Of the Father's Love Begotten, ELW 295
Devotion
Of the Father's love begotten
ere the worlds began to be,
he is Alpha and Omega,
he the source, the ending he,
of the things that are, that have been,
and that future years shall see,
evermore and evermore.
Oh, that birth forever blessed,
when the virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving,
bore the Savior of our race,
and the babe, the world's redeemer,
first revealed his sacred face,
evermore and evermore.
This is he whom seers in old time
chanted of with one accord,
whom the voices of the prophets
promised in their faithful word;
now he shines, the long-expected;
let creation praise its Lord
evermore and evermore.
Let the heights of heav'n adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing;
pow'rs, dominions, bow before him
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
ev'ry voice in concert ring
evermore and evermore.
Christ, to thee, with God the Father,
and, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
and unwearied praises be:
honor, glory, and dominion,
and eternal victory
evermore and evermore! Amen.
Christmas in July? The message of Christmas is love for the world. The words in this verse speak to the timelessness of God's love throughout the past, present and future. The past reminds us of how Amos and John the Baptist spoke truth to a priest and a king. In our present, the psalmist encourages us to listen to the good news of God's salvation, while Paul speaks about the promise of the Holy Spirit through baptism. The future? It's secured by the birth of a humble king and his death and resurrection which have power to save us from our sins. Pretty incredible love! A world of genuine peace and equal justice for everyone is not likely to happen any time soon if we are counting on human grace to make this happen. God's grace is much different. Fortunately, our future is in the hands of this gracious God. What will you do to share God's love with others?
Prayer
Beautiful Savior, watch over your children and dwell in our hearts. Help us to share your message of grace and love with our families, neighbors and strangers. Amen.