John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

As we approach Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent this week, it feels appropriate to take a look at this hymn. Loli and I used to sing songs to the girls at bedtime when they were little and this was one in the rotation, especially at Lent. It also seems most appropriate for a devotion series entitled “Sing a New Song” to lift up this hymn which offers a great response to God’s salvific love: to sing on! God’s love for us is apparent throughout scripture, but especially in the act of Jesus’ saving death on the cross for us. As the song says, “and when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on.” May we remember God’s powerful and self-giving love for us and may we respond in song as we share that good news!

Prayer

Loving God, thank You for the gift of life and new life in You. We give You praise and gratitude for the gift of Jesus and for Your love on the cross. We rejoice at the good news of our salvation and the empty tomb. Bless us as we enter Lent and prepare our hearts to come to the cross again. Amen.