Deep in the Shadows of the Past

1 Deep in the shadows of the past,
far out from settled lands,
some nomads traveled with their God
across the desert sands.
The dawning hope of humankind
was glimpsed by them alone:
a promise calling them ahead,
a future yet unknown.

2 While others bowed to changeless gods
they met a mystery,
invisible, without a name:
"I AM WHAT I WILL BE";
and by their tents, around their fires
in story, song and law,
they praised, remembered, handed on
a past that promised more.

3 From Abraham to Nazareth
the promise changed and grew,
while some, remembering the past,
recorded what they knew,
and some, in letters or laments,
in prophecy and praise,
recovered, held, and re-expressed
new hope for changing days.

4 For all the writings that survived
for leaders, long ago,
who sifted, chose, and then preserved
the Bible that we know,
give thanks, and find its promise yet
our comfort, strength and call,
the working model of our faith,
alive with hope for all.