A Hymn for Children That Need Rescuing | Sojourners

A Hymn for Children That Need Rescuing

Detainees sleep in a holding cell at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing facility, in Brownsville, Texas June 18, 2014. REUTERS/Eric Gay/Pool/
When we watch the rescue of children or youth,
O God of great mercy, may we see your truth—
That children are precious and you love each one.
They’re made in your image — each daughter, each son.
 
When we watch as children who crossed to this land
Are locked in detention as part of some plan,
May we be reminded that you love them, too;
They’re made in your image; they’re precious to you.
 
When we watch the little ones, hungry and poor,
Who wait as our great nation closes the door,
May we be reminded that as we treat them,
We’re looking at Jesus and so treating him.
 
O God, your Son taught us, and we know it’s true,
That each single person is precious to you.
O Lord, may we know it’s our mission today
To welcome the children — not turn them away.
 
To the tune of MUELLER 11.11.11.11 ("Away in a Manger")
 
Biblical References: Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17; Matthew 25:31-46
Tune: James Ramsey Murray, 1887 
Text: Copyright © 2018 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Please share this new hymn, completed on July 11, 2018, with others for their possible use in church and for their prayers and action. Thank you!
Carolyn gives permission for free use of this hymn to churches seeking to help immigrant children.
Ten more hymns to support immigrants and refugees are available at http://www.carolynshymns.com/topical_index.html#sublist_I