Morning Gilds the Skies

I Corinthians 10:31-11:1

      So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offence to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

 When Morning Gilds the Skies LBW 546

 1    When morning gilds the skies, my heart awaking cries:
     may Jesus Christ be praised! When evening shadows fall,
      this rings my curfew call: may Jesus Christ be praised!

2    When mirth for music longs, this is my song of songs:
      may Jesus Christ be praised! God’s holy house of prayer
      has none that can compare with “Jesus Christ be praised!”

3    To him, my highest and best, I sing, when love-possessed:
      may Jesus Christ be praised! Whate’er my hands begin,
      this blessing shall break in: may Jesus Christ be praised!

4    No lovelier antiphon in all high heav’n is known
      than “Jesus Christ be praised!” There to the eternal Word
      the eternal psalm is heard: oh, Jesus Christ be praised!

5    Let all of humankind in this their concord find:
      may Jesus Christ be praised! Let all the earth around
      ring joyous with the sound: may Jesus Christ be praised!

6    Sing, sun and stars of space, sing, all who see his face,
      sing, “Jesus Christ be praised!” God’s whole creation o’er,
      today and evermore, shall Jesus Christ be praised!

Text: German hymn, 19th cent.; tr. Robert Bridges, 1844-1930, alt.

            The original hymn had 14 stanzas, so it must be Lutheran, right?  In fact, not all of the stanzas have been translated into English!  It was written in the lovely Franconia section of Germany, a fairy tale land filled with castles, deep green woods, lofty mountain ranges, and mighty rushing rivers...the stuff of the Brothers Grimm! But also places that can bring you closer to the creator, and when that happens, it can move you to sing praise to God for His many blessings!  

           Maybe you have been in such a place where the woods are green, the sky is blue, and the sense of God’s nearness is so palpable that you want to lift up your voice in praise of the One who created and sustains such beauty!  If so, this is your hymn!

 Prayer: Creator God, in all things we praise you! But especially we praise you for this beautiful but fragile planet you have given us. May we treat this garden we tend with respect and love, and give ourselves over to its care, for as Jesus taught us, such is Your Kingdom! Amen.