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.
You don’t see many “welcome” mats anymore at people’s front doors. Instead, it’s not uncommon nowadays for there to be a video camera pointed at you in greeting, and possibly a PA system used to communicate with you before you are granted access and therefore welcomed. As Christians, throughout time we’ve known the welcome of our shared identity as followers of God’s Son Jesus. The main symbol of our faith, the cross, has acted as a symbol of welcome on church steeples and buildings for centuries for those looking for sanctuary. I’ve always had mixed feelings about my church’s building having controlled-access doors with cameras perched above. Of course, it’s been deemed necessary as a security measure for our staff and the building contents.
In spite of this, as Christians, we are called to welcome people into our congregation, our family of faith. We don’t need a building for that. All we need is a good Christian greeting in that beloved name of Jesus.
Prince of Peace, remind us about what it means to welcome all in your name. Move us to be your church outside our walls too, with welcoming words and actions. Amen.
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Global Methodist Nazarene Lamb's Hope 