Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding, ELW 246
1 Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding!
"Christ is near," we hear it say.
"Cast away the works of darkness, all you children of the day!"
2 Wakened by the solemn warning, from earth's bondage let us rise;
Christ, our sun, all sloths dispelling, shines upon the morning skies.
3 See the Lamb, so long expected, come with pardon down from heav'n.
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow, one and all, to be forgiv'n;
4 So, when next he comes in glory and the world is wrapped in fear, he will shield us with his mercy and with words of love draw near.
5 Honor, glory, might, and blessing to the Father and the Son with the everlasting Spirit while unending ages run!
Devotion
Happy New Year’s Eve! Today we stand on the eve of a new liturgical church year in the western church. I do not know about you, but when I think of New Year's, I think of celebrations, a chance to begin a new and, of course, a New Year’s resolution or two.
This hymn text dates back somewhere between the fifth and tenth centuries. However, its text is fit for a New Year’s celebration. For a “voice is sounding, ‘Christ is near.’” As we cross into the Advent season, we do so looking forward with hope and faith. We can leave behind our fears, doubts, sorrows, sins and tribulations, and resolve to experience and share God’s grace in a new way. A new year is dawning. Forgiveness and mercy have come, as the story of God’s love unfolds once more.
Prayer
Gracious God, your light continues to shine in our lives. As we journey once again into your story of gracious love, may your light shine even brighter in our lives and in the world. Amen.