How’s Christmas going for you?

Seems like the question is late, but we are very much still in the Christmas Season until Epiphany, which is January 6. Today, December 30, is the sixth day of Christmas. I like the chance to sing Christmas hymns for one or two Sundays after Christmas Day.  One that is on my mind today is “Let Us All With Gladsome Voice.” The final stanza mentions the New Year, which will begin this coming Monday.

This hymn has a beautiful, simple message of praise to God for the wonderful gift we celebrate receiving at this time of year.

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 heaven’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!

(Lutheran Service Book #390)