LBW #179, "At the Name of Jesus"
Devotion
Caroline Noel’s (1817-1877) hymn, "At the Name of Jesus" captures today’s theme – “The Name of Jesus.” The daughter of a hymn writer and clergyman in the Church of England, Noel wrote her hymns with a vision of faith against the background of illness.
This hymn reflects the hymn-like passage from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. "At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:10-11).
The old year has passed away. We begin a new year clothed with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ – redeemed, restored, forgiven. We step forward in faith. So, "in your hearts enthrone him; there let him subdue all that is not holy, all that is not true. Crown him as your captain in temptation’s hour; let his will enfold you in its light and pow’r."
Prayer
Lord Jesus, guide us in the paths of righteousness as we begin the adventure of a New Year in your love. Amen.