God, Whose Almighty Word (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 673)
1 God, whose almighty word
Chaos and darkness heard
And took their flight:
Hear us, we humbly pray,
And where the Gospel day
Sheds not its glorious ray,
Let there be light!
2 Lord, who once came to bring,
On your redeeming wing,
Healing and sight,
Health to the sick in mind,
Sight to the inly blind:
Oh, now to humankind
Let there be light!
3 Spirit of truth and love,
Life-giving, holy dove,
Speed forth your flight;
Move on the water’s face
Bearing the lamp of grace,
And in earth’s darkest place
Let there be light!
4 Holy and blessed three,
Glorious Trinity,
Wisdom, love, might!
Boundless as ocean’s tide,
Rolling in fullest pride,
Through the earth, far and wide,
Let there be light!
Text: John Marriott; Music: Felice de Giardini; Public Domain
Devotion
Our world at times is a troubling place. People struggle with issues of health, family, finances, race, justice, and violence. This hymn reminds us that such darkness and chaos are scattered by a God who invades the world with light. Each verse ends with those hope-filled words, “let there be light.”
At the beginning of Creation, God spoke, and the word of God brought light and all the blessings of the created order. The holy and blessed Trinity is still at work today creating and bringing life and healing in our life and world. Let us as children of light speak to our time God’s word of love and forgiveness. The light has come, and darkness cannot overcome the light. Christ the light of the world is with us and empowers us to be light bearers to this dark world. May we as the body of Christ remember that together we make a difference as we let our light shine.
Prayer
God, thank you for your word which brings light, healing, and hope to our weary world. Creator God, may your word be the still point in the chaos. May your word speak peace in our uncertainties of life. Empower us to let our light of faith shine today. Amen.