It was quite a moving moment when a giant bundle of rainbow coloured balloons was released, tethered to a ribbon that was 28 feet (8.5 meters), to show how high a bundle of balloons, symbolizing peace, would need to be raised to be seen on the far side of the Barrier Wall that surrounds Bethlehem. In the photo below, which is taken from a photo near my desk, you can see the bundle floating high in the front corner of the sanctuary. It's difficult to imagine what this height feels like, but when it's close and in proportion to a familiar space, it is a little stunning to see how high these barrier walls actually are.
It is virtually always a wonderful thing to hear the sound of an all ages choir. The wonderful harmonics of so many voices enthusiastically singing together has such a wonderfully honesty to it that the overall gift of this sound is indescribable in its authenticity.
Props we used included quite a few mason jars with coloured green paper inside. The label for the 'One Way Olive Branches Spread' had the ingredients to peace written on the side, which was duplicated in the program and can be read below.
One Way – finale
There is a time that we know we must look for a light Or we stumble and fall in the dead of the night There is a time when we can find what was lost and see What we sought is near, as we always believed There is a time that we all try to look once again In the faces of strangers, in the presence of friends There is a power that changes to right what was wrong From the young to the old, from the meek to the strong It is true: It is there in your heart Can you find a new way? Can you make a new start? Things will change: It is more than a dare 'Cause you have it inside To show that you care Pray for the light That will lead to a glorious day May it brighten your path In manifest ways Believe that the strength In your soul will allow you the grace To replace the pain With love in its place It is true: We are hearing the call Like the promise of spring It is there for us all Peace on earth is the song of today There is ever the love That will guide us that way
Have you tried the ingredients today for peace? Have you reached for heaven? Have you dropped to your knees? Have you sought to speak to your enemy face to face? Have you questioned your view of what is taking place? Have you thought of the children of the human race? Have you sought to believe in the power of grace? There is a time when we can find what was lost and see What we sought is near, as we always believed It is true: It is there in your heart Can you find a new way? Can you make a new start? Things will change: It is more than a dare 'Cause you have it inside To show that you care Pray for the light That will lead to a glorious day May it brighten your path In manifest ways This is the time When we find what was lost and see What we sought is near As we always believed What we sought is here As we always believed What we sought is here As we always believed! Written by David A. Buckley (SOCAN) © 2006 all rights reserved I need to find some better resolution photos to include with our story. Below is a quick pic before the performance.
Olive Branches Spread
Ingredients for Peace
1. Drop to your knees and reach for heaven
2. Speak to your enemy many times face to face
3. Seek a mutual friend to serve as a mediator
4. Look in the eyes of the children in your way
5. Tell all children why they matter each day
6. Respect the lines where mutual peace was found
7. Respect the whole world as holy ground
"Follow this recipe for Peace on Earth now"
Contents in this jar:
Genuine Holy Land Olives
Olive Oil, Vinegar, Garlic Salt
and Special Secret Spices