The Word
John 1:1-3; 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
Savior of the Nations, Come LBW 28
1 Savior of the nations, come; show the glory of the Son!
Ev’ry people, stand in awe; praise the perfect Son of God.
2 Not of human seed or worth, but from God’s own mystic breath,
fruit in Mary’s womb begun when God breathed the Word, his Son.
3 Wondrous birth! Oh, wondrous child of the virgin undefiled!
Mighty God and man in one, eager now his race to run!
4 God the Father is his source, back to God he runs his course;
down to death and hell descends, God’s high throne he reascends.
5 He leaves heaven to return; trav’ling where dull hellfires burn;
riding out, returning home as the Savior who has come.
6 God the Father’s precious Son girds himself in flesh to run
for the trophies of our souls, longer than this round earth rolls.
7 Shining stable in the night, breathing vict’ry with your light;
darkness cannot hide your flame, shining bright as Jesus’ name.
Text: attr. St. Ambrose, 340-397
In the New Testament many ancient hymns are recorded. But there was a period when, it seems, the church forgot to sing! St. Ambrose lived during such a time. In the mid 300’s Christianity was still being persecuted, Ambrose served as Bishop of Milan. Milan was the place from which a great edict had been issued that declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. But the pagan religion of Rome was still powerful and the church was assailed by many heresies. Many felt the singing of hymns was out of keeping with the severity of the times. But Ambrose wrote this hymn, and many others, in response to persecution. To him the church had reason to lift up its voice in song!
This hymn, along with others written by Ambrose, was translated by Martin Luther, another great leader who lived during a time of great and difficult transition. He, like Ambrose, sought to strengthen the church through its song!
I think we might very well be living through such a time again. Perhaps it is time for the church to find its voice anew!
May in Mental Illness Awareness month, a topic dear to the heart of ACLC. We are receiving a series of prayers that focus on aspects of Mental Health provided us by the good folk of Oesterlin Services.
Prayer: At times of stress, children can often be overlooked. Today we pray that children living with adults suffering from mental illness will be cared for, and their needs met. We pray they will find a safe place to speak and supportive adults to speak to. We pray for the ministries of the church designed for children and youth that they might reach and tend those most in need. Amen.