“All are welcome, All are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.”

With these words Marty Haugen anchors the hymn he wrote in 1994. The hymn calls for an acceptance of all people regardless of their background or belief.  Yes, he emphasizes “all.”  What a good reminder these words are, lest we begin to place qualifications on who we truly welcome.

And what is “this place” where all are welcome?  The text seems speaks of the church as God’s Place.  But is it just our church congregation? Or does it also include our home, our family, our community, our nation?  

The author emphasizes the beautiful thought that in this place, “the love of Christ shall end division.”  Lord, fill us with this love and lead us to share it.  Let our love, like yours, be unconditional.  Let this love fill our families, our church, our community, and the world beyond.  We cannot change the world, but we can “end division” one person at a time right here where we live.  Lord make it so.

Judy

The hymn, All Are Welcome by Marty Haugen, is presented here by St. Mary’s Music Ministry of the Church of St. Mary of the Angels.    Enjoy.