Advent Three-With Praise

In Advent, Praise The God of Heaven!

For many chronologically blessed children of God,
 the Advent season contains days 
of sorrowful remembering. 
I think of my own father who entered 
God’s presence on December 3^rd.
 Five years later, also on December 3^rd,
 my sister got to heaven before me. 

She was younger than I was and should
 have waited her turn. 
Thinking of her, I remember 
going to Christmas concerts in which she sang. 

In the 1950’s and 60’s every
 St. Louis Lutheran Children’s Choir concert
began with 

“Let Us All with Gladsome Voice” 

as a candle light processional. 

The tune and meter are perfect for marching. 

There are times in Advent when we feel like

 we just have to keep on going, 

challenged to do so with joy and gladness,

 not drudgery and sadness. 

So try it, sing this hymn today 

as time marches on and you continue, 

with each day,

 to draw closer to Christmas.

Let us all with gladsome voice

Praise the God of heaven,

Who, to bid our hearts rejoice,

His own Son hath given.

To this vale of tears He comes,

Here to serve in sadness,

That with Him in Heav’n’s fair homes

We may reign in gladness.

We are rich, for He was poor,

Is not this a wonder?

Therefore praise God evermore

Here on earth and yonder.

Christ, our Lord and Savior dear,

Be Thou ever near us,

Grant us now a glad new year.

Amen, Jesus, hear us.

Thank you to contributing writer-
Natalie Hartwig- for this Advent devotion.