Shall We Gather at the River, ELW 423
Devotion
Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever
flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain
Yes, we'll gather at the river,
the beautiful, the beautiful river;
gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God.
On the margin of the river,
washing up its silver spray,
we will walk and worship ever,
all the happy golden day. (Refrain)
Ere we reach the shining river,
lay we ev'ry burden down;
grace our spirits will deliver,
and provide a robe and crown. (Refrain)
Soon we'll reach the shining river,
soon our pilgrimage will cease;
soon our happy hearts will quiver
with the melody of peace. (Refrain)
Connie was in the last stages of her terminal illness. Near the end she slipped into a coma. At least one member of the family was by her bed 24/7.
Early one morning, Connie came out of her deep sleep. Suddenly she was wide awake. With a big smile she told her sister, "I'm so glad you are here. You have to help me get ready for my party!" The startled sister responded, "How can I help?" Excitedly Connie said, "It's the party that will begin this afternoon at 3:00 pm. At my party, I want coconut cake. I don't care what kind of frosting you put on it. Just make lots of it." "Tell me more, Connie, about your party?" "It is my Welcome into Heaven party!"
Around 3:00 pm that afternoon, Connie took her last breath. And the party began! As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have the promise that one day soon all God's saints will gather. God's gathering will be filled with joy and celebration. As the much loved hymn reminds us, "Soon we'll reach the silver river, soon our pilgrimage will cease; soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace."
Prayer
Lord of all hopefulness, renew our hearts with the promise of the resurrection, especially when our journey is difficult. Amen.