Read 1 Chronicles 8

Read Isaiah 9

For our meditation today, we have a hymn that ties into our Isaiah 9 reading. In the Lutheran Service Book it is listed in the Epiphany section, I think because of the strong themes concerning "light," and possibly also because of the talk about his rule extended over all. (That gentiles are made people of God through faith in Jesus is a strong Epiphany theme as well, starting with the Magi of Matthew chapter 2).

But even though it is an Epiphany hymn, it works beautifully at Christmas as well. So, blessings on your meditation, and Merry Christmas!

1 The people that in darkness sat
A glorious light have seen;
The light has shined on them who long
In shades of death have been,
In shades of death have been.

2 To hail Thee, Sun of Righteousness,
The gath’ring nations come;
They joy as when the reapers bear
Their harvest treasures home,
Their harvest treasures home.

3 To us a Child of hope is born,
To us a Son is giv’n,
And on His shoulder ever rests
All pow’r in earth and heav’n,
All pow’r in earth and heav’n.

4 His name shall be the Prince of Peace,
The Everlasting Lord,
The Wonderful, the Counselor,
The God by all adored,
The God by all adored.

5 His righteous government and pow’r
Shall over all extend;
On judgment and on justice based,
His reign shall have no end,
His reign shall have no end.

6 Lord Jesus, reign in us, we pray,
And make us Thine alone,
Who with the Father ever art
And Holy Spirit, one,
And Holy Spirit, one.

(LSB 412, Public Domain)


(I'll post a hymn for tomorrow for a Christmas meditation. We'll return to our regular study on Monday, Dec. 27)

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!