Thursday 4 November 2010

Jesus Holy Shepherd of the World (music video)



Jesus Holy Shepherd of the World
Fussing in a manger dark and cold
A lamb among the wolves
To sleep you're finally lulled
Jesus holy shepherd of the world

Jesus holy shepherd of the world
Gently bringing lost sheep to your fold
Stubborn, make our own way
Shoulder, carry home
Jesus holy shepherd of the world

Carry us Jesus, won't you carry all your lambs
Carry us Jesus, won't you carry all your lambs
Through green meadows and dark valleys
Your rod and staff make us secure
Jesus holy shepherd of the world


Jesus holy shepherd of the world
Standing in the center of your throne
The bloodied lamb is worthy
To open up the scroll
Soon you'll come again and
Make our half-lives whole
We dig our tear-stained faces deep
Into your pure white wool
Jesus holy shepherd of the world

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I wrote this song during the winter of 2008. Our daughter, Kate, had recently been born and I was struggling with a lack of sleep, lack of time to myself/with God, and stress at work. The dark was also getting to me (S.A.D.). In short, I think I was depressed, and possibly some symptoms of hypoglycemia were showing up as well...I really needed Jesus to carry me for the next few months! (It wasn't long after that my health issues with fatigue started.) I was encouraged by scriptures such as Psalm 23, first memorized when I was 6 years old, that has been a comfort to me for years. I noticed that Jesus is often referred to in the Bible as both a lamb and a shepherd, and I tried to communicate that through these words. I shelved it for awhile and edited it over time, trying to make it singable by a congregation (in the plural form, keeping it short, etc.). I eventually did lead it at church a few months ago and received much positive feedback, but haven't led it again as it isn't the sort of song you can just throw in a set (ala Lord I lift your name on high). I hope to share it with the world through YouTube and hope people enjoy my quirky video. :)

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Glad I finally came to your blog!
This is a beautiful song!!
I understand you took all the video yourself too. Just love your creativity.
NJP