Ancient Song of Release

Isaiah 52:7–10 

When we tell the story 

of a child born to change the world,

we sing in heart and voice,

in body, soul, and mind; 

we sing with all creation 

as if at last released 

from all that held us captive – 

How beautiful are the feet!

Even the feet, so wonderful

in all the earth, the feet

of the messenger who brings

us this song of release to sing! 

How beautiful the hands

of these angels who open again

our tired eyes to see again 

that Holy One is here! 

How beautiful the song, even

on the voice of ruins, the stones

and rubble of our broken lives

sing too of liberation, sing

out with joy! What joy! 

Look, earth! Listen, stars! 

Shout, dance, all that lives – 

for the life restored by Holy One

is beautiful indeed! 

We tell the story and we sing

the ancient song of liberation, 

release from captivity,

release into life! 

Sing the song of joy, today, 

sing every day of joy,

fro life is born, Christ is born

again, Holy One's promises 

come true – rejoice!