Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn Hymnal: The Song Lingers On #9 (2003) Meter: 8.8.8.8 D Topics: Peace and Justice Lyrics: When Jesus was a refugeefrom Herod’s cruel tyranny,an exile in a foreign place,a child in need of saving grace,we wonder who it was God ledto shelter him and give him bread.We wonder too, had we been there,would we have been as quick to share?When Jesus left his parents’ home,without a place to call his own,he walked with strangers on the streetand lived with those he chanced to meet--a fisherman in Galilee,and newfound friends in Bethany.Would we have welcomed him that way,and given him a place to stay?When Jesus died upon a crossalone, with few to mourn his loss,a friend came forth to offer roomfor him within a garden tomb.They gently took his body there,anointing him with tender care.Would we have heeded God’s requestand helped to lay our Lord to rest?Now risen, Christ still makes his homewith everyone who walks alone,and, with the people on the street,still waits in line for bread to eat.The time is now. We must decide.Will we pass by the other side,or will we follow Love’s commandand reach out with a helping hand? Scripture: Matthew 25:35-36 Tune Title: NEIGHBORS
When Jesus Was A Refugee