. Jesus is always to be at the center of how we live our lives.

As we live out our faith daily, let us pray not only for ourselves that we may remain faithful to our love of God and his commandments, but let us pray for those people who reject God for whatever reason that they may come into relationship with God and to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise be Jesus Christ, now and forever!

"COME TO THE MANGER"

 

We have a contributor today from Arlene Muller, lector & Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at St. Pancras Parish, Singer in St. Margaret's Choir, Professed Secular Franciscan at St. Adalbert's Secular Franciscan fraternity, itinerant speech/language Therapist with Preschool Children with Delayed Language Development. Arlene likes to write spiritual reflections in words and song to promote the gospel & the gospel of life. Her song "Anthem of Praise" is song by the Adult & Youth Choirs at St. Margaret's Church. 

From Arlene: The following is a CHRISTMAS SONG I am working on.  These are the words.  The melody is in my head & I can sing it (unfortunately the video of myself singing it a capella that I made is too large for me to share), but I would need help in transcribing it.

Inspired by the example of Don Besig & Nancy Price, who have written songs around traditional hymns & several of whose choral pieces we frequently sing in St. Margaret's Choir, I am incorporating the third verse of "O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, which is very relevant to the rest of my song. The USCCB guidelines recommended writing new settings for traditional hymns.

I am hoping that we will be able to sing it in St. Margaret's Combined Adult & Youth Choirs at our 2026 CHRISTMAS CONCERT.

"COME TO THE MANGER"    By Arlene B. Muller

Verse#1:

Once upon à midnight clear/In a little town called BETHLEHEM,

In the stillness of that holy night,

To our cold and dark world came the LORD, our Everlasting Light.

Verse #2:

In the noise and crowds of every inn

There was not one room to let our coming LORD and Savior in.

Just a manger in a hidden cave

Was the only quiet place that could receive this holy Babe.

1st Chorus: very different melody- bright & joyful-change to 3/4 time:

COME TO THE MANGER AND SEE HIM--

GOD IN THE FLESH, PRINCE OF PEACE!

WITH MARY AND JOSEPH, ADORE HIM!

TAKE SOME TIME TO LET "BUSY-NESS"CEASE!

Verse 3 (back to original melody & rhythm/meter):

Not to ivory palaces/Did the message of the angels of the birth of JESUS come;

But to shepherds working in the fields--

To the lowly who would recognize our SAVIOR CHRIST, GOD'S ONLY SON!

Incorporate Verse #3 of O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM (Traditional Hymn):

"HOW SILENTLY, HOW SILENTLY 

THE WONDROUS GIFT IS GIVEN.

SO GOD IMPARTS TO HUMAN HEARTS

THE BLESSINGS OF HIS HEAVEN.

NO EAR MAY HEAR HIS COMING,

BUT IN THIS WORLD OF SIN,

WHERE MEEK SOULS WILL RECEIVE HIM STILL

THE DEAR CHRIST ENTERS IN."

Final Chorus - back to melody & 3/4 time of first chorus:

Let us humble our hearts to receive Him--

GOD IN THE FLESH, PRINCE OF PEACE!

Join with heaven and earth to adore HIM,

And find rest in His heavenly peace!

(C)Copyright 2025 by Arlene B. Muller