Everyday Encounter...
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"World in Union", with lyrics by Charlie Skarbek, is a theme song for the Rugby World Cup that attempts to capture the spirit of international friendship which pervades rugby union culture the world over. The melody is "Thaxted" — the stately theme from the middle section of "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity", a movement from Gustav Holst’s "The Planets". (from Wikipedia) There's something special about Rugby. I love it. I'm far more familiar with the international game than club rugby, but I really don't think there is another sport quite like it: the brutality, physicality, fitness, and skill; the passion, ambition, blood, sweat and tears; the inherent respect for the referee, the sight of people working together in such tight units... I could go on! And then there's the fan culture, more akin to crickets than football, with the conflict staying on the pitch, pints being consumed alongside rival fans, and the love for the game triumphing over anything else. The other factor that comes into play in the international scene is the pride for country, the tribal dances, and the national anthems. "World in Union" is a fitting anthem for bringing it all together There are a completely different set of reflections to be made about individual anthems, including the poignancy of the Irish anthem for an Ireland standing tall together, the benefits of having God save our Queen, not to mention the antagonistic tones of "Flower of Scotland". But this hymn, because that's pretty much what it is, is beautiful: What a world that would be! Can you imagine it? What if the world adopted it as an anthem, instead of asking God to bless just one country, or unite just two (or indeed have an anthem that just sticks two fingers up at their southern neighbours!)? Personally, I can't help but hear Kingdom overtones throughout it, as if they've captured the very essence of what Jesus came to preach and do. Roll on the new age! Lyrics:
There’s a dream, I feel So rare, so real All the world in union The world as one Gathering together One mind, one heart Every creed, every colour Once joined, never apart Searching for the best in me I will find what I can be If I win, lose or draw It’s a victory for all It’s the world in union The world as one As we climb to reach our destiny A new age has begun We may face high mountains Must cross rough seas We must take our place in history And live with dignity Just to be the best I can That’s the goal for every man If I win, lose or draw It’s a victory for all It’s the world in union The world as one As we climb to reach our destiny A new age has begun It’s the world The world in union A new age has begun
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Lent 2023 PlaylistIf you'd rather listen and come to your own conclusions about the eclectic mix of songs I'm working through in Lent 2023, here's the Spotify Playlist! Archives
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