By the rivers of Babylon

By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
There on the poplars we hung our harps...
How can we sing the Lord's song while in a foreign land?
(Psalm 137)

We live in unusual times. Four months ago the world we knew was turned upside down. Almost everything changed. We have been living in a foreign land.

As the summer holidays get underway this year things are changing again. Businesses, community facilities and churches are gradually reopening. Although the changes are welcome this is no return to the old world. COVID 19 has changed everything. 

Worshipping together in our church buildings will be different. Our harps must be left 'hanging on the poplars' for now. Many will wonder how, without music, we will manage to 'sing' the Lord's song in this foreign land.

When Israel returned from exile in Babylon the people faced similar challenges. During the years in exile the traditions were kept alive in the hope that one day worship would be as it was before. Eventually the Temple was rebuilt and they were able to sing the Lord's song once again.

Christian worship this summer not be as it was before. As we begin to meet together we do so in hope that sometime soon we will be able to reclaim the 'harps' and sing praise once again.