Good Friday Reflections

Today I, along with Christians around the world, observe Good Friday.  It is a time when we remember the day Jesus died on a cross, bearing the sins of the whole world.  How curious that it should fall on the same day as Earth Day this year, as God's sacrifice is the ultimate act of "saving the planet."  But He didn't just do it for the Earth, he did if for the people on the Earth, His most beloved creations.  

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."  John 3:16-17

I'll leave you with the words of a hymn I find appropriate for today because it celebrates God's creation by worshiping God, the creator.  It also reminds us to "Praise God and on Him cast your care!" and "Thou [God] leadest home the child of God, And Christ our Lord the way hath trod."  God has prepared the way, it's up to us to follow.

All Creatures of Our God and King

All creatures of our God and King

Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain

O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

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Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

Refrain

Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.

Refrain

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!

Refrain

And thou most kind and gentle Death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.

Refrain

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

Refrain