advent journal: melodies of peace
One of the annual events Ginger and I have been a part of in Guilford is a service of remembrance for parents who have lost children. It is an astounding time of both grief and healing. Ginger usually speaks or prays and I sing. This year, the service was live streamed, but it was moving nonetheless. The song I was asked to sing was “I Wish You Peace” by the Eagles, which set me to thinking that on this Sunday when we light the peace candle perhaps some songs about peace might serve us well.
I wish you peace when times are hard the light to guide you through the dark and when storms are high and your, your dreams are low I wish you the strength to let love grow on I wish you the strength to let love flow
The next song that popped into my head is Paul Simon’s “Peace Like a River.” The title has always stuck with me because I knew it first as a youth group song. Now that I have let that ear worm loose, listen to Simon’s song about civil rights protest.
Peace like a river ran through the city long past the midnight curfew we sat starry-eyed oh, we were satisfied
and I remember misinformation followed us like a plague nobody knew from time to time if the plans where changed oh, if the plans were changed
you can beat us with wires you can beat us with chains you can run out your rules but you know you can’t outrun the history train I‘ve seen a glorious day
Another old favorite popped up in the jukebox of my heart: Nick Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding?”
and as I walk on through troubled times my spirit gets so downhearted sometimes so where are the strong and who are the trusted? and where is the harmony, sweet harmony?
‘cause each time I feel it slippin' away just makes me wanna cry what's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding? what's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
You might know the Elvis Costello version better, but Nick wrote the song, so I thought I would let him sing it--accompanied here by Los Straitjackets.
Kate Campbell is a roots singer-songwriter who has songs that reach deep in the heart. She also has a deep appreciation for the history of music, particularly in the roots and gospel traditions. “Peace, Precious Peace” is one she says she found on album by Stringbean--David Akeman--who I remember from Hee Haw. His words and music offer a carol of sorts.
there’s a wonderful feeling in the hearts and the minds in a world that is sick of blood and shame and the battle for glory and the peace we shall find when we lay down the sword and the flame
there’ll be shouting and singing there’ll be joy everywhere there’ll be banners from every land unfurled there’ll be jubilant ringing of the bells everywhere when there’s peace, precious peace in this world
Beth Neilsen Chapman’s “Peace” is a carol of yearning. I think we could sing it anytime of year. I couldn’t find her singing it, but I did find Michael McDonald’s cover.
Oh wondrous child of whom the angels sing know my joy feel my suffering shining star make this love you bring so bright that I may believe that my way will not be lost from now on, 'til that rivers crossed my soul renewed my spirit free in you I'll find my peace
Though my opinion would quickly be contested at my house, I think John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together is the definitive Christmas album. One of the songs it contains is The Peace Carol.
add all the grief that people may bear total the strife, the troubles and care put them in columns and leave them right there the peace of Christmas Day
Sam Baker’s story is as intriguing as his songwriting and performing. “Go in Peace” is one of my favorites. The melody plays off of “Come, Thou Fount;” the words are a simple and profound benediction.
go in peace go in kindness go in love go in faith leave the day the day behind us day is done go in grace let us go into the dark not afraid not alone let us hope by some good pleasure safely to arrive at home
We will let him close the set.
I hope you are finding the music of peace to carry you in these days.
Peace,
Milton
