“Oh, Love, How Deep,” verse 1 (ELW 322)
Devotion
Oh, love, how deep, how broad, how high,
beyond all thought and fantasy,
that God, the Son of God, should take
our mortal form for mortals' sake!
Thomas į Kempis, the 15th century monk best known for his devotional work The Imitation of Christ, wrote this hymn to tell the story of Jesus in verse. He begins with the Incarnation, wondering at the incomprehensible love that led the Son of God to become flesh, taking on "our mortal form for mortals' sake."
Here is no sentimental Christmas carol celebrating the infant Jesus attended by adoring shepherds and assorted domestic livestock. This hymn instead moves quickly from the birth of Jesus to his life, death and resurrection. The shadow of the cross looms over the manger, but not in an ominous way. Instead, the hymn celebrates in wonder and astonishment the love that would lead God not only to become one of us and to live among us, but also to die on a cross and to be raised again—all "for us." Such love is a profound thing to ponder as we begin our Lenten journey.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, love incarnate, walk with us during these weeks in the way of the cross, that it may be for us a way of life and peace. Amen.