O Day Full of Grace, ELW 627
1 O day full of grace that now we see
Appearing on earth's horizon,
Bring light from our God that we may be
Replete in his joy this season.
God, shine for us now in this dark place;
Your name on our hearts emblazon.
2 O day full of grace,
O blessed time,
Our Lord on the earth arriving;
Then came to the world that light sublime,
Great joy for us all retrieving;
For Jesus all mortals did embrace,
All darkness and shame removing.
3 For Christ bore our sins, and not his own,
When he on the cross was hanging;
And then he arose and moved the stone,
That we, unto him belonging,
Might join with angelic hosts to raise
Our voices in endless singing.
4 God came to us then at Pentecost,
His Spirit new life revealing,
That we might no more from him be lost,
All darkness for us dispelling.
His flame will the mark of sin efface
And bring to us all his healing.
5 When we on that final journey go
That Christ is for us preparing,
We'll gather in song, our hearts aglow,
All joy of the heavens sharing,
And walk in the light of God's own place,
With angels his name adoring.
Devotion
“O Day Full of Grace…” what sort of day is that?
Is it a Sunday, after worship, eating and laughing with those you love?
Is it 5 o’clock on a Friday when your boss apologizes and says they are cutting back?
Is it a day when your oldest goes off to college, or Afghanistan?
Is it a day when you meet the man or woman of your dreams?
Is “O Day Full of Grace” a day when bad news keeps you up all night?
Is it a day after the night you spent in a hospital waiting room, pacing?
Is it a day when you read the stack of retirement cards; laughing and weeping?
Is your “day full of grace” the day you have been arrested for DWI?
Is it a day when you realize that you love your life and feel totally blessed?
Or that you despise your life and are filled with self pity?
Is it a day that you find joy in doing the simplest things, or doing nothing at all?
Yes.
Prayer
God in heaven, your grace is overwhelming. It is all around me, ever-present and all encompassing, and I know that I am blessed. Thank you for your amazing grace. Amen.