A thrill of hope: New & glorious
I find song lyrics can be quite interesting. In the uplifting hymn, “O Holy Night,” I love the promise that this anthem delivers! Surely, it offers the “thrill of hope,” and the next phrase about the “new and glorious morn” captures the promise.
For me, it is easy to be saddened, even depressed by the challenges of our lives today. Political strife and how divided our country seems to be? Pandemic worry and the safety of all my earthly brothers/sisters? Stress/strife at work or interacting in our world today? Social injustice, and why someone can hate me because of the color of my skin and not get to know me for the person God made me to be?
You may share some of these (or other) challenges. So where is the hope? Where is the love? Where is this new and glorious morn?
Before I share that thought, I’d like you to know that my wife Gayle and I are new members to St. Paul in 2020. Although our first introduction to St. Paul was some 20 years ago, who would’ve known that we’d be led to become members here after all those years? Well, okay…God knew!
We were drawn to this church in part because of the people and the love that is present here. We can see that in the pastors, greeters, ushers, the folks who sit near us during service, the welcoming atmosphere, the connectedness of this congregation to the community, the music, the smiles, and the right hand of fellowship.
So I feel the hope, the love, and it is right here at St. Paul. I believe the new and glorious day promised in this song is put into action by the grace of God working through each of you… it is right here! Every single day, in and around each of us.
So remember, on this day, that God blesses us today with the new & glorious opportunity to be a blessing in the lives of others. Focused on Christ and His love, we can be that beacon of hope, love and peace to those whose lives we touch. And you know what? God’s new & glorious day will shine forth in your life.
I encourage you, my new friends, to enjoy this new and glorious day. God’s blessings to you!
Richard Farrar is married to Gayle (35+ years!), and resides in Davenport. They recently joined St. Paul, and both love the fantastic music, pastors, and caring community that shares Christ’s love here at St. Paul and beyond.
Jeffrey Hall
You made this day more pointed for me this morning!
NEW and GLORIOUS!
Thank you from Little Rock Arkansas ?
Diane Borcherding
Awesome devotional, Richard!
God’s Blessings to you and Gayle!
Bev Plett
Rich and Gayle,
Thank you for your devotion, really needed that today. Can’t wait until we can see your smiling faces again at church. Enjoy this blessed holiday season. Many hugs…
Linda & Jim Hoepner
Richard and Gayle we enjoyed your devotion
today. We welcome to St Paul we hope to meet you in 2021 at church.