A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: John of Damascus (675-750) was a great theologian, defender of Christianity against Islam, and hymn writer. Born into a Christian family, he wrote several influential theological works, including a defense of icons. In our Lutheran tradition, we have two Easter hymns by him; "Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain of Triumphant Gladness," (LSB 487) and "The Day of Resurrection," (LSB 478). Here is the first stanza of the latter hymn: "The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad, the Passover of gladness, the Passover of God. From death to life eternal, from sin's dominion free, Our Christ has brought us over with hymns of victory." As we celebrate this Adventide, may we realize that Christ's Easter victory is ultimately our focus and reason to rejoice.