By Melodious Monk

This well known and beautifully simple hymn was originally written to teach children the Apostles’ creed by an Irish woman in the mid 1800’s. Though written for young people, it reminds, and teaches to some of us bigger children, lessons we may have forgotten. Through some of nature’s local examples, the hymn writer spends seven verses explaining to the kids the start of the creed “I believe in God the father Almighty the make of heaven and earth.”  So simple, and yet so profound. Jesus tells us not to worry, for everything is in God’s hands and control. This sounds so simplistic, and I blow it off without even finishing the sentence. Yet it is true; like children we are hungry and needy and dependent on God, but also like children we are full of wonder, creativity, playfulness and joy! It is not a negative to be dependent on someone else, or to be child-like. If you know the tune, try humming it to yourself or singing one of the verses, chances are it might make you smile!

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all. 

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;

The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them high and lowly,
And ordered their estate.

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one;

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows for our play,
The rushes by the water,
To gather every day;

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.