Why, My Soul, Are You So Downcast? (Psalm 43)

words: Gary Hicks, copyright 2010 Gary L. Hicks

tune: Swedish folk melody "Tryggare Kan Ingen Vara"

("Children of the Heavenly Father")

Why, my soul, are you so downcast,

So disturbed and sad within me?

Put your hope in God our Saviour

He is worthy of our praises.

You are God, my rugged stronghold

My defense and my deliverer

Rescue me, O faithful Saviour

Vindicate me, O my Father!

Send Your light and hope to lead me,

Bring me to Your holy mountain

How I long to know Your presence,

Feel Your glory all around me.

Now I come to You, my Saviour,

My delight and joy forever

With my whole heart I sing praises

All my crowns I cast before You.

Bethlehem, Bethlehem, Though You Are Small (Micah 5:2)

words & music by Gary Hicks (11.29.10)

copyright 2010 by Gary L. Hicks

(written music available on request)

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“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
   though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
   one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
   from ancient times.”

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Bethlehem, Bethlehem, though you are small

From your cold crèche comes the Saviour of all

Though you are humble and hidden away

Mary’s son Jesus lies nestled in hay.

There lie the shepherds on your lonely hill

Waiting for daybreak, all silent and still

Suddenly, suddenly, thunder and light

Angels unnumbered sing forth in the night.

There in your stable, the one from of old

Sleeping contentedly, safe from the cold

None but the shepherds to welcome this guest

No great parade for the purest and best.

There in your hidden place, God became man

Helpless and needy, as heaven had planned

Grace and compassion, and love without end

He is our Saviour, the world’s greatest friend.  

Now is the Dawning (Isaiah 9:1-7)

tune: “Bunessan” (Morning Has Broken)

Now is the dawning, now is the daybreak

Light is advancing, gloom slips away

Once we were humbled, now comes the glory

All we had longed for: welcome the Day!

Born is a baby destined to save us

Mighty His kingdom, wondrous His power

Joy for our sadness, peace for the nations

Now is the moment, this is His hour!

We will rejoice and welcome the morning,

Freed from our shackles, lifting our hands

Now is deliverance from the oppressor

Sing to the Savior, join in the dance.

Great are His names and great is His kingdom

Righteous His rule and peaceful His ways

He is exalted, reigning forever

Bring Him allegiance, worship and praise!