For my Lenten Devotional this year, aside from giving up Starbucks (a struggle in itself!), I embarked on a journey called "40 Days of Disney" where I offered commentary on the top forty Disney animated songs of all time (according to my own bias). These devotions can still be found at www.theharlequincomplex.com/wordpress. As luck would have it, the list began at number forty with Tarzan's "Two Worlds." Here's an excerpt from that first devotion:
It seems fitting that the opening line of the first song chosen for a Disney Devotional is “Put yourfaith in what you most believe in.” Of course, the song never explicitly says what that “belief” is, but hidden in these classic Phil Collins’ lyrics is an abundance of Christian truths. The song speaks to “hope” despite “broken hearts” and “tears.” It also echoes the Christian sentiment that all humans are created by the same God and part of the same family, despite cultural, ethnic, racial, socio-economic, or even religious differences. Finally, the chorus itself, “Two worlds, one family,” is a beautiful explanation of the work of Christ, himself, who despite being fully divine, entered into our world, also fully human, as “Emmanuel,” or, “God with us,” and let us know that, “Somewhere something is calling for you.”
Paul speaks of the reconciliation of these “Two Worlds,” in 2 Corinthians 5: 20-21 where he writes, “So we are ambassadors who represent Christ. God is negotiating with you through us. We beg you as Christ’s representatives, “Be reconciled to God!” God caused the one who didn’t know sin to be sin for our sake so that through him we could become the righteousness of God.” (CEB).
Emmanuel, we pray your kingdom come on earth so that our two worlds may be one, and earth may be as it is in heaven. We thank you for your presence here and now in our hearts, reminding us of the great unity we have with all of creation. May this hurting world be reconciled through your love and grace. We pray in your holy name, Amen.
Directors notes continued...
