“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:1-2
Dear Redeemer Family:
Believe it or not, we are entering the Season of Advent. I find it hard to believe that it is here already. One of the emphases for the Wednesday evening services this year is a little remembered theme of Advent, namely, darkness. I find that interesting, especially as the days are growing dark so early this time of year. We tend to think of darkness as bad, and light as good. But that is not always the case. Rather they often complement each other. In the case of Advent, the darkness anticipates the coming light. That is a different view of things. And it is often a good thing to look at things differently.
One of the hymns in the Red hymnal that is suggested for use at this time is hymn #245, “Creator of the Stars of Night.” It is a new hymn, for us. But, the words date from the 9th century, and were originally in Latin. The tune is also old. It is what is called a plainsong. I liked the words, which I now share.
“Creator of the stars of night, your people’s everlasting light, O Christ, redeemer of us all, we pray you hear us when we call.
When this old world drew on toward night, you came; but not in splendor bright, not as a monarch, but the child of Mary, blessed mother mild.
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.
Come in your holy might, we pray, redeem us for eternal day; defend us while we dwell below from all assaults of our dread foe.
To God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, Three in One, praise, honor, might, and glory be from age to age eternally. Amen.”
For a hymn that I had never knew, and is only about 1,300 years old or so, I think that the words are beautiful, and sum up Advent perfectly. I home that read these words over, and cherish them this Advent Season.
In Christ,
Pastor Rose
