1. Let our gladness have no end, Hallelujah!
for to earth did Christ descend. Hallelujah!
Refrain:
On this day God gave us
Christ, the Son, to save us;
Christ, the Son, to save us.
2. Prophesied in days of old, Hallelujah!
God has sent the one foretold. Hallelujah!
Refrain:
On this day God gave us
Christ, the Son, to save us;
Christ, the Son, to save us.
3. See the loveliest blooming rose, Hallelujah!
from the branch of Jesse grows. Hallelujah!
On this day God gave us
Christ, the Son, to save us;
Christ, the Son, to save us.
3. See the loveliest blooming rose, Hallelujah!
from the branch of Jesse grows. Hallelujah!
Refrain:
On this day God gave us
Christ, the Son, to save us;
Christ, the Son, to save us.
4. Into flesh is made the Word, Hallelujah!
our true refuge and our Lord. Hallelujah!
On this day God gave us
Christ, the Son, to save us;
Christ, the Son, to save us.
4. Into flesh is made the Word, Hallelujah!
our true refuge and our Lord. Hallelujah!
Refrain:
On this day God gave us
Christ, the Son, to save us;
Christ, the Son, to save us.
---------------------
The fifteenth century was a dynamic period filled with changes, fears, lost institutions and emerging opportunities. The church of the West was divided between two competing papal powers, the church of the East witnessed its capital's fall to the Ottoman Turks. Islam pushed across North Africa toppling the Christian kingdoms of Nubia, and in Asia the Ming Dynasty achieved its largest territorial expansion; while in the Middle East and Central Asia Tamerlane labored to reestablish the great empire of the Mongols. It was a century of upheaval, but also of opportunity. Cut off from historic trade routes by the success of the Ottomans, Europeans turned to the seas and under sail began an exploration of the world that would change the face of the globe. Mired in institutional infighting, the church of the middle ages was preparing the ground for the emergence of the Protestant Reformation. That movement would renew the faith of both Protestant and Catholic alike.
In this time of change an unknown sister or brother of ours penned a hymn of praise. Not dismayed by the changes seen everywhere around he or she wrote, "Let our gladness have no end!" That faithful expression of joy emerged from a confident faith that God is in control, regardless of how much turmoil surrounds us.
How much does our century remind you of the fifteenth? Certainly there are changes in the church that leave believers dismayed. Empires contend with one another for superiority and position. Movements impatient for change force their ideas on others through violence. Our industrial success of the past threatens the very air we breathe, the water we drink and the land we need to produce our food. Still this is a time of opportunities and new ideas which promise a future that could be our brightest yet as a people.
The person of faith might keep this ancient hymn in mind, letting it call us to confidence in God's providence. God does not leave us alone in our need, or alone to face our challenges. We have God!
Incarnate Word, you came to be with us, to dwell among us, to be one of us. You are with us still. Strengthen our resolve to love as you have loved. Take away any fear of change that clouds our vision of your work in the world. Empower our work with others so that we might experience joy in being a part of your body. We ask this through Jesus, the same today, yesterday and tomorrow, and the one who always calls us to be new. Amen.
Sherman Bishop
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Westlake, Ohio
Master of Divinity , 1980
---------------------
On this day God gave us
Christ, the Son, to save us;
Christ, the Son, to save us.
---------------------
The fifteenth century was a dynamic period filled with changes, fears, lost institutions and emerging opportunities. The church of the West was divided between two competing papal powers, the church of the East witnessed its capital's fall to the Ottoman Turks. Islam pushed across North Africa toppling the Christian kingdoms of Nubia, and in Asia the Ming Dynasty achieved its largest territorial expansion; while in the Middle East and Central Asia Tamerlane labored to reestablish the great empire of the Mongols. It was a century of upheaval, but also of opportunity. Cut off from historic trade routes by the success of the Ottomans, Europeans turned to the seas and under sail began an exploration of the world that would change the face of the globe. Mired in institutional infighting, the church of the middle ages was preparing the ground for the emergence of the Protestant Reformation. That movement would renew the faith of both Protestant and Catholic alike.
In this time of change an unknown sister or brother of ours penned a hymn of praise. Not dismayed by the changes seen everywhere around he or she wrote, "Let our gladness have no end!" That faithful expression of joy emerged from a confident faith that God is in control, regardless of how much turmoil surrounds us.
How much does our century remind you of the fifteenth? Certainly there are changes in the church that leave believers dismayed. Empires contend with one another for superiority and position. Movements impatient for change force their ideas on others through violence. Our industrial success of the past threatens the very air we breathe, the water we drink and the land we need to produce our food. Still this is a time of opportunities and new ideas which promise a future that could be our brightest yet as a people.
The person of faith might keep this ancient hymn in mind, letting it call us to confidence in God's providence. God does not leave us alone in our need, or alone to face our challenges. We have God!
Incarnate Word, you came to be with us, to dwell among us, to be one of us. You are with us still. Strengthen our resolve to love as you have loved. Take away any fear of change that clouds our vision of your work in the world. Empower our work with others so that we might experience joy in being a part of your body. We ask this through Jesus, the same today, yesterday and tomorrow, and the one who always calls us to be new. Amen.
Sherman Bishop
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Westlake, Ohio
Master of Divinity , 1980
---------------------
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