January 5th Reflection by Bill Lynch

As with gladness men of old
Author: W. Chatterton Dix
Tune: DIX (Kocher)


1 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 your splendor see.

2 As with joyful steps they sped
to that lowly manger bed,
there to bend the knee before
him whom heaven and earth adore,
so, may we with willing feet
ever seek the mercy seat.

3 As they offered gifts most rare
at that manger rude and bare,
so may we with holy joy,
pure and free from sin's alloy,
all our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to you, our heavenly King.

4 Holy Jesus, every day
keep us in the narrow way;
and when earthly things are past,
bring our ransomed lives at last
where they need no star to guide,
where no clouds thy glory hide.

Hymn
Author: Bill Lynch

Jesus born in Bethlehem,
wise men from the east did come.
Where's the baby to be born,
King of Jews and Lord of Lords?
In the east we saw a star,
we have traveled from afar.

When King Herod heard the news,
of this baby King of Jews,
he sought to find Jesus too,
for a ruler he was too.
Go and find this Child of God,
for I'll worship him as God.

And the wise men left that place,
t'wards the star before their face.
Jesus Christ they went to see
and before him bent the knee.
They did worship Jesus Christ,
knowing not he'd pay their price.

God did in a dream them warn,
don't reveal the place he's born.
Go back home a different way,
Jesus in your heart will stay.
Glory to our God they sang.
Jesus Son of God and man.

Prayer
God, it's awesome that you would come to us in flesh. It's awesome that you would shine so brightly that all the world can find you. It's awesome that you sacrificed in our stead. It's awesome the life you give. It's awesome the healing you bring. May all people live their lives for you in the hope and faith and love that only you can give... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen