But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. Prov. 4:18

A Radiant Dawning

In 1898, Albert C. Wieand wrote a hymn entitled “On the Radiant Threshold.” As are many hymns, this one is multi-layered in its meaning. The dawning day can refer to the day itself, the new year, or even the day of the Lord’s coming.

There is also a strong suggestion that the author was well aware of the coming new century. Little did he realize the horrors that were about to come in this hopeful time. Two World Wars, a worldwide depression, the Holocaust, and the nuclear bomb. Yet, the twentieth century brought great progress such as the gaining of worker's rights, new civil rights, and the creation of the United Nations.

We also stand at the dawn of a new century. Will we learn from the lessons of the last century? Probably not; yet we have the hope that indeed God's Kingdom will continue to point towards its day of fulfillment. Within that kingdom, God continues to lead and guide us.

Prayer: God of new beginnings, we come into this new year, knowing that not everything we want will happen. Yet, we look forward with hope and expectation, knowing that the future is in your hands. Our journey is often hard, yet as the hymn writer reminds us, “The Savior bids us come to seek his aid, offers help and guidance till the evening’s shade. O do thou dear Lord befriend us, O be thou our guide." Amen.