“Creator of the Stars of Night,” Verse 3 (ELW 245)
Devotion
At your great name, O Jesus, now
all knees must bend, all hearts must bow:
all things on earth with one accord,
like those in heav'n, shall call you Lord.
In late September I was delighted to be able to see the super moon lunar eclipse. While my son and husband went off to a local overlook for the best view, I stayed home and watched from my back porch, because I was nine months pregnant at the time. As I watched the moon overtaken by shadow, I felt the baby kick. I was deeply moved by the idea that the "creator of the stars of night" could also be the creator—and redeemer—of such a tiny thing as an unborn infant. Then again, how astonishing it is that the creator and redeemer comes down to earth as an infant! We talk about the dyad of "heavens and earth" all the time, but how often do we pause to wonder at God's presence in them both: all things celestial and stellar, all things terrestrial and earth-bound, God made and cares for each and every one. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
God of all things celestial and terrestrial, thank you for the care that you show to all of creation. Give us courage and fortitude to care for the heavens and the earth alike and to wonder always at your majesty. Amen.