Do Not Turn Away the Children

Representative Text

“Do not turn away the children.
Let them come to me instead,
For to them belongs the kingdom.
Make them welcome!” Christ, you said.
As we hear your words of blessing
That you spoke when they drew near,
Can we hear your love addressing
Needs of children we see here?

Do not turn your back on children
Hungry, hunted in Darfur;*
Give them justice, food and welcome,
Make their homes and lives secure.
Don’t neglect the world of children
Who have AIDS and HIV,
For to them belongs the kingdom.
Give them health care that they need.

Do not tell the nation’s children,
“Schools are what we can’t afford!”
Give them all good education;
Teach them well, both rich and poor.
Do not hurry past the children
Longing for your love this day;
For to them belongs the kingdom;
Give them time, don’t turn away.

Do not miss the faith of children
Who have questions deep inside,
For to them belongs the kingdom;
Wonder with them, be their guide.
Jesus, as we hear your blessing
For those ones you welcomed in,
May our deeds reflect your caring
As we welcome them again!

*Alternative wording, “Who know violence, pain and war.”


Source: Songs of Grace: new hymns for God and neighbor #23

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has been a pastor in rural, small town, suburban, and city churches; she has also served as a hospice chaplain, a hospital chaplain, and a school bus aide helping children with special needs. She and her husband Bruce are pastors of the First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego, NY. Carolyn is a gifted hymn writer who has written over 400 hymns. These hymns have been sung by congregations throughout the United States and around the world — from the Washington National Cathedral to St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland to St. George's Cathedral in Cape Town, South Africa to small town churches and small household congregations; they have also been sung at national church and international ecumenical meetin… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: "Do not turn away the children
Title: Do Not Turn Away the Children
Original Language: English
Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (2007)
Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
Language: English
Publication Date: 2007
Copyright: Copyright © 2007 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved

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Text

Songs of Grace #23

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