His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
It is possible to read this passage with a self-righteous, holier-than-thou attitude. OR, read it with the opposite, which is maybe a self-condemning, more-shameful-than-thou attitude. Either way likely leads to missing the whole point.
The plain fact is that there is some twisted, misled, even dark, stuff going on all around us that you and I are aware of. Call it what you will, it is something other than the goodness and wholeness of God.
The truly good and amazing news is there is a better way that is fully accessibly through the promises of God. These promises are the doorway through which we walk to "participate in the divine nature." How good is that!
Chime in and share a promise, and I'll get 'em posted.
I think I'll start with 2Peter 1:3-4 above. It is a promise of promises.
CO
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Friends and Aliens
An expert in the Bible asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The punch line of this familiar parable is that the one who was truly a neighbor was the one who had mercy on the man in need. This is not a difficult parable to understand. Its application, however, can get complicated.
During the current conversation about immigration policy the question is on the table before us, “What does it mean to be a neighbor to the immigrant population?” The question is further complicated because our neighbors include both immigrants with and without proper legal status. Our neighbors also include both naturalized and birthright citizens. It’s quite a neighborhood. Now what?
Interest groups and the media tend to polarize positions and stage yet another shouting match. It is hard to imagine how that will help the neighborhood. As salt and light in the world the followers of Jesus are advocates of justice and compassion. This is a very difficult place to stand, but it is the only one that offers the hope of shalom for our neighborhoods (from next door neighbors, to cities, to a nation).
I am challenging us as Friends of Jesus to be advocates of mercy and justice in this conversation. Whether the conversation is among friends, in the workplace, at an immigration rally, on a website, or in a senator’s office, we will actually be Friends of Jesus if we advocate for justice and mercy.
I’ve become involved with a group of people working to a similar end. We are concerned about our neighborhood (our block, our state, our nation). As followers of Jesus we want to be a voice of mercy and justice. We hardly know where to begin except we must because mercy and justice need a voice. We’ve drafted a document to share with our senators and representatives. I am very interested in feedback on this document that is intended to stake out some territory for mercy and justice simultaneously. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks for your help. Here is the statement:
A Call to Our Government to Enact Comprehensive Immigration Reform
As Evangelical Christian leaders in Denver’s Metro area, we express to you our deep concern over our country’s broken immigration system. Because of our shared theology, which compels us to love, care for, and seek justice for the stranger among us, we call on our nation’s Congress and President to address this issue immediately. We believe:
• That all people are made in the image of God. As such, they are worthy of dignity and respect and have much to contribute to the common good.
• That as Christians we have a responsibility to love and show compassion for the stranger among us.
• That immigrants are our neighbors, both literally and figuratively. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves and show mercy to neighbors in need.
• In the rule of law and that Christians are to be a voice within our democracy for just laws that protect all people, especially the vulnerable.
We recognize that the current United States immigration system is limited and reform is necessary. The Bible does not offer a blueprint for modern legislation, but it can serve as a moral compass to help shape the tone, content, and purposes of contemporary laws. Using the Bible as our guide, we are compelled to support immigration reform legislation that includes the following elements:
• Secure Borders – A fundamental responsibility of the government is to secure its borders. We must improve safeguards and the monitoring of our national borders. Enforcement of our borders must reflect our deeply-held American values of due process of law, the sanctity of the human person, and the incomparable value of the family.
• Immigrant Labor – Various sectors of the American economy rely on the labor of immigrants. Laws and quotas should more accurately reflect this need and provide for the legal entry each year of a viable number of immigrant workers and their families.
• Path to Legality - Millions of undocumented immigrants live in the shadows of our country today. The present state of affairs does not allow them to flourish as constructive members in society nor does it serve the common good. A rigorous yet fair process needs to be established, requiring them to register with the appropriate authorities, embrace their civic responsibilities, and earn the privileges of legal status, for example: permanent residency, citizenship, work permit.
• Centrality of the Family – Immigration reform should reflect the central importance of the family. This commitment can be made concrete by reconsidering the number of visas available for family reunification, by dedicating resources to reduce the backlog of cases presently in process, and by acknowledging the negative impact of current deportation policies.
We urge our national representatives to re-engage the immigration reform debate in a civil and respectful manner. We emphasize the need for a national solution. We eagerly offer our time, energy, and ideas so that the current discussion might move toward greater understanding within our nation and constructive resolution through new legislation. We look forward to working together to find common ground on this critical issue.
During the current conversation about immigration policy the question is on the table before us, “What does it mean to be a neighbor to the immigrant population?” The question is further complicated because our neighbors include both immigrants with and without proper legal status. Our neighbors also include both naturalized and birthright citizens. It’s quite a neighborhood. Now what?
Interest groups and the media tend to polarize positions and stage yet another shouting match. It is hard to imagine how that will help the neighborhood. As salt and light in the world the followers of Jesus are advocates of justice and compassion. This is a very difficult place to stand, but it is the only one that offers the hope of shalom for our neighborhoods (from next door neighbors, to cities, to a nation).
I am challenging us as Friends of Jesus to be advocates of mercy and justice in this conversation. Whether the conversation is among friends, in the workplace, at an immigration rally, on a website, or in a senator’s office, we will actually be Friends of Jesus if we advocate for justice and mercy.
I’ve become involved with a group of people working to a similar end. We are concerned about our neighborhood (our block, our state, our nation). As followers of Jesus we want to be a voice of mercy and justice. We hardly know where to begin except we must because mercy and justice need a voice. We’ve drafted a document to share with our senators and representatives. I am very interested in feedback on this document that is intended to stake out some territory for mercy and justice simultaneously. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks for your help. Here is the statement:
A Call to Our Government to Enact Comprehensive Immigration Reform
As Evangelical Christian leaders in Denver’s Metro area, we express to you our deep concern over our country’s broken immigration system. Because of our shared theology, which compels us to love, care for, and seek justice for the stranger among us, we call on our nation’s Congress and President to address this issue immediately. We believe:
• That all people are made in the image of God. As such, they are worthy of dignity and respect and have much to contribute to the common good.
• That as Christians we have a responsibility to love and show compassion for the stranger among us.
• That immigrants are our neighbors, both literally and figuratively. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves and show mercy to neighbors in need.
• In the rule of law and that Christians are to be a voice within our democracy for just laws that protect all people, especially the vulnerable.
We recognize that the current United States immigration system is limited and reform is necessary. The Bible does not offer a blueprint for modern legislation, but it can serve as a moral compass to help shape the tone, content, and purposes of contemporary laws. Using the Bible as our guide, we are compelled to support immigration reform legislation that includes the following elements:
• Secure Borders – A fundamental responsibility of the government is to secure its borders. We must improve safeguards and the monitoring of our national borders. Enforcement of our borders must reflect our deeply-held American values of due process of law, the sanctity of the human person, and the incomparable value of the family.
• Immigrant Labor – Various sectors of the American economy rely on the labor of immigrants. Laws and quotas should more accurately reflect this need and provide for the legal entry each year of a viable number of immigrant workers and their families.
• Path to Legality - Millions of undocumented immigrants live in the shadows of our country today. The present state of affairs does not allow them to flourish as constructive members in society nor does it serve the common good. A rigorous yet fair process needs to be established, requiring them to register with the appropriate authorities, embrace their civic responsibilities, and earn the privileges of legal status, for example: permanent residency, citizenship, work permit.
• Centrality of the Family – Immigration reform should reflect the central importance of the family. This commitment can be made concrete by reconsidering the number of visas available for family reunification, by dedicating resources to reduce the backlog of cases presently in process, and by acknowledging the negative impact of current deportation policies.
We urge our national representatives to re-engage the immigration reform debate in a civil and respectful manner. We emphasize the need for a national solution. We eagerly offer our time, energy, and ideas so that the current discussion might move toward greater understanding within our nation and constructive resolution through new legislation. We look forward to working together to find common ground on this critical issue.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Pursuit of Happiness
After an extended absence I return to the virtual land to post a blog. There is evidence that I may have inadvertently deleted someone's comment. I apologize if I did so. Your input matters to me, as does posting it to share with others.
‘Tis the season for my annual plug to read the Declaration of Independence and/or the Constitution. You can read part of the Declaration now:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Although the right to pursue happiness is not listed in the Constitution it does carry legal weight. It is defined as “the right to pursue any legal activity as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others,” (Webster’s New World Law Dictionary). The legal minds behind that definition were not concerned about how one pursues happiness just as long as it doesn’t interfere with someone else’s pursuit. The application of that principle has proved a little tricky. So, the value of the pursuit of happiness endures, while we struggle to know how to do it. How do we pursue happiness?
Jefferson wrote the phrase in the Declaration, but didn’t invent it. It was a phrase being batted about by thinkers of the day including two as diverse as Dr. Samuel Johnson and John Locke. Johnson observed that his country (England) was lacking in what he called, “civil wisdom.” He wrote, “We are still so much unacquainted with our own state, and so unskillful in the pursuit of happiness….” (The Surprising Origins and Meaning of the “Pursuit of Happiness”, Carol V. Hamilton, George Mason University’s History News Network, 1-28-2007). Two and a quarter centuries later Johnson would likely conclude we still lack civil wisdom. Isn’t it also true that we remain unacquainted with our own state, and unskillful in the pursuit of happiness?
Jesus didn’t have a lot to say about civics. (Or did He?) He did say quite a bit about the pursuit of happiness. One place we find that teaching is in Matthew 5:1-12. These verses include The Beatitudes, such as: Blessed are the poor in spirit. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the pure in heart. The word translated “blessed” could also be translated “happy.” Some Bible translations do so: Happy are the poor in spirit. Happy are the merciful. Happy are the pure in heart.
Although we think “happy” is often used to describe something superficial, the pursuit of happiness matters a great deal. In nearly all of Jesus’ teaching He addresses the very things Johnson said we lack: Jesus acquaints us with our own state and describes how to pursue happiness. That is worth some serious reflection. I recommend we take time to be grateful to God that the pursuit of happiness is a nationally preserved value. Simultaneously, I recommend a reflection on at least the Beatitudes to help us consider how Jesus is telling us to pursue and find that happiness.
The pursuit of happiness detailed by Jesus works. It is for every person. It is usually legal.
Pastor Chuck
‘Tis the season for my annual plug to read the Declaration of Independence and/or the Constitution. You can read part of the Declaration now:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Although the right to pursue happiness is not listed in the Constitution it does carry legal weight. It is defined as “the right to pursue any legal activity as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others,” (Webster’s New World Law Dictionary). The legal minds behind that definition were not concerned about how one pursues happiness just as long as it doesn’t interfere with someone else’s pursuit. The application of that principle has proved a little tricky. So, the value of the pursuit of happiness endures, while we struggle to know how to do it. How do we pursue happiness?
Jefferson wrote the phrase in the Declaration, but didn’t invent it. It was a phrase being batted about by thinkers of the day including two as diverse as Dr. Samuel Johnson and John Locke. Johnson observed that his country (England) was lacking in what he called, “civil wisdom.” He wrote, “We are still so much unacquainted with our own state, and so unskillful in the pursuit of happiness….” (The Surprising Origins and Meaning of the “Pursuit of Happiness”, Carol V. Hamilton, George Mason University’s History News Network, 1-28-2007). Two and a quarter centuries later Johnson would likely conclude we still lack civil wisdom. Isn’t it also true that we remain unacquainted with our own state, and unskillful in the pursuit of happiness?
Jesus didn’t have a lot to say about civics. (Or did He?) He did say quite a bit about the pursuit of happiness. One place we find that teaching is in Matthew 5:1-12. These verses include The Beatitudes, such as: Blessed are the poor in spirit. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the pure in heart. The word translated “blessed” could also be translated “happy.” Some Bible translations do so: Happy are the poor in spirit. Happy are the merciful. Happy are the pure in heart.
Although we think “happy” is often used to describe something superficial, the pursuit of happiness matters a great deal. In nearly all of Jesus’ teaching He addresses the very things Johnson said we lack: Jesus acquaints us with our own state and describes how to pursue happiness. That is worth some serious reflection. I recommend we take time to be grateful to God that the pursuit of happiness is a nationally preserved value. Simultaneously, I recommend a reflection on at least the Beatitudes to help us consider how Jesus is telling us to pursue and find that happiness.
The pursuit of happiness detailed by Jesus works. It is for every person. It is usually legal.
Pastor Chuck
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Stilling, plus
Here's a bit of a mixed bag.
Thanks for the comment on being still, Drew. Very nice word picture.
Below are more thoughts on Psalms 46, and then after that a plug for a Friends Peace Team event that I hope some Friends from Denver can attend. I'm booked on that day and will have to miss it.
I’m continue to return to Psalm 46.
This week I visited a woman who told of a time several years ago when she went to the Emergency Room with classic heart attack symptoms. After the initial tests she began feeling fine. She sent her husband home to take care of the kids, while she continued to wait to be dismissed from the examination room. Eventually the nurse returned with the test results, “You have had a heart attack. Remain calm.” Then the nurse left here alone in the room again.
A heart attack?! Remain calm?! I need my husband here! Then God spoke to her heart assuring her that she wasn’t alone at all, and that she could trust Him. She did. She settled into a wonderful calm. She became still. She knew God was God.
That is precisely the gist of Psalm 46. I recommend reading it with this story in mind. - Or with Drew's story in mind. See his comment on my previous blog entry.
Peace Teams
The purpose of Friends Peace Teams is to invite, challenge, and empower individual Friends and Friends churches and meetings to participate in Spirit-led peace team work locally and internationally. Peace Teams are groups of people working together in places and times of conflict for reconciliation, justice, and the promotion of nonviolence.
I know this possibility captures the imagination of some of you reading this. An opportunity is at hand to learn more about Friends Peace Teams from a remarkable African woman, and possibly open the door to your participation.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 14 year civil war has led to the deaths of more people than any other conflict since World War II. Zawadi Nikuze is a Friend working for peace in the midst of this ongoing tragedy. Since 2007 she has been the Coordinator of the African Great Lakes Initiative’s work in North Kivu. In this capacity she facilitates Healing and Rebuilding our Communities workshops and reconciliation with displaced persons who have fled the violence to refugee camps.
Zawadi is a member of the Religious Society of Friends in DRC, and speaks fluent Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, French and English. She will be speaking on Sowing Hope Amidst War and Rape at Mountain View Friends Meetinghouse, 2280 S. Columbine St., Denver, 80210 on Saturday, June 5 at 3:00 p.m.
You can learn more about the African Great Lakes Initiative and serving on Friends Peace Teams at www.friendspeaceteams.org.
An opportunity to serve proactively as peacemakers is at our doorstep. Perhaps some from among can check out this opportunity. Let me know if you go. I wish I could join you, but I have a previous commitment.
Pastor Chuck
Thanks for the comment on being still, Drew. Very nice word picture.
Below are more thoughts on Psalms 46, and then after that a plug for a Friends Peace Team event that I hope some Friends from Denver can attend. I'm booked on that day and will have to miss it.
I’m continue to return to Psalm 46.
This week I visited a woman who told of a time several years ago when she went to the Emergency Room with classic heart attack symptoms. After the initial tests she began feeling fine. She sent her husband home to take care of the kids, while she continued to wait to be dismissed from the examination room. Eventually the nurse returned with the test results, “You have had a heart attack. Remain calm.” Then the nurse left here alone in the room again.
A heart attack?! Remain calm?! I need my husband here! Then God spoke to her heart assuring her that she wasn’t alone at all, and that she could trust Him. She did. She settled into a wonderful calm. She became still. She knew God was God.
That is precisely the gist of Psalm 46. I recommend reading it with this story in mind. - Or with Drew's story in mind. See his comment on my previous blog entry.
Peace Teams
The purpose of Friends Peace Teams is to invite, challenge, and empower individual Friends and Friends churches and meetings to participate in Spirit-led peace team work locally and internationally. Peace Teams are groups of people working together in places and times of conflict for reconciliation, justice, and the promotion of nonviolence.
I know this possibility captures the imagination of some of you reading this. An opportunity is at hand to learn more about Friends Peace Teams from a remarkable African woman, and possibly open the door to your participation.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 14 year civil war has led to the deaths of more people than any other conflict since World War II. Zawadi Nikuze is a Friend working for peace in the midst of this ongoing tragedy. Since 2007 she has been the Coordinator of the African Great Lakes Initiative’s work in North Kivu. In this capacity she facilitates Healing and Rebuilding our Communities workshops and reconciliation with displaced persons who have fled the violence to refugee camps.
Zawadi is a member of the Religious Society of Friends in DRC, and speaks fluent Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, French and English. She will be speaking on Sowing Hope Amidst War and Rape at Mountain View Friends Meetinghouse, 2280 S. Columbine St., Denver, 80210 on Saturday, June 5 at 3:00 p.m.
You can learn more about the African Great Lakes Initiative and serving on Friends Peace Teams at www.friendspeaceteams.org.
An opportunity to serve proactively as peacemakers is at our doorstep. Perhaps some from among can check out this opportunity. Let me know if you go. I wish I could join you, but I have a previous commitment.
Pastor Chuck
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Still Shouting
The familiar passage, Be still and know that I am God, has been a good word for me during the last week. It has been especially helpful to consider “being still” in light of the entire Psalm 46. The psalm opens with some other familiar words: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Both lines inspire strength, hope, and comfort. However, I have never put the two together. I haven’t even considered they were the opening and closing of the same psalm. Now I am appreciating how each illumines the other. This week when I think about being still and knowing God, I am remembering it more as, “Easy now. God is God. You can trust Him. He is my proven refuge, strength, and help.”
I had a little fun with the passage. One translation I read put an exclamation point after "Be still and know I am God!" So, I started reading the psalm as a crescendo from a quiet first verse to a shout at verse 10. It works a little different to shout out "Be still and know that I am God," but it makes sense in the context of the psalm. Try it.
Pastor Chuck
Both lines inspire strength, hope, and comfort. However, I have never put the two together. I haven’t even considered they were the opening and closing of the same psalm. Now I am appreciating how each illumines the other. This week when I think about being still and knowing God, I am remembering it more as, “Easy now. God is God. You can trust Him. He is my proven refuge, strength, and help.”
I had a little fun with the passage. One translation I read put an exclamation point after "Be still and know I am God!" So, I started reading the psalm as a crescendo from a quiet first verse to a shout at verse 10. It works a little different to shout out "Be still and know that I am God," but it makes sense in the context of the psalm. Try it.
Pastor Chuck
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
4-21-2010
I want to never graduate from Children’s Church.
Of course if I started attending Children’s Church there would be problems. For one, I have never been able to figure out the crayon thing. And there are several other good reasons the Children’s Church teacher would probably be calling my parents to discreetly insist they find a more age-appropriate placement for me. Nevertheless, although the Christian Education administration will find ways of moving me through the system, I am reluctant to accept the demotion to Adult Church.
As we all know Adult Church is ever so much less interesting than Children’s Church, but we are there because the system moves us along, and we eventually collect in the only place left. Last Sunday two grade school aged worshippers stayed in the service upstairs even though there was a Youth Service alternative. I know they were there because they were passing notes – to the church staff. I’ll share them with you,
I love Jesus. He’s a good guy.
With lots of love,
A.
I like the prayers you guys do. I’m very thankful.
Love,
C.
My sermon content last Sunday did not surpass the down-to-earth, personal faith of these younger worshippers. A person could live well by the straightforward terms expressed in those brief notes. It is the simple, personal faith of a child that is the Children’s Church from which I pray I never graduate.
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt 19:13-14 (NIV)
CO
Of course if I started attending Children’s Church there would be problems. For one, I have never been able to figure out the crayon thing. And there are several other good reasons the Children’s Church teacher would probably be calling my parents to discreetly insist they find a more age-appropriate placement for me. Nevertheless, although the Christian Education administration will find ways of moving me through the system, I am reluctant to accept the demotion to Adult Church.
As we all know Adult Church is ever so much less interesting than Children’s Church, but we are there because the system moves us along, and we eventually collect in the only place left. Last Sunday two grade school aged worshippers stayed in the service upstairs even though there was a Youth Service alternative. I know they were there because they were passing notes – to the church staff. I’ll share them with you,
I love Jesus. He’s a good guy.
With lots of love,
A.
I like the prayers you guys do. I’m very thankful.
Love,
C.
My sermon content last Sunday did not surpass the down-to-earth, personal faith of these younger worshippers. A person could live well by the straightforward terms expressed in those brief notes. It is the simple, personal faith of a child that is the Children’s Church from which I pray I never graduate.
Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt 19:13-14 (NIV)
CO
Thursday, April 8, 2010
River Days
“I thank my God every time I remember you,” says the apostle Paul to his friends in Philippi (Philippians 1:3). Vicky and I say the same about you, our church family. You have cared for us and our children and grandchildren for over 31 years now. You would think we would get used to it, but you keep finding ways of raising the bar of lovingkindness.
On Palm Sunday I was totally surprised by the reception after the worship service celebrating my 60th birthday and 31 years of partnership in ministry with you. It was fun and the cake was especially tasty. Vicky and I were deeply honored as we received your words of appreciation and gifts. I’m keeping your thoughtful cards on my office bulletin boards. They are very meaningful to me. It is a privilege to serve and be embraced by you. We thank God every time we remember you.
Another special treat that I took as a personal gift (though it wasn’t) was Ali singing Shall We Gather At the River at the Easter Feast. I love this hymn although I don’t remember ever having sung it congregationally. It was written in the 19th century back in the day when friends were more inclined than we are to gather at the river for a rest, recreation, and sometimes, worship. The hymn is making reference to “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” that John witnessed in heaven (Revelation 22:1). The picture is one of good times upgraded to even better on heaven’s river bank.
The songwriter is celebrating happy times together in a world forever healed. I imagine mixed tears of longing, sorrow and joy that accompanied the publication of this song as the Civil War drew to a close. It appeared in a songbook entitled Happy Voices. Even the book title offered a generous helping of hope and faith – scarce commodities among a war-weary people. What hope of restoration must have been expressed in the invitation, “Shall we gather at the river!”
At the smiling of the river,
Mirror of the Saviour’s Face,
Saints whom death will never sever,
Lift their songs of saving grace.
We have more days ahead of us than we can count of gathering together at the river. I’m looking forward to them.
Thankfully,
Pastor Chuck
On Palm Sunday I was totally surprised by the reception after the worship service celebrating my 60th birthday and 31 years of partnership in ministry with you. It was fun and the cake was especially tasty. Vicky and I were deeply honored as we received your words of appreciation and gifts. I’m keeping your thoughtful cards on my office bulletin boards. They are very meaningful to me. It is a privilege to serve and be embraced by you. We thank God every time we remember you.
Another special treat that I took as a personal gift (though it wasn’t) was Ali singing Shall We Gather At the River at the Easter Feast. I love this hymn although I don’t remember ever having sung it congregationally. It was written in the 19th century back in the day when friends were more inclined than we are to gather at the river for a rest, recreation, and sometimes, worship. The hymn is making reference to “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” that John witnessed in heaven (Revelation 22:1). The picture is one of good times upgraded to even better on heaven’s river bank.
The songwriter is celebrating happy times together in a world forever healed. I imagine mixed tears of longing, sorrow and joy that accompanied the publication of this song as the Civil War drew to a close. It appeared in a songbook entitled Happy Voices. Even the book title offered a generous helping of hope and faith – scarce commodities among a war-weary people. What hope of restoration must have been expressed in the invitation, “Shall we gather at the river!”
At the smiling of the river,
Mirror of the Saviour’s Face,
Saints whom death will never sever,
Lift their songs of saving grace.
We have more days ahead of us than we can count of gathering together at the river. I’m looking forward to them.
Thankfully,
Pastor Chuck
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