Hymn lyrics – general version and wedding/union version

(Can be sung to: Regent Square (Angels from the realms of glory)—Henry Thomas Smart, Westminster Abbey (Christ is made a sure foundation)—Henry Purcell, or Cwm Rhondda (Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer)—John Hughes)

(general version)

Faith of metaphor and mystery
Christ of paradox and pun
Sure foundation, revelation,
Many facets of the One

Sacred found in the familiar:
phase of moon, and blazing sun.

God of living, dying, rising
Goddess—maiden, mother, crone
Word of sages, rock of ages
Love transforming hearts of stone

Meaning made in the familiar:
spirit, body, breath and bone.

Passover and visitation
Parable and playful jest
Seeking, finding; losing, binding
Exodus and hero’s quest

Sacrament of the familiar:
open door and welcome guest.

Life in all its many stages
Sense and senses, heart and head
Meditation, celebration
Hope new-risen from the dead

Meaning found in the familiar:
making peace and breaking bread.

(wedding/union version)

Faith of metaphor and mystery
Christ of paradox and pun
Meditation, celebration
Many facets of the One

Sacred found in the familiar:
phase of moon, and blazing sun.

God of living, dying, rising
Goddess—maiden, mother, crone
Word of sages through the ages
Love transforming hearts of stone

Meaning found in the familiar:
spirit, body, breath and bone.

Love that wears a thousand faces
Love infusing life with zest
Joyful pairing, journey sharing
Love uniting east and west

Sacrament of the familiar:
open door and welcome guest.

Love that weaves two lives together
Sense and senses, heart and head
Spanning distance, honouring difference
Patterns drawn with rainbow thread

Meaning made in the familiar:
making peace and breaking bread.

© bronwyn angela white (2011)