12.26.2025 | Friday in Christmastide

Great Is Thy Faithfulness
 
The words of the old hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God, my Father” were bouncing around my mind yesterday as I stepped into the Garden to harvest a bit of rosemary for our Christmas stuffing. I once read that rosemary stands for faithfulness and devotion, and the thought lingered with me.
 
The old hymn rose up again:
 
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Lord, unto me.
 
As I stood in the Kitchen Garden, tired and a bit desolate in December, I noticed how the rosemary continues to flourish in spite of the wild swings of weather these past few weeks. When I stooped to cut a few sprigs, its powerful aroma filled the air. Even in the harshest of seasons, the rosemary stands tall and fragrant. Great is Thy faithfulness.
 
The words of Lamentations came to mind. Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
 
As we move from Advent into Christmastide, we are reminded again that our Creator is faithful. We were promised a Savior in Isaiah. The Light has returned. The days are lengthening. And this morning, the sun is shining here in the Garden. Great is Thy faithfulness.
 
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
 
As the rosemary endures in the Kitchen Garden, may your heart rest in the quiet faithfulness of God.
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