All Earth Is Hopeful, ELW 266
Devotion
An Advent hymn during Pentecost, you ask? Why not! There is no better time than the present (especially a present time when we encounter texts that describe what it looks like when earth is hopeful) to join all of creation in praising God. Both text and tune of this hymn reveal the already/not yet-ness of God's work. That this hymn is originally in Spanish highlights this even more since the Spanish verb esperar means both "to wait" and "to hope." Indeed, hopeful waiting exhibits elements of present fulfillment: "The Savior comes at last!" And yet, there is room for more: "Furrows lie open for God's creative task." I love this poetic phrase as it reflects the hopeful expectancy of all creation (including us!) for God to continue to create. The verse-to-verse movement of this text mirrors the rhythm of the church year and even, perhaps, the rhythm of our lives: God's coming is foretold. God comes near. God is present!
Prayer
We acknowledge your presence, O God, even as we struggle to see how your truth and justice set everyone, everything (!) free. We wait with hope for your continued creative work in the world, in us. Amen.