1 John 4:7-8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
God Is Love
7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.
Tonight (written Wed. night) Jorryn and I took our dog for a walk. As soon as we walked outside I could smell it (thankfully not a skunk!!!) – the wonderful smell of a burning fire. At first I thought it was coming from within a home fireplace, but we soon discovered one of the neighbours had their outdoor pit going. Just smelling the fire brought all sorts of memories and there was a feeling of comfort. If you have ever sat around a fire-pit, you might know what I am talking about; the warmth of the flames, the light as it dances skyward, the community gathered. There is something peaceful and grounding sitting by a fire.
One of my favourite hymns, often sung at a campfire, is “It Only Takes a Spark” by Kurt Kaiser (you can listen through the link below). I used to sing it to my children as I rocked them to sleep – almost a prayer for them. The words include; “I wish for you, my friend, this happiness that I’ve found – on God you can depend, it matters not where you’re bound; I’ll shout it from the mountaintop, I want my world to know; the Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.”
Friends, on God you can depend. When sitting by a fire. When taking in the signs of Spring. When confronted by struggles. When in your home wondering what will come next – on God you can depend. The Lord of Love is with you – and that is news so worth passing on. My prayer for you is that today and every day you might know the love of God with you and pass it on.
And while we are talking about favourite hymns – what are yours? Why does that particular hymn speak to you? You might want to e-mail me back or respond on Facebook – there are beautiful pieces out there that speak to us in different ways. What are yours?
Prayer
God of burning fires, God of treasured memories, God of music that touches our hearts, help us to depend on you. Help us to know that you, the Lord of Love, are with us. Today as we lift our hearts in prayer, we give thanks for the signs of hope that we see. We give thanks for the many who are stepping in to offer care and service. We give thanks for the ways that we can pass your love on to others. God, hear our prayers…..Amen.
To listen and to sing:
