Monday, January 1, 2024  

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Today’s Hymn

You shall come down like showers
upon the fruitful earth;
love, joy, and hope, like flowers,
spring in your path to birth.
Before you on the mountains
shall peace, the herald, go,
and righteousness in fountains
from hill to valley flow.

All rulers bow before you,
and gold and incense bring.
All nations shall adore you;
your praise all people sing.
To you shall prayer unceasing
and daily vows ascend.
Your rule is still increasing;
your rule is without end.

James Montgomery’s “All Hail to God’s Anointed”
(tune: Rockport)
from Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

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Reflection

This hymn of adoration celebrates the wonder of God. God’s sovereignty stretches far and wide even to the ends of the earth. God’s love and peace are ever present and always accessible. God has dominion in all things and over all people and circumstances.

As we are full of anticipation and excitement of what our Savior has already done in our lives and all he has yet to do during this season we also know that this time of year can be a challenging time as well. For some people, the holidays bring mixed emotions of great sadness, feelings of lack or loneliness. For others, it brings feelings of joy, gratitude, and togetherness.

But whatever mindset we bring into this season we must remember that our God is great and will meet us with open arms of love, hope, and peace, and because God loves us, we can share this love with our fellow brothers and sisters and uplift one another.

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Prayer
Lord, we thank you for all you are and for loving us and showing up in our lives in magnificent ways. As the songwriter says, your rule of love, peace, and joy is still increasing and will never end. Help us to always be in remembrance of this during this season and beyond. Amen.

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Written by Michelle Epps, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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