Sunday, December 30, 2007

Closed Communion

What Child is this,
who laid to rest in Mary's lap is sleeping,

Or resting in the ciborium or on the paten?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
With angels and archangels and all the company of heaven...

While shepherds watch are keeping?
Are not the shepherds -- the pastors -- given the responsibility to guard and keep watch over the Eucharist? They must know the people whom they commune. And they must take care that the elements are treated reverently and properly.

This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
the Babe, the Son of Mary.

We laud and magnify Thy glorious name,
evermore praising Thee and singing,
"Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabaoth...."

4 comments:

  1. Pretty good theologizing...for a girl.

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  2. This is why I love to read your posts, Susan!
    My dd Crista, while nannying for the seminary son's family was told to "only date guys that talk theology". ( I think a Preus said that to her) Of course they are few and far between out here, but I hold to the principle as well. I want to 'hang around with gal friends that talk theology'! So because I can't get to ladies Bible Studys at church these days, you and other bloggers like you are the ones I count on! Theologize away!
    Brenda in Wallowa

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  3. We sang this one during Communion today! (And knowing my Cantor, I doubt it was an accident.)

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  4. What a great connection you've found between the shepherds in song & real life!

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