Friday, January 23, 2015

THE FIRST SUNRISE SERVICE

      I will sing and give praise, Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and 
                               harp! I will awaken the dawn.
                                    Psalm 57:7-8 NKJV


     The year was 1909, and the place was Mount Roubidoux in calif-
ornia. In the valley at the foot of the mountain was Mission Inn. Here, 
staying. As a guest, was Jacob Riis, the famous social crusader and 
the father of slum clearance in New York.
     As Riis looked up at the crest of Mount Roubidoux, he caught a 
vision. At the Inn's evening song service, he shared his thoughts with 
Frank Miller, proprietor, and the assembled guest:

    " Isee in the days to come an annual pilgrimage call 
       it what you will winding its way up the step of Mount 
       Roubidoux, climbing ever higher toward the cross 
       that crowns the summit, where the bell peals out its 
       Message of peace on Earth and goodwill to men, 
       And gathering there to sing the old songs that go 
       Straight to the hearts of men and women."

       Riis spoke as a prophet, but even he could never have a dreamscape 
how soon  his words would come true. The next sunday was Easter,
and Miller decided to make its observance memorable. He  invited
one hundred of its guest and friends ( Riis had left by then ) to climb
Roubidoux. And hail the breaking of the holy day with a simple but
Impressive.
      In the light of the Easter dawn, the first sunrise service on record 
was held by those one hundred "pilgrim." Today easter sunrise services
are yearly tradition for Christian around the world. While not everyone
can greet this holy day from the top of a moutain, just just praising 
God  while watching the first rays of the dun appear over the horizon
can make one's spirit rise. Even when the day is overcash. There is 
something wonderful about watching God's beams of light break 
Throught the clouds to warm the world.
        There no need to wait to wait for Easter, however. You can make 
Any day a Holy day dedicating it to  the Lord.  Why not set your alarm
so you can enjoy your own private "sunrise service tomorrow morning!


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