CHILDERMAS FIRST LESSON & CANTICLE
THE OPENING PROCLAMATION
A different Child proclaims each phrase; all the Children serving echo each phase as a chorus. The congregation stands in attentive silence.
JRST Deuteronomy 14:1-2; 4:7,9
You are the children of the LORD your God. R.
You are a people holy to the LORD your God. R.
The LORD has chosen you from all the nations of the earth. R.
Hear now, these principles and teachings; do them today that you may live well. R.
Take great care about your deepest self; and guard your very life. R.
Do not forget any of these things which your own eyes have seen. R.
Never let them depart from your heart all the days of your life. R.
Teach them to your children and to their descendents after them. R.
FIRST READING
The reading may be preceded by a relevant very short news clipping, which may be accompanied by slides or other media. There are many examples of rejected and displaced children. The problem of an adequate and safe water supply is also suggested by the reading.
A reading from the Book of Genesis: God saves the child of Hagar left to die in the desert.
JRST Genesis Chapter 21: 5-19 Abraham was a hundred years old when the birth of his son Isaac took place. Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter! Everyone who hears about this will rejoice with me." Then she said, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? I have borne him a son in his old age." And the child grew and was weaned; on that day Abraham held a great feast. However, Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking Isaac. She said to Abraham, "Get rid of that slave woman and her son! No son of that slave is going to share the inheritance with my son Isaac!" The matter was very difficult for Abraham because it concerned his son. But God said to him, "Do not grieve about the boy and his mother, your slave-girl. Listen to what Sarah tells you, through Isaac your descendants shall be called. But I will make the son of the slave-girl into a nation also, because he is your child." So Abraham rose up very early the next morning. He took some loaves and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He sat the boy on her shoulder and then sent her off. She departed and wandered in the solitude of desert. When the water was used up, she placed the child under the shade of a tree. Then she went off about the distance of a bowshot, for she thought, "I cannot watch the boy die." And as she sat in that place, she began to cry out in protest. And the boy began to sob. God heard the voice of the child, and an angel of God came to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "Do not be afraid, Hagar. God has heard the child crying from his place. Arise, lift the boy up, take him in your arms, for I will make from him a great nation."
And God opened her eyes so that she discovered a flowing spring. So filled the skin with water and gave the child a drink.
CANTICLE PARAPHASE OF ISAIAH 35:1-10
JRST v. 1 Rejoice thirsty desert; the barren landscape shall become adorned with lilies
The solitary places of Jordan shall bloom with flowers and celebrate with jubilant song.
Response (Gen 21:17 and Isaiah 35:6).
Do not be afraid; God has heard the child crying.
A spring will gush forth in the wilderness and streams shall flow in the desert.
JRST v. 2 The grandeur of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
The people shall see the glory of the Lord, the brilliant presence of our God. Response.
JRST v. 3, 4 Strengthen those with weak hands and invigorate those with paralyzed legs.
Give courage to one another, O you fainthearted. Be resolute and do not fear.
God will return judgment. God will repay. God will come and save us. Response.
JRST v. 5 Then the eyes that were once blind will see, and the ears that were once deaf shall hear.
Then shall the crippled leap like a deer, and the silent tongue speak out. Response.
JRST v. 7 The burning sand will become marshland. A fountain of water shall be poured over the thirsty land. In the glad home of birds, grass and reeds shall grow. Response.
JRST v. 8 And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. Wicked fools will not travel there; it will be for those who walk in the Way; Response.
JRST v. 9 No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the LORD will return. Response.
JRST v. 10 They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Response.
CANTICLE PRAYER
“O GOD, HEAR THE CRIES OF THE CHILDREN”
God of Abraham lead us on the Way of Holiness. Help us water the deserts of the world and make the wilderness blossom.
Let them come alive with water, food and flowers for the children of humanity.
Response O God, hear the cries of the children.
Free us from the wickedness of abandoned and unwanted children.
Save them from the beasts that roam dark and deserted places.
From the jackals and fools who desire to exploit them.
Response O God, hear the cries of the children.
Heal the disabled and disfigured children of our planet.
Strengthen their hands, steady their feet, take away their sorrow and crying, Crown them with gladness, let them sing with joy.
Response. O God, hear the cries of the children