You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. You make darkness, and it is night, when all the animals of the forest come creeping out. The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God. When the sun rises, they withdraw and lie down in their dens. People go out to their work and to their labor until the evening. O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:19-24

Day is Dying in the West SBH 234

1. Day is dying in the west, Heav’n is touching earth with rest,
Wait and worship while the night Sets her evening lamps alight Through all the sky.

Refrain          Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts!
                        Heav’n and earth are full of Thee!
                        Heav’n and earth are praising Thee,   O Lord, most high!

2. Lord of life, beneath the dome Of the universe, Thy home,
Gather us, who seek Thy face, To the fold of Thy embrace,
For Thou art nigh. Refrain

3. While the deepening shadows fall, Heart of love, enfolding all,
Through the glory and the grace Of the stars that veil Thy face,
Our hearts ascend. Refrain

4. When forever from our sight, pass the stars, the day, the night,
Lord of angels, on our eyes, let eternal morning rise
And shadows end! Refrain

Chautauqua was an adult education and social movement popular in the US during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Chautauqua brought entertainment and culture to many rural communities with speakers, teachers, musicians, preachers, and experts. President Teddy Roosevelt once said that Chautauqua was "the most American thing in America." The first Chautauqua was organized in 1874 by a Methodist Minister named John Vincent on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in New York. One other of the early founders was a laywomen named Mary Lathbury. In 1877 she was asked by Pastor Vincent to write an evening hymn for the closing of worship, and as she watched the sun set, she was inspired to write the first two verses of this hymn.

It will reveal my age and to admit this was one of my favorite church songs from my Luther League camping days. It was found in the old SBH (Service Book and Hymnal) used by Lutheran congregations from 1954-74. The last two verses were also written by Ms. Lathbury and added to the hymn just before she died in 1913. The older I get the more they resonate with me!

Prayer: Lord God of Hosts, make us ever mindful of your creative work among us. But most of all in these darkening days, help us to see in the setting of every sun not only the glory of your work, but the promise of a new dawn! Amen.

Craig Fourman Co-Pastor at Abiding Christ Lutheran Church