Hail to the Lord's Anointed, ELW 311, v. 3 & 4
3 You shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth; love, joy, and hope, like flowers, spring in your path to birth.
Before you on the mountains shall peace, the herald, go; and righteousness in fountains from hill to valley flow.
4 Kings shall fall down before you, and gold and incense bring; all nations shall adore you, your praise all people sing.
To you shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend; your kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end.
Devotion
Jesus, the Messiah, is made known to the world like spring rains bringing forth fragrant flowers of love, joy and hope. It is a striking Easter image of June “not-yet-here” plopped down jubilantly in the icy, stark January “already-with-us.” We need not hop on a plane for a more tropical destination to know the healing warmth of the Son’s radiance. Peace on the mountains, righteousness in fountains flowing through the valleys—these are the promises realized in the Epiphany of our Lord. The entire world shall know his reign. On this day, we gather as those called and claimed by God to sing about it, to offer our prayers and praise to the one whose reign is everlasting. Today, we are sent to announce Christ’s gracious rule to all people, a springtime gift for a wintry world.
Prayer
Hail, Jesus, Anointed Prince of Peace! You shower the world with living water, so that the very creation might burst forth with resurrection power. Send us forth now to proclaim new life to all people. Amen.