♬ Let Us Build a House ♬

Let us build a house where all are named,
their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured,
taught and claimed
as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter,
prayers of faith and songs of grace;
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.

Marty Haugen, American composer of hymns, in "Let Us Build a House" (1994)

The babies have appeared in the nest that momma and poppa robins worked so hard to build among the protective branches of a tree beside my parents home. New life, whether in the nest, the garden or in our family is heart-warming, as is one of my favourite hymns by Marty Haugen that filled the church this morning. For me, the lyrics extend beyond the church to my home and my soul.

Let us build a house where love can dwell,
and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell
how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
rock of faith and walls of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.