This song has version with the Christmas Story and a version covering pretty much the rest of Jesus’ career. It from Heaven Shall Not Wait a songbook from the Iona Community. The refrain would obviously suit a liturgy involving the Trinity. Hand gestures are recommended when used with children.
This is a good text to look at their method. John Bell and Graham Maule use prosaic words to a poetic end. This gives a freshness to their texts that is most welcome.
It is set to Buy Broom Besoms, which is a traditional Geordie tune for a change.
Refrain
Bless the Son of Mary! Bless the God above!
Bless the Holy Spirit, Trinity of love!
Christmas version
1 When the Son of Mary found his place on earth,
People of importance missed out on his birth.
2 When the Son of Mary wearied for his bed,
Straw and wool were gathered round the cattle shed.
3 When the Son of Mary sucked his mother’s breast,
Joseph kept a lookout fearing Herod’s quest.
4 When the Son of Mary cried a baby’s cry,
Stable guest kept silent: God could yell and sigh!
5 When the Son of Mary comes this Christmas morn,
Make your heart the manger where his love is born.
General version
1 When the Son of Mary walked beside the sea,
Nets were needing mending, folk were needing free.
2 When the Son of Mary walked along the street,
Health he brought to lepers, cripples to their feet.
3 When the Son of Mary walked across the square,
Children turned to dancing, adults turned to stare.
4 When the Son of Mary walked up to the cross,
God saw him as winner, others saw his loss.
5 When the Son of Mary walks our world today,
It’s our feet he uses when his words we say.
Words: John L. Bell & Graham Maule, copyright © 1987 Wild Goose Resource Group/ WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow G2 3DH, Scotland. Melody: ‘Buy Broom Besoms’, Geordie traditional. Websites: wgrg.co.uk & holycity-glasgow.co.uk