Hymns and Poetry

Crowning of the King (2023)

With his subtle breaths,

small lungs expanding with the Spirit. 

Same Spirit imparted to all

to live; in and out of this life

in and out of his nostrils.

Breath of Life,

the Grace given to first humans.

Now, the crowning of a new human.

The Crowning of the King.

His humble cries

awake his tired parents.

Beckoning them to his aid.

Cries that echo throughout Time

An invitation to care 

for the least of us.

To love one’s neighbor.

(Written by Julius Shumpert)

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (1921)

Infant holy, infant lowly,
for His bed a cattle stall;
oxen lowing, little knowing
Christ, the babe, is Lord of all.
Swift are winging angels singing,
noels ringing, tidings bringing:
Christ the babe is Lord of all!
Christ the babe is Lord of all!

Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping
vigil till the morning new
saw the glory, heard the story,
tidings of the gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow,
praises voicing, greet the morrow:
Christ the babe was born for you;
Christ the babe was born for you.

(Written by Piotr Skarga Pawęzki)

Silver and Gold (1993 Excerpt)

Silver and gold, silver and gold,
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold
No fame or fortune, nor riches untold
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold

Don't give me a mansion on top of the hill
Don't give me the world with a shallow thrill
But just give me a Savior, my life He can hold
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold

Woke up this morning, feeling kind of down
I called on my best friend, she could not be found
But I called on Jesus, my life He can hold
I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold

(Song arranged by Kirk Franklin)