MAY THE FEET OF GOD WALK WITH YOU (A CHRISTMAS BLESSING)

1983. Aub Podlich, friend from way back and Lutheran pastor in Queensland, sent me A Christmas Blessing/May the feet of God walk with you together with a lot of other poems towards the end of 1982. It was a busy time, and it wasn't until January '83 that I sat down to put a tune to it. The words sang themselves — a two minute melody! Many people have obviously thought that the 8 lines don't say quite enough, and have added their own verses for weddings, funerals, anything! Though there may be occasions when some extra words seem desirable, Aub likes it as it is, and so do I (usually sung twice). Sometimes less equals more. As your servant Patrick prayed long ago, may you be behind and before me, above and below me. May your presence that we celebrate at Christmas stay with us through every day and night of the year.