Mary Sang of Revolution

Mary Sang of Revolution
A new hymn for Advent
Words and music by Henry Lebedinsky
after a sermon by the Rev. Chris McPeak
Natalie Ingrisano, soprano
Henry Lebedinsky, organ
Mary sang of revolution,
What the reign of God would be:
Unjust systems overturning,
Justice flowing like a stream.
Scattered are the proud and haughty,
Mighty cast down from their throne;
All who hunger filled with plenty,
Rich left empty and alone.
Mary sang of revolution
On the night of Jesus’ birth.
Stars and angels joined the chorus
When God’s son came down to earth.
As they fled from Herod’s army,
As he grew both wise and strong,
Son and mother joined together
In God’s revolution song.
Turning tables in the temple,
Calling out hypocrisy,
Speaking truth to wealth and power:
Jesus lived her prophecy.
Like a mother, arms outstretching
In a sign of love so wide
That the whole world it encompassed:
So upon the cross he died.
Then once more did Mary cradle
Her dear son in love's embrace,
As the cost of revolution
Carved its sorrows in her face.
Yet her grief was not to linger -
She was with the first of those
Who upon that Easter morning
Greeted Jesus as he rose.
We must sing of revolution,
Add our voice to Mary’s song:
Power and empire overthrowing,
Righting centuries of wrong.
Like a mother’s rending labor,
To God’s reign must we give birth.
Through the pain, a new creation:
Peace and justice on the earth.
Words and music (c) 2020 Henry Lebedinsky