“Creator of the stars of night.
Your people’s everlasting light,
Jesus, Redeemer, save us all,
And hear your servants when they call.”

Most people don’t know this Advent hymn, but it has been around since at least the 9th century. I really like the image of God as the creator of the stars. It always calls to my mind Vincent Van Gogh’s brilliant painting “Starry Night.” This amazing universe is a creation of almighty God .

This the traditional hymn for Evening Prayer during Advent. I sing it every night during the season. Why would anyone sing the same hymn night after night? Because I need to hear the message.

“At your great name, O Jesus, now,
All knees must bend, all hearts must bow:
All things on earth with one accord,
Like those in heaven, shall call you Lord.”

Occasionally during this time of year we become so focused on the sweet baby in the manger we forget that he is the Lord, the Creator and Redeemer of us all. This is the only One I can call Lord. To him I must be loyal.  As Martin Luther says in his explanation to the First Commandment:  “We are to fear, love and trust God above all else.”  In the rush of this holiday season it is easy to lose sight of who is important–our Lord. So in my prayers, which frequently include singing hymns, I remind myself who is the center of life: Jesus Christ.

Read Isaiah 40 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne