2/8/2026 Traditional Worship Service

In the stewardship hymn “Forgive Us, Lord, for Shallow Thankfulness,” author William Watkins Reid Sr. includes the thoughtful line “Forgive us, Lord, for feast that knows not fast” (LSB 788:5). The text, written in 1965, reflected a growing understanding of the need for service in Jesus’ name by all who had received His blessing. In the concluding stanza of the hymn, he also writes, “May thankfulness be days in service spent, reflection of Christ’s life and love and light.” In this Epiphany season, when we celebrate the radiantly expanding light of Christ, we are directed to find new ways to reflect that light into all the areas of our life. Paul says it simply and directly: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10). Those opportunities are just waiting for us!