Daily Devotion – January 24, 2022 – James L. Boyce

O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright (ELW 308, Verses 4-5)

4 Almighty Father, in your Son
You loved us, when not yet begun
Was this old earth’s foundation!
Your Son has ransomed us in love
To live in him here and above:
This is your great salvation.
Alleluia!
Christ the living,
To us giving
Life forever,
Keeps us yours and fails us never!

5 What joy to know, when life is past,
The Lord we love is first and last,
The end and the beginning!
He will one day, oh, glorious grace,
Transport us to that happy place
Beyond all tears and sinning!
Amen!
Amen!
Come, Lord Jesus!
Crown of gladness!
We are yearning
For the day of your returning.

Devotion

Earlier this week the psalmist celebrated the “steadfast love” of God that surrounds all God’s people. Verse four of our hymn pretty much says it all: “In your Son you loved us, ransomed us in love to live in him here and above; this is your salvation. Christ the living, gives us life, keeps us yours and fails us never!”

What better reason to join verse five’s invitation to break out and blend all our joy with harps and voices. We can hardly do better as a mantra for Epiphany and this New Year than to join in celebration of God’s steadfast love in Jesus our Lord “For Christ goes with us all the way—today, tomorrow, ev’ry day. His love is never ending! Sing out! Ring out! Jubilation, Exultation!” Yes indeed! “Tell the story! Praise to Christ who reigns in glory!”

Prayer

God of Steadfast Love, we give thanks that in Jesus Christ you have promised to dwell with us each day of our lives. May we continue to know and celebrate that love that will never fail us in whatever we meet along life’s journey in the days ahead. Amen.