Weekly Message
One of my favourite hymns is Lord of the Dance, number 93 in the red Church of Ireland hymnal. This hymn was written by Sydney Carter (1915 – 2004) and picks up themes from the Bible where dance is used as part of our worship of God. In the Old Testament we are told that King David ‘danced before the Lord’, not just a little gentle movement, but one with his whole being and might (2 Samuel 6:14). The joyous and exuberant Psalm 150 mentions praising God with a full orchestra and dancing. In the New Testament there are five references to dance, among them the dancing that took place when the Prodigal Son returned to his Father (Luke 15:11-32). Jesus says in this parable, we have to celebrate when someone returns to God.
The Lord of the Dance is a hymn which starts at the beginning of creation and dances through the life and ministry of Jesus. It celebrates the whole Gospel of how God in Christ reconciled the world to himself. It is an intriguing, inspiring song that asks us if we would like to join in the joyous, healing dance or if we would prefer to refuse, as the Pharisees did. The choice is ours.
Dance – pleasurable to many and a way to celebrate. On Sunday evening at 6.30 pm we will remember how faith was proclaimed by St Patrick and that we have a role to continue in that tradition. We will light a fire, eat and dance. A truly biblical tradition. I look forward to seeing you there.
Blessings,
Helene
Rev'd Canon Dr. Helene T. Steed, Rector
The Lord of the Dance is a hymn which starts at the beginning of creation and dances through the life and ministry of Jesus. It celebrates the whole Gospel of how God in Christ reconciled the world to himself. It is an intriguing, inspiring song that asks us if we would like to join in the joyous, healing dance or if we would prefer to refuse, as the Pharisees did. The choice is ours.
Dance – pleasurable to many and a way to celebrate. On Sunday evening at 6.30 pm we will remember how faith was proclaimed by St Patrick and that we have a role to continue in that tradition. We will light a fire, eat and dance. A truly biblical tradition. I look forward to seeing you there.
Blessings,
Helene
Rev'd Canon Dr. Helene T. Steed, Rector
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