A Carol for a blue Advent/Christmas service
[Written for a “Blues Comfort and Hope” worship gathering for Perinton Presbyterian Church, on the Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 13, 2020, at 3:00pm. This worship gathering is especially for those bereaved, whether from the death of a loved one or other circumstances of loss or disappointment. It will happen in the sanctuary, unless Covid prevents that, and live streamed.]
1. God rest you, weary travelers,
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day,
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r
When we were gone astray.
Oh, tidings of comfort and hope,
Comfort and hope,
Oh, tidings of comfort and hope.
2. The losses we experience
Weigh heavy on the soul.
But Jesus dwells among us
To heal and make us whole.
He comes to mend the broken heart,
The trembling hand to hold.
Oh, tidings of comfort and hope,
Comfort and hope,
Oh, tidings of comfort and hope.
3. God rest you Jesus worshipers,
The babe now reigns on high.
He promised to return again,
The hour now draws nigh.
With comfort and with hope from God,
We sing his lullaby.
Oh, tidings of comfort and hope,
Comfort and hope,
Oh, tidings of comfort and hope.
4. God rest you, Jesus followers,
When life is midnight blue.
The darkness yields to bright daybreak,
Graced with the morning dew.
And Jesus will not rest until
He makes the broken new.
Oh, tidings of comfort and hope,
Comfort and hope,
Oh, tidings of comfort and hope.
Tune: Traditional English carol. Lyrics: Harry J. Heintz (first stanza re-worked from original)
Sailing toward Wisdom 