I just learned that my grandmother (the last of my grandparents) was called home to heaven this morning. There is sadness, yes. But there is gladness all the more. She is with her Savior. He who came to dwell with us has taken her home to dwell with Him.
What hymn writer can give greater comfort than Paul Gerhardt? - a pastor and poet who knew the terrible grief of this life, and knew all the more the divine peace and consolation of Jesus.
This hymn, a Christmas hymn, brings me much peace. May it give you peace as well. Thank him today for the victory he has given to your loved ones already in glory. Thank him for the victory he has promised you as well. Thanks be to God!
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is
My paradise at which my soul reclineth.
For there, O Lord, doth lie the Word
Made flesh for us; herein Thy grace forth shineth.
He Whom the sea and wind obey
Doth come to serve the sinner in great meekness.
Thou, God’s own Son, with us art one,
Dost join us and our children in our weakness.
Thy light and grace our guilt efface,
Thy heavenly riches all our loss retrieving.
Immanuel, Thy birth doth quell
The pow'r of hell and Satan’s bold deceiving.
Thou Christian heart, whoe’er thou art,
Be of good cheer and let no sorrow move thee!
For God’s own Child, in mercy mild,
Joins thee to Him—how greatly God must love thee!
Remember thou what glory now
The Lord prepared thee for all earthly sadness.
The angel host can never boast
Of greater glory, greater bliss or gladness.
The world may hold her wealth and gold;
But thou, my heart, keep Christ as thy true Treasure.
To Him hold fast until at last
A crown be thine and honor in full measure.
(LSB 372)
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