Time Now to Gather ‎#1

1. A Mother Lined a Basket

A mother lined a basket
to keep her baby dry,
then rocked him on a river,
lest he awake and cry.
She let a princess name him
her son that he might live.
God's people had a leader.
She had such hope to give.

A mother sewed a jacket,
lined in the softest wool,
then dressed her little boy-child,
her cup of blessing full.
She brought him to the temple
where he would serve and live.
God's people had a prophet.
She had such faith to give.

A mother laid her baby
in manger lined with straw;
then, in the shepherds' story,
his call from God foresaw.
She nurtured him and taught him
the way that he must live.
God's people had a savior.
She had such love to give.

Like Jochebed and Hannah,
and Mary too, we know
the hardest part of loving
is learning to let go,
so when we send our children
out in the world to live,
grant us such hope and faith, God,
and love enough to give.

Text Information

• First Line: A mother lined a basket
• Title: A Mother Lined a Basket
• Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn (1997)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1999
• Scripture:
  Exodus 2:1-10
  ;
  Exodus 6:20
  ;
  1 Samuel 1
  ;
  Luke 2
• Topic: Jesus: Mary's son; Sacrifice; Women in the Bible: Jochebed; Women in the Bible: Hannah; Women in the Bible: Mary
• Source: Time Now to Gather
• Copyright: © 1998 Abingdon Press
• ONE LICENSE: 00382
• Notes: Hymn appears in The Faith We Sing (Abingdon, 2000) and Sing the Faith (Geneva Press, 2003). An anthem setting is available from Choristers Guild, "Love Enough to Give," CGA 808.

Tune Information

• Name: WEST MAIN
• Composer: John D. Horman (1997)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Key: F Major
• Source: Time Now to Gather
• Copyright: © 1998 Abingdon Press