Lutheran Seminary's God Pause "Moved by the Promise" Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Sunday, 18 January 2015 - "Arise, Your Light Has Come" ELW 314The text for today's hymn cannot be published due to copyright limitations. We apologize for the inconvenience.
"Arise, Your Light Is Come!" by Ruth C. Duck (1974)
1. Arise, your light is come!
The Spirit's call obey;
Show forth the glory of your God,
Which shines on you today.
2. Arise, your light is come!
Fling wide the prison door;
Proclaim the captives' liberty,
Good tidings to the poor.
3. Arise, your light is come!
All you in sorrow born,
Bind up the broken-hearted ones
And comfort those who mourn.
4. Arise, your light is come!
The mountains burst in song!
Rise up like eagles on the wing;
God's power will make us strong.
As a chaplain I am often present with those experiencing overwhelming trauma or grief. Often patients, families and staff appreciate the work of chaplains and pastors because we offer prayers and blessings that speak to them directly in these situations. Much of what we offer in words and presence is a sign of a God who is fully with them.
When we sing Isaiah's words, "bind up the broken hearted ones and comfort those who mourn," we are reminded that a new light has arrived for those who have no imagination for such a far reaching God, one who willingly connects with the hell and pain of grief and loss. We sing of the prophet's vision—God's light comes with the power to unlock prison doors of the innocent, to transcend tragedy and the systems of oppression that so often confine us and dash our hopes and dreams.
God of Power, images of your power comforting and lifting those who suffer on wings like eagles are spoken through your prophets. May this power arrive today for those upon whom grief, loss and sadness rests so heavily. Amen.
Matthew A. Maas
Pastor/Chaplain, Swedish Medical Center
Seattle, Wash.
Master of Divinity , 2010
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