“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,” ELW 815 and WOV 649
Devotion
This relatively new hymn is rich with words and symbols of our Christian faith: child, light, stars, sun, darkness, Lamb, city. The verbs are the ones I want to practice: walk, follow, look, be with, run, know, shine. The Word who is central to this song, my song, is Jesus.
Different from the majestic hymns of our tradition, this pious Jesus song is simple, not profound. But its tune subtly lifts me like a symphony. Notice how notes of the first line parallel a Christian’s walk – upward slowly to the child, the brightness and the coming; and back down to the opening note, to grounding in Jesus. Then isn’t it delightful that line four is different?
Finally, in the chorus breaks out the bright light of the Lamb – on a high note, the same as we began – and ends with a plea for help in my inner self.
Prayer
God, I thank you for music! If a doubter says it is evidence of God, for me it is certainty of you calling my soul to joy. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.