Our church is celebrating “Bird Sunday” this week and I was asked to write a new hymn for the occasion. I have just finished it and am eager to share it. Verse four is the capstone. This is a hymn to ongoing, evolving creation, to God's gift of birds, and it calls all people to work together to care for our planet. Enjoy.
HYMN TO THE BIRDS
By Thomas Wright
Glory to you, O God of all creation.
Who from the dawn of swirling galaxies,
Wrought teeming life from chaos and commotion.
Creation’s song goes on with each reprise.
You send us birds, aloft in every nation.
Soaring on high, our eyes are drawn to heav’n.
On wings of song, flocks welcome each new season.
Bringing fresh life, renewing hope within.
Nighthawk and owl, befrienders in dark places.
Falcon and eagle lifting spirits high.
Swallow and raven call to open spaces.
The lowly sparrow rests within God’s eye.
Just as the hen, her brood is watching over,
God cares for you, and will not let you fall.
So let us join our hands and work together,
Treating as sacred this terrestrial ball.
The tune for this hymn is VICAR, by V. Earle Copes. It is # 178 in the United Methodist Hymnal. You can play the tune below.
