Stratton Methodist Church

You were

You were born in the night,

Destined to bring us light,

You were a bright, shining star,

Broadcasting God’s mercy, and redemption afar,

You were holy,

Though your birth was lowly,

You were a baby, mild and meek,

You were the one who encouraged us, to ask, knock, seek,

You were an infant with a gentle face,

Making our world special, full of grace,

You were in a unique position,

Spreading love, was your earthly mission,

You were a studious child,

Always trying hard, not running wild,

In Jerusalem’s temple, when you were 12 years old,

Asking questions, that were challenging and bold,

You were seated in your Father’s house, learning,

A thirst for knowledge, with heavenly fire burning,

You were waiting, the gospel to proclaim,

Good News means, treating everybody the same,

You were inclusive, never selective,

You were a beacon, always effective,

You were not one to unfairly show favour,

You were compassionate, you were our Saviour,

You were the one bringing new life for all,

Every false idol, every false God, must fall,

You were the one who came to deliver,

You were unselfish, you were a giver,

You were a prince, bringing peace,

Helping God’s kingdom, to increase,

You were the one who stepped up and acted,

You weren’t deterred, by how others reacted,

You were not afraid to take necessary measures,

You weren’t concerned with earthly riches, or treasures,

You were led by a faith that was sure,

That the real treasures lie, beyond heaven’s door,

You were the vine,

Sent from God, divine,

You were the one who believed, who knew,

We are the branches, rooted in you,

You were the one who knew that you must,

Show respect, and nurture trust,

You were a judge, fair,

Showing us how to share,

You were part of our family,

Saved a man, who climbed a tree,

You were the one who drove demons out,

The belief you held, was never in doubt,

You were the one who healed, when your cloak was touched,

By a sick woman, because her faith was so much,

She knew she’d be cured,

She worshiped and adored,

You were the one who made the leper clean,

Doing good deeds, never unseen,

You were not one to hide away,

Performing miracles, love on display,

Looking after others,

Treating everyone as brothers,

You were a breath of fresh air,

Teaching disciples, how to care,

You were on God’s path, walking,

A public speaker, good at talking,

You were brave,

You helped to save,

For those who were lonely and lost,

You were the one, who paid the cost,

You were kind,

With a faithful mind,

You were never involved in a riot,

You were gentle, you were quiet,

You were calmly spoken, didn’t need to shout,

You followed God, you were devout,

You were a traveller, a wandering nomad,

You were the one with the gift to make our hearts glad,

You were a rock, a Godly connection,

You were our anchor, offering peace and affection,

You were our safety net,

To you, we owe a great debt,

You journeyed loyally, on God’s pathway,

Gave us hope, taught us how to pray,

You walked the road, rough, narrow and long,

You didn’t fit in, you didn’t belong,

You were not afraid to stand out from the crowd,

Stick up for others, make us proud,

You were honest, caring and good,

You cherished others, in each neighbourhood,

You were encouraging, our best of friends,

For our sins, you were the one to make amends,

You were keen not to shy away,

From difficult situations, that you faced each day,

You were healing to the lame,

You treated everyone, exactly the same,

You were wise, you didn’t fight,

To the blind, you gave new sight,

You were a role model to all,

Following God, standing tall,

You were the one who didn’t ask for heavenly insight,

You trusted the Father, to do what was right,

You were the personification of God’s love, on earth,

You were our gift, of infinite worth,

You were blessed by our Father above,

Baptised in the spirit, in the form of a dove,

You were ordinary, lived a life that was true,

Is it possible, can I be like that too?

Striving to be more like you,

To be kind and helpful, in all I do?

By setting a good example, I really should,

Act and behave, just as you would,

Can I change all of my unchristian ways?

Follow God, for all of my days?

And finally, can it be,

That ‘you’ becomes ‘me’?