Refugees, asylum seekers, strangers in this strange land: how many do you know? Have you listened to their stories? How many years did they live in refugee camps or internment facilities? How did they keep themselves safe? What was it like to raise children there? Could they go to school? Is lockdown a paradise by comparison? Or is Jesus the only refugee you know?
September 27th is the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2021, but our Australian Anglican Lectionary directs us to also specifically pray for refugees on the Last Sunday in August. Carolyn’s thoughtful words may help us consider their plight. She doesn’t explicitly remind us of Joseph and Mary taking refuge in Egypt, so I added an extra layer of resonance with this beautiful 12th century carving of the Flight into Egypt from one face of the font in the church of San Giovanni in Fonte, Verona, Italy. ( Source )
Several of Frederick Maker’s tunes are high in my favourites list, and this one is no exception. ST CHRISTOPHER has been a pleasure to orchestrate and perform, and the freight of the traditional words supports Carolyn’s text. I also love the interplay between the name of the tune and Joseph carrying the Christ Child in the image. 5 verses, but not too demanding for your congregation to sing.
Listen to the backing track, or preview the Lyric Video on our YouTube Channel. Of course, your purchased version won't have the voice-over advert that's in the preview video.
Carolyn's hymns are only available for free use during this time of COVID, so these tracks will only be available for a limited time. All three versions are available for free download until Carolyn withdraws her offer.
Available as audio only, or as a Lyric Video in two sizes, this setting is a comfortable sing for all congregations.
Select a format-
SD Video: Standard Definition, suitable for older Data Projectors and screens
HD Video: High Definition, suitable for TVs, mobile devices, and HDMI data projectors
Interested in other keys? Lots of options are available to our patrons. Contact us to discuss!