Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Song of Solomon 2:1

I am a rose^[a] of Sharon,
a lily of the valleys.

In trying to include hymns that are connected to each book in the Bible, the editors of the Glory to God Hymnal played it safe with Song of Solomon. (I can’t really criticize them for choosing two non-controversial passages for this book that contains some pretty racy love poems since I have only preached from this biblical book a handful of times in almost 35 years of ministry!) The hymnal editors did pick some biblical images that relate well to sacred music.

The description of the beloved in Song of Solomon 2:1 as the rose of Sharon, a lily of the valley is a wonderful opening image for one of the sometimes underplayed Christmas carols Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.

In the cold of winter, we still find ourselves drawn to the lovely floweret of our salvation.

Prayer

Dear God, as Christmas memories are fading, help me to remember how Your gift of grace and love continues to change my life each day, as I faithfully follow my Lord and Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.