Thursday, January 4, 2024  

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Today’s Hymn
As with gladness men of old
did the guiding star behold;
as with joy they hailed its light,
leading onward, beaming bright;
so, most gracious Lord, may we
evermore be led to thee.

As with joyful steps they sped,
Savior, to thy lowly bed,
there to bend the knee before
thee, whom heaven and earth adore;
so may we with willing feet
ever seek thy mercy seat.

William Chatterton Dix’s “As with Gladness Men of Old”
from Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

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Reflection

Happy 2024!

This is the lull season between the anticipation of Advent and the celebration of Epiphany. A season of anticipation?

Christmas celebrations are behind us, and I imagine many of us are looking forward ... into the unknown that is the new year. A new year filled with promise? Perhaps an Epiphany?

Epiphany — a moment when you suddenly feel that you understand, or suddenly become conscious of something that is very important to you ... literally.

Liturgically — it is the season commemorating the magi’s visit to the baby Jesus and the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.

Today’s devotional is part of the hymn “As with Gladness Men of Old.” It is said that William Chatterton Dix used Matthew 2:1–12 as his inspiration to compare the journey of the magi to visit baby Jesus to a Christian’s personal pilgrimage.

What a great way to embark on another trip around the sun than on a personal pilgrimage. Pilgrimage to further define our spirituality. Pilgrimage to reaffirm who we are, what we stand for, what we like, what we don’t like, what, when, where, how, and why.

As the magi faithfully followed that bright star to a foreign land seeking an uncertain promise, let us also follow our hearts as we embark on our personal pilgrimages. Let us trust that our gracious Lord will lead us and we, with willing feet, follow.

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Prayer
Gracious and loving God, as we embark on our personal pilgrimages, walk with us and help us to be fearless. Amen.

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Written by Toni Yang, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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