CHAPTER 1
Week One
Day 1
Psalm 25:1–10; Nehemiah 9:6–15; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
Ain't Dat Good News?
Got a crown up in de Kingdom, ain't dat good news?
Got a crown up in de Kingdom, ain't dat good news?
Refrain
I'm a goin' to lay down dis world,
Goin' to shoulder up mah cross,
Goin' to take it home to Jesus, ain't dat good news?
Got a harp up in de Kingdom, ain't dat good news?
Got a harp up in de Kingdom, ain't dat good news?
Refrain
Got a robe up in de Kingdom, ain't dat good news?
Got a robe up in de Kingdom, ain't dat good news?
Refrain
Got a slippers in de Kingdom, ain't dat good news?
Got a slippers in de Kingdom, ain't dat good news?
Refrain
Got a Savior in de Kingdom, ain't dat good news?
Got a Savior in de Kingdom, ain't dat good news?
Refrain
— Songs of Zion, 114
As we yearn for the future kingdom of God and gaze toward the other world, it is true that our hope for "de Kingdom" doesn't relieve us from "mah cross." The images of future crowns, harps, robes, and slippers provided good news, especially for those who didn't have the economic privilege to purchase crowns, harps, robes, or slippers. Those who had no shoes could rejoice in the heavenly slippers that were to come. Most of all, that a Savior was in the kingdom was good news. Moreover, the cross one carried could be given over to Jesus in the end as eternal relief, bringing joy and a sense of gladness, even if the world's situation was currently burdensome. To know that what one did not have in this world would be provided in the next gave hope in the present.
One doesn't want to be so otherworldly that he is no earthly good, but it's clear that, despite our shrinking from emphasizing a future home with "mah Jesus," there is a home prepared for us. This eternal home is our ultimate destiny. Good news is our end. Today may not be full of good news but we are marching toward it, and what we lack today will be given to us tomorrow. This is good news. Crowns as children of God. Harps to express the joy of our hearts. Robes to be clothed in light and righteousness. Slippers to walk all around the kingdom. A Savior to save us from ourselves and our pain. No more crosses to bear, just joys to share. Ain't dat good news? It is great news. Rejoice today.
For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him.
(1 Thess. 5:9–10)
Prayer for the Day
Good news God, thank you for a kingdom where we can lay down our crosses and find eternal rest.
Day 2
Psalm 25:1–10; Nehemiah 9:16–25; 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22
'Tis the Old Ship of Zion
Refrain
'Tis the old ship of Zion,
'Tis the old ship of Zion,
'Tis the old ship of Zion, Git on board, Git on board.
It has landed many a thousand,
It has landed many a thousand,
It has landed many a thousand,
Git on board, Git on board.
Ain't no danger in de water,
Ain't no danger in de water,
Ain't no danger in de water,
Git on board, Git on board.
It was good for my dear mother, ...
It was good for my dear father, ...
It will take you home to Glory, ...
— Songs of Zion, 131
Water can be refreshing. A cool drink on a hot day. A reviving swim in a pool when wearied after a long day's work. Moisture for plant soil after several dry days of the hot sun. Yet water can also be dangerous. Children drown in pools or in the ocean. Shark attacks take place near the beach shores during hot summer days. Celebrities have been found dead in bathtub water.
Waters can be treacherous from storms or, with those enslaved in mind, it is known that during the Middle Passage, many were thrown overboard from slave ships and left to drown in the seas. Water became a natural grave. No wonder we are told "ain't no danger in de water." To know there is safe passage in waters that have been detrimental is an encouragement.
Also, it is "the old ship of Zion" that will carry one safely. It is God who is faithful to lead the way and transport us to the other side, to home. And we know this isn't the first time God has done this. It has been done for the thousands, including our mothers and fathers. That cloud of witnesses calls to us across the waters, beckoning us to take the risk with God. Will you git on board and trust God, knowing that God has a history of helping? Ain't no danger on God's ship.
[Y]ou in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness; the pillar of cloud that led them in the way did not leave them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night that gave them light on the way by which they should go. You gave your good spirit to instruct them, and did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and gave them water for their thirst. For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness so that they lacked nothing; their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.
(Neh. 9:19–21)
Prayer for the Day
[Faithful God, though the seas can be sinister, help us to realize that your ship will keep us safe.
Day 3
Psalm 25:1–10; Nehemiah 9:26–31; Luke 21:20–24
Come Out de Wilderness
Tell me, how did you feel when you
come out de wilderness,
come out de wilderness,
come out de wilderness?
How did you feel when you
come out de wilderness?
Leaning on de Lord,
Refrain
I'm a leaning on de Lord,
I'm a leaning on de Lord,
I'm a leaning on de Lord,
Who died on Calvary.
Well, I loved ev'rybody when I
come out de wilderness,
come out de wilderness,
come out de wilderness?
Loved ev'rybody when I
come out de wilderness?
Leaning on de Lord,
Refrain
Well, my soul was so happy when I
come out de wilderness,
come out de wilderness,
come out de wilderness?
Soul was so happy when I
come out de wilderness?
Leaning on de Lord,
Refrain
— Songs of Zion, 136
The spiritual for today emphasizes "come out de wilderness." It is the linguistic motif that overshadows even "leaning on de Lord." Why might that be? First, it is the recognition that the wilderness is a common human experience. It is a part of the Christian journey and unavoidable. That one word — wilderness — echoes in the ears of any singer. The wilderness is a wild place with no water, no food, seemingly unaccompanied by anyone or anything. It is a trying place, a dry desert for a parched people. Second, we see the affirmation that not only is the wilderness a reality but that we will "come out" of it. This is a promise — that trouble "don't last always" and neither do wildernesses. Trouble is for a time perhaps, but not for eternity. We will "come out."
And God will provide the way out of the wilderness for we have been "leaning on de Lord." The refrain stresses this and each verse ends with this phrase to remind us that no one comes out of the wilderness without God, without leaning on the everlasting arms of the Lord. We can't "come out" without help. But if we lean, we will learn how we've been changed through the wilderness experience.
The third suggestion in this spiritual is that we will come out of the wilderness as different people. How else could we love everybody when we come out? We are happy because of the freedom from the wilderness. There's great relief from coming out, but this will only occur if we lean on God. Just as each verse closes with that notion, may we always end up doing the same thing: "leaning on de Lord."
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
(Ps. 25:4–5)
Prayer for the Day
Though I endure a wilderness, help me, O God, to realize that I can lean on you for deliverance because you will lead me out of the wilderness to a path of happiness.
Day 4
Jeremiah 33:14–16; Psalm 25:1–10; Luke 21:25–36; 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13
Hold Out to the End
All dem Mount Zion member, dey have many ups and
downs;
But cross come or no come, for to hold out to the end.
Hold out to the end, hold out to the end.
It is my 'termination for to hold out to the end.
— Slave Songs of the United States (1867), 76
As we celebrate this Advent season, remembering the coming of Christ to the world, his first coming and eventual second coming, it is true that perseverance and patience are necessary. From the days of my youth, and maybe yours, I've heard "soon and very soon" but "soon" seems to be taking a while, a long while. While we wait for the coming of the Son of Man, we can't live in the clouds of glory; we live through life on earth with its "many ups and downs." All people of God, or as this spiritual says, "All dem Mount Zion member," have highs and lows in life. This is human existence on earth.
But what sets the people of God apart is their "'termination for to hold out to the end." There is an embedded hope in us that propels us forward to hold out to the end, believing that redemption is near. This dogged faith is what is required when we wait with seemingly no end in sight, a faith that will last till the end. The end is with God, so waiting and holding out is worth it. Ups and downs occur, but in the end God will be there. It will be worth the wait.
There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see "the Son of Man coming in a cloud" with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
(Luke 21:25–28)
Prayer for the Day
Through my ups and downs, help me to never give up and never lose hope that You, O God, are my beginning and my end. Let the hope of tomorrow reshape my today.
Day 5
Numbers 17:1–11; Psalm 90; 2 Peter 3:1–18
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Refrain
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home:
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see,
Coming for to carry me home?
A band of angels coming after me,
Coming for to carry me home.
Refrain
If you get there before I do,
Coming for to carry me home;
Tell all my friends I'm coming too,
Coming for to carry me home.
Refrain
I'm sometimes up, I'm sometimes down,
Coming for to carry me home;
But still my soul feels heavenly bound,
Coming for to carry me home.
Refrain
— Songs of Zion, 104
This classic, well-known spiritual is a favorite for many people across the world. It paints the picture of going home, of being heavenly bound. There's joy in this song, a deep yearning and hope to be carried home. "Home" is popular in many spirituals as the enslaved were separated from their native homes, thus their families and friends and cultures. Home is where one is known and loved. Home can be the epitome of community. It is a place of refuge and safety. This is why the old saying is true: "There's no place like home." You can't escape "home," as it is repeated over and over again in this spiritual; and on the call-and-response verses, "coming for to carry me home" is sung by the whole community, bringing greater emphasis to this hope.
The hope for home includes the notion that we can't get there by our own power. We can't reach the other side of Jordan with being clever or networked. There is a deep belief that we will be carried home by this sweet chariot. We need help to make it home, finally. In the meantime, we keep moving toward the end, not knowing when the chariot will swing low to pick us up for the eternal ride. We keep moving, just as this spiritual was not only about going to heaven but going to freedom on earth, even reaching the North to be out of slavery. Home is where we will be free. God wants us to be free. God want us to find our home in him, the One who is our refuge and strength, our strong tower. Come home, not to your neighborhood, but to the abiding, loving presence of God.
But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.
(2 Pet. 3:8–10)
Prayer for the Day
Dear Lord, carry me home to your presence in the midst of today's ups and downs. Swing by and touch me with the hope of our eternal home.
Day 6
2 Samuel 7:18–29; Psalm 90; Revelation 22:12–16
Good News, the Chariot's Coming
Refrain
Good news, the chariot's coming,
Good news, the chariot's coming,
Good news, the chariot's coming,
And I don't want-her to leave-a-me behind.
It's a golden chariot, — Carry me home,
A golden chariot, — Carry me home,
A golden chariot, — Carry me home,
And I don't want-her to leave-a-me behind.
Refrain
There's a long white robe, In the heaven I know;
A long white robe, — In the heaven I know;
A long white robe, — In the heaven I know;
And I don't want-her to leave-a-me behind.
Refrain
— Folk Song of the American Negro (1915), 49
If we gaze out on the landscape of current events, it would be easy to see lots of bad news — violence, hatred, poverty, discrimination, civil wars — the list seems to be eternal. Tragedy is so prevalent it appears to be a comedy, a laughingstock of our human plight, laughing to keep from crying. Pain is perpetual in our day, even if we consider the physical ailments of others. This raw truth is everywhere in the spirituals. Melancholic misery resonates through these songs.
At the same time, hope is born through them. Hope, both otherworldly and this-worldly, is present. Amid brutal degradation, the human imagination peers into eternity and sees long white robes and golden chariots. It envisions a better day, another day, another world, God's world. There's a faithful recognition that all we see is not all there is. Empirical studies can't erase eternal realities. There is "good news" in this upbeat spiritual. Good news that a chariot is coming, or as Jesus says, "I am coming soon." There's so much active love from God that God chooses to come to us, even without our permission or volition. The chariot's coming. God is coming. Coming to you to carry you. This is good news, indeed. Receive the good news because I don't want you to be left behind.
"See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone's work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."
(Rev. 22:12–13)
Prayer for the Day
When no one else cares, when no one else sees, you see my need and you come to carry me. Come and allow me to experience the joy and good news of your presence.
Day 7
Psalm 90; Isaiah 1:24–31; Luke 11:29–32
I've Been 'Buked
I've been 'buked an' I've been scorned,
I've been 'buked an' I've been scorned, children.
I've been 'buked an' I've been scorned,
I've been talked about sho's you' born.
Dere is trouble all over dis worl',
Dere is trouble all over dis worl', children.
Dere is trouble all over dis worl',
Dere is trouble all over dis worl'.
Ain' gwine lay my 'ligion down,
Ain' gwine lay my 'ligion down, children.
Ain' gwine lay my 'ligion down,
Ain' gwine lay my 'ligion down.
— Songs of Zion, 143
The Christian journey is not all roses. There are also thorns. There are times when you might say, "I've been 'buked an' I've been scorned." Maybe you've been the topic of conversations for ill purposes or you've endured broken relations. Beyond your own personal orbit, the world is just as bad. You can't miss that fact as we hear repeated: "Dere is trouble all over dis worl'." Advent isn't just a time of the coming of God. It is a time of judgment, something not discussed often in the church, a time of searching and penitence. Grace is so much more popular, yet there's a time when scorning happens and trouble terrorizes. How do you respond when grace seems to have taken a vacation?
Advent is also a season of waiting. It takes patience, even through tough times. But the question remains whether you will respond like this spiritual, "Ain' gwine lay my 'ligion down," translated, "I'm not going to lay my religion down." I'm not going to lay aside my faith. I may not understand everything that is happening in my life. I may be enduring a rough path in life right now but I am determined not to lay aside my religion, my faith, God. The decision to not lay aside one's faith is really an acknowledgment that God didn't bring you this far to leave you, that God has been faithful on your journey, that you can count on God because God has proven that God cares. The storms may come, the winds may blow, tornadoes may spin, but let this be the day of determination in your life to refuse to give in to the troubles of the world and assert "Ain' gwine lay my 'ligion down." Why would you? God has never laid you down but laid his own life down in Christ for you.
