Sometimes when I see a beautiful sunrise, I recall the words to “Morning Has Broken”.
Morning has broken,
Like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken
Like the first bird;
Praise for the singing,
Praise for the morning,
Praise for them springing
Fresh from the Word.
(first verse)
I first heard this song sung by Cat Stevens back in the 1970’s. I assumed he had written the song. I later learned that this was not the case.
Eleanor Farjeon was the lyricist. She was born 140 years ago into a literary family. All her life, Eleanor suffered from poor eyesight. But even so, her words paint a vibrant picture of a pristine morning. All of our senses are encouraged to fully experience the freshness of the new day…. A new day full of possibilities.
Sweet the rain’s new fall,
Sunlit from heaven,
Like the first dewfall,
On the first grass,
Praise for the sweetness
Of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness
Where his feet pass.
(second verse)
Eleanor Farjeon was well-known in England as a children’s book author, poet, journalist and broadcaster. In 1931 Eleanor was commissioned to write a hymn that would give thanks for each day. Her verse was set to the Scottish Gaelic tune “Banessan”.
Gratitude and joy jubilantly burst forth in the final verse.
Mine is the sunlight,
Mine is the morning,
Born of the one light
Eden saw play;
Praise with elation,
Praise every morning,
God’s re-creation
Of the new day.
(third verse)
Yes. GIve thanks for each and every day.
It is God’s re-creation of the first day. Each morning, look out your window or step outside. Rejoice in the gift of this new day.
You might even sing a few lines of “Morning Has Broken.” Maybe sing all three verses.
I invite you to try this for a week.
Discover how your life changes when you begin each day with joy.
