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Hark, the Glad Sound!

1    Hark, the glad sound! The Savior comes,
    the Savior promised long;
    let ev'ry heart prepare a throne
    and ev'ry voice a song.

2    He comes the pris'ners to release,
    in Satan's bondage held.
    The gates of brass before him burst,
    the iron fetters yield.

3    He comes the broken heart to bind,
    the bleeding soul to cure,
    and with the treasures of his grace
    to enrich the humble poor.

4    Our glad hosannas, Prince of peace,
    your welcome shall proclaim,
    and heav'n's eternal arches ring
    with your beloved name.

Text: Philip Doddridge, 1702-1751

Reflections on the Carol---" Hark the Glad Sound"

The carol begins - "Hark the glad sound! The Savior comes.  The Savior promised long; let every heart prepare a throne and every voice a song."  As a pre-school teacher we would sing a little song with the children that began, "What do you like about Christmas time?"  The children would respond, "I like the ______________.  Often it was I like the presents but one little girl sang,  "I like the songs, my Mommy calls carols."  Another child sang, "I like the love."  I, too like the carols especially their message of love and joy. Reflecting on the words of this carol I ask; how am I preparing my heart for the Savior?  This Advent am I sending a message of love to my family, friends and to my community? The carol urges us to reach out to the hungry, the lonely, the grieving, the sick, the oppressed and the poor. Let's use Advent 2022 to feed the hungry, reach out to the lonely or grieving with a visit or phone call, to provide a gift to someone who might be forgotten, to share with the Ukrainian families new to Juneau, to thank the over-worked clerk at the store and be kinder to all we encounter.  Let's  use Advent as a time to help all have a voice of Joy and Love.  

Prayer--Father, help us be open to opportunities to show your love this Advent season.  Slow us down to truly prepare our hearts for the birth of the Savor.  May we spread your glad sound of love to others.  Amen

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