A Voice Was Heard in Ramah

A New Hymn for December 26

A voice was heard in Ramah that could not be consoled,
As Rachel wept for children she could no longer hold.
For Herod ruled the nation, yet feared the Infant King.
How great the devastation that fear and anger bring! 

O God, we hear the crying for little ones of yours;
For many still are dying in conflicts and in wars—
In every troubled nation, on every violent street,
How great the lamentation when fear and anger meet! 

Whenever one is weeping, the whole world suffers, too.
Yet, Jesus, as we serve them, we’re also serving you.
So may we not ignore them, nor turn our eyes away,
But help us labor for them to bring a better day. 

O Prince of Peace, you lead us in ways of truth and grace.
May we be brave to practice your peace in every place—
To love each fear-filled nation, to serve each troubled street.
How great the celebration when peace and justice meet!

Alternative Tune:  PASSION CHORALE 7.6.7.6 D by Hans Leo Hassler, 1601, Harm. Johann Sebastian Bach, 1729 (“O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”)

Text: Copyright © 2004 Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is the co-pastor of the Limestone Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware and author of Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today's Worship is a collection of 45 new hymns published by Geneva Press. A complete list of her hymns can be found at http://firstpresby.org/hymnlist.htm .
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Permission for free one-time use is given for a congregational or ecumenical community service. The above copyright and contact information shall be included when reproducing this hymn in worship bulletins. Thank you. People who want to make a donation for using the hymn may do so online to NCC or Church World Service to support their important work. Please share this hymn (with the above copyright and contact information) with other pastors, church musicians and friends in your community and online. Thank you.

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