LBW #507, "How Firm a Foundation"
Devotion
We sang "Away in the Manger" at the St. Olaf Christmas Festival last year, and many people mentioned it as their favorite part of the evening. They surrendered the song long ago as something only little children sing. But singing it as an adult evoked a sense of wonder and trust. We are always children of God.
J. Rippon catches this idea in the last two phrases of his hymn "How Firm a Foundation." Referring to “my people” God says, "And then, when gray hairs shall their temples adorn; Like lambs they shall still in my bosom be borne."
God cares for us, cradles us, nourishes us, guides us. We are children of God. We who are bankers, bakers, artists, teachers, lawyers, parents, presidents, corporate-factory-computer workers, cleaners, pastors, etc; we who have so many earthly responsibilities and ways to wield our power; we belong to God, maker of the universe.
Prayer
We thank you, Lord God, for gathering us into your holy family. Amen.