LBW #87, “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed”
Devotion
The hymns that are sung during the season of Epiphany point to the fullness of God’s Light in the world. The words of these hymns bring meaning to the proclamation: “The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.”
In this hymn, the words of Jesus in the gospel of Luke are echoed: “I have come to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.” When we sing this hymn we proclaim that the words Jesus said of himself were truth. The Light of Jesus in this world has and continues to break through oppression of every kind. In this day of tragedy and hopelessness, we need to proclaim in word, deed and song: the Light has come and is doing God’s work in the world.
Prayer
Your Light shines in the darkness and illumines our lives with hopefulness and joy. Thank you, Light and Life, for your invaluable gifts to us. Amen.