LBW 237, “O God of Light”
Devotion
A conscientious seminary student, wishing to find help in interpreting the Scriptures, asked the professor, "What is the best commentary on the Bible?" The professor's answer: "The hymnbook."
We often underestimate that book we use each Sunday for worship. We sing the hymns perfunctorily and close the book, giving little thought to the words we have sung. In doing so, we overlook a treasury of theology and human experience.
In today’s hymn, the writer speaks of God as the Light in a dark world; the prophets, apostles and saints of past years; and the timelessness and inclusiveness of God's gift of a Savior. This one hymn provides enough to think about for a long time – enough, perhaps, that we don't need the sermon!
All these things, the writer reminds us, are reason for "praise and celebration." They are, she says, God's "gift of grace." That's why we come together every week. God’s eternal plan includes us!
Prayer
Loving Father, keep us from allowing worship to become a routine and mechanical activity. Help us to remember the value of our hymns and to make our worship a true experience of gratitude for your grace in Christ. Amen.