A Compelled or Committed Disciple?…Dec. 29th
As a young boy I remember my parents telling me, “You don’t have to do the chores, you get to.” My opinion was not that I was being honored by the work, but I was being compelled to do it. My dad’s opinion was just the opposite. If I wanted the benefits of eating mom’s cooking and the privilege of sleeping in a warm bed, then I would show my commitment to the family. I would get to do my chores. We often see what lies before us as a ‘have to’ task. But is that our focus in the church?
Matthew, Mark and Luke all record a certain man who helped Jesus carry His cross, Simon of Cyrene. But as you read the passage, he wasn’t a ‘put me in coach, I’m ready to play’ type of guy. He was “…pressed into service to bear the cross.” (Matthew 27:32) Though we don’t know his heart, Simon was compelled to serve. As a disciple of Christ, are you pressed into service or are you doing your task because you’re committed to the family?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, December 29, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“I Stand in Awe” 96
A song to open our worship to God which calls upon us to proclaim our adoration to Him. To not only say “Holy God”, but to stand in awe of Him. We’ll stand physically, but how is your posture spiritual? When the world sees you outside of Sunday morning, do you stand in awe of Him?
“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” – 589
This old song will transition us from standing in awe of our Father to the realization that I can’t stand without Him. And I’m not alone. Each of us, when we’re truthful, know we must lean on His arms. When we understand that (when we sing it), we’re in fellowship. 
“Holy, Holy, Holy” – 47
This old hymn, sung to Him, echoes the scene from Revelation 4 as we sing around the throne of God. ‘Holy, Holy, Holy!” For our edification we’ll have the soprano sing the first verse and add each part as we sing each verse. not to miss the message notice the third verse, “…tho (even though) the darkness hide Thee, Tho the eye of sinful man Thy glory can not see (even though sinful man can not see Your glory…only You are Holy). Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee, perfect in power, in love and purity.”
“Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone” – 319
As we consider the topic for this morning, and as we prepare our minds and hearts for the Lord’s Supper, we sing this about service. Written over 300 years ago, this message calls believers to ‘take up the cross’ (Matt. 16) and serve! Jesus carried the cross so we could see resurrection day. Are we willing to “deny himself (ourselves), take up his (our) cross and follow Me” (Jesus)?
“Beneath the Cross” – 314
“Beneath the Cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand…” Do you know what you’re singing? What did you mean when you said I would “fain” take my stand beneath Jesus’ cross? The poetry is saying, ‘I’m glad to stand up for the death of Jesus.’ What about, “O safe and happy shelter, O refuge tried and sweet, O trysting place where heaven’s love and heaven’s justice meet.” Trysting place…what is that mean? By definition; an agreed upon place where two come together. In this song, heaven’s love and heaven’s justice met at Calvary.
“I Want to Be a Worker” – no book
Before our lesson this morning it seems only fitting to sing about being a worker. How we will work is our own, individual decision. The verses give us some suggestions; “I want to be a worker (who will) love and trust His holy word…I want to be a worker every day…I want to be a worker strong and brave.” The chorus is our proclamation, “I will work, I will pray in the vineyard of the Lord!”
“Where He Leads Me I Will Follow” – 876
Not under compulsion, but willingly do we sing this song, “Where He leads me I will follow…” A simple song that indicates my life in Christ, my work in His kingdom, is not compelled but committed.
“To the Work, To the Work” – no book
We’ll conclude our together with a song that encourages us to get out there and get to work. We’re not made to bear His cross and we don’t have to ‘do our chores’, but as ‘servants of God’, disciples of Christ, we must be committed! The chorus is a beautiful echo of unity, “Toiling on, toiling on…let us hope, trust, watch, pray and labor till the Master comes.” Christ will return and we’ll either be serving because we had to, or because we wanted to.
Stille Nacht (Silent Night)
The following account is one man’s record of how we came to know and love “Silent Night.” The accompanying video (YouTube) is sung acapella by St. Thomas Boy’s Choir. They’re singing this song in its original language, German. The story is told…
In 1818, a roving band of actors was performing in towns throughout the Austrian Alps. On December 23rd they arrived in a village near Salzburg, Germany, where they were to re-enact the story of Christ’s birth at a small church. Instead, the actors presented their Christmas drama in a private home. That Christmas presentation of the events in the first chapters of Matthew and Luke placed Josef Mohr, one of the ministers, in a meditative mood. As he left that evening, instead of walking straight home, Mohr took a longer more scenic route. This path took him up over a hill overlooking the small village. From that hilltop, Mohr looked down on the peaceful snow-covered hamlet. Reveling in majestic silence of the wintry night, Mohr gazed down at the glowing scene. His thoughts about the recent Christmas play reminded him of a poem he had written a couple of years before. That poem was about the night when angels announced the birth of the long-awaited Messiah to shepherds on a hillside. Mohr decided those words might make a good ‘carol’ for his congregation the following evening at their Christmas Eve service. The one problem was that he didn’t have any musical composition to which that poem could be sung. The next day Mohr took his poem to Franz Xaver Gruber, a musically talented member of the congregation. Gruber only had a few hours to come up with a melody which could be sung. However, by that evening, Gruber had managed to compose a musical setting for the poem. They now had a Christmas carol ready to be sung by/for the congregation. On Christmas Eve, the little congregation in the village of Oberndorf heard the first singing of the now favorite, “Silent Night.” Weeks later this Christmas poem made its way down the mountainside and into the hearts of hundreds of thousands of God-fearing men and women.
Yet a Biblical message so beautifully compiled couldn’t be contained to the Austrian Alps. In less than 15 years “Silent Night” was sung all across Europe. Then, in 1838 at the Alexander Hamilton Monument, located outside New York City, this melancholy Christmas hymn was sung in the United States, in its original, German language. Then, nearly fifty years after being first sung in the mountains of Austria, “Silent Night” was translated into English. By 1876, eight years later, that English version made its way into print in Charles Hutchins’ Sunday School Hymnal. Today the words of “Silent Night” are sung in more than 300 different languages all around the world.
As the month of December draws to a close, consider this old, ‘Christmas Hymn’ again sung in German. May this old favorites ring through the years and cheer our hearts. The “Christmas Song of the Day”…Silent Night.
Silent night! holy night! All is calm, all is bright,
‘Round yon virgin mother and Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born. Christ, the Saviour is born
Silent night, holy night Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.
I’m Dreaming of…
In January, 1940, Irving Berlin penned the words to a song we have heard and sung during Christmas for years. The words are simple and the message couldn’t be clearer; “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know. Where the tree tops glisten and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow…” The song was recorded and topped the charts in the winter of 1942 (the year following the attack on Pearl Harbor). In a few short years, 1954, Bing Crosby made this a classic, all-time favorite in the movie “White Christmas.” Perhaps the mix of melancholy – “just like the ones I used to know” – with comforting images of home – “where the treetops glisten” – gives an understanding of missing home. It’s easy to see how this song could resonated so strongly with listeners during World War II. You understand when you remember that during this time thousands of young men were scattered across the world, far from home, fighting for our freedom. The sentiment expressed in the song propelled it’s success.
For all practical purposes, the words are saying, “I’m dreaming of being home.” Ask most any college student and he or she will tell you how good it is to be home after months away. Even when we grow older and have families of our own, there is something about ‘going home’ that swells within our hearts. But what about that feeling of longing to be ‘home’ with Christ? Do we think about/Do we long to be home with Him? Paul sums it up best in the first chapter in the book of Philippians; “…I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;” (NAS) Paul is talking about dying (though not suicidal) and going ‘home’ to heaven, as opposed to living on in this life and serving in the kingdom of God. He understood that when this life is over (when the battle is won), God has reserved a place for His children.
As we enjoy this Christmas season and sing songs of peace and home, remember the home that is waiting for the children of God. Would that we all be dreaming of that home! Enjoy this song of the season and let it warm your heart. Our “Christmas Song of the Day”…I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.
From Heaven to Bethlehem…Dec. 22nd
Gift giving is common during this time of the year. We shop for that special something for that special someone. But for just a moment consider those gifts that have been bought, wrapped and are sitting beneath your tree. Each one of them came at a cost. Someone ‘paid’ for those gifts. A sacrifice was made to redeem that present for Christmas morning.
Luke chapter 2 records the birth of Christ and the gift sent from heaven. A gift that was so costly it could only be tagged ‘priceless.’ This Sunday morning we’ll considering Christ as a gift that was given to mankind more than 2000 years ago. A gift from Heaven to Bethlehem.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, December 22, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” – 997
The strength of this song comes in the chorus as we encourage each other to ‘come let us adore Him.’ A reference to the shepherds hearing the angels announcement of Christ’s birth. We don’t know when Christ was born, but we know He was!
“O Worship the King” – 303
As a continuation of “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, we’ll sing as we worship our King. As children of God we adore Him and worship Him, Christ, the Lord!
“I Gave My Life for Thee” – 354
Singing the first and second verses we sing as though Christ were speaking; “I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed, that thou might be ransomed and quickened (to make alive) from the dead…” And yet the third verse holds even more striking images of Christ’s sacrifice as we consider His poetic words; “I suffered much for thee, more than thy tongue can tell, of bitter agony to rescue you from hell…”
“Surround Us, Lord” – no book
Taken from the 125th chapter of Psalms, this contemporary ‘psalm’ encourages the Christian with the assurance of God’s protection. The city of Jerusalem found her protection in the higher ground on which she stood. In like manner, we find our security as we’re surrounded by the power and presence of God.
“Away in a Manger” – 1017
We don’t typically sing this song (lullaby) in worship services, but consider the scripture reading that proceeds it; Luke 2:7, “And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in amanger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” It only seems fitting…
“Joy to the World” – 1018
As we prepare our minds for this morning’s lesson we’ll sing a song of praise that dates back to the 1700’s. ‘Joy to the World’ finds its basis in the book of Psalms, chapter 98. Certainly “…the Lord has come” provides a clear understanding that a gift from heaven has come to Bethlehem.
“Hark the Gentle Voice” – 907
“Ye that labor and are heavy-laden lean upon your dear Lord’s breast (chest)…” Do we feel the urgency to lean on God for our strength? As you sing this invitation song, you’ll hear the call of the Savior. We sing and understand that the gift of salvation is Christ.
“Angels We Have Heard on High” – 1002
The chorus of this favorite ‘Christmas’ hymn is taken from Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest…” We sing in Latin as we sing this verse, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo!” Thanks be to God for the gift from heaven.
Mary Did You Know?
Few Christmas songs have been written in the last decade that compare with this stirring, poetic masterpiece from the pen of Mark Lowry. Written as though interviewing Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mark took a very unique perspective in creating this popular Christmas song. As if he were the reporter writing a story on Jesus, our author explores a new direction to a timeless question. What do you think your son will be when he grows up? A unique perspective of a reporter looking at the Savior and seeking to know more about the Messiah from his mother’s viewpoint.
The birth of a baby is miraculous in and of itself. The struggle and pain that accompanies the delivery makes one understand and appreciate the mother. But Mark Lowry provides a glimpse into the salvation of all mankind as he interviews Mary and reminds her that ‘this child that you delivered will soon deliver you.’ Lowry went on to explain, “When I wrote this thing about Mary, I began thinking I was interviewing her on her thoughts of being a mother to Jesus. A couple of the lines I wrote really stood out, like ‘when you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God.’ I just thought this needed to be in a song.”
Enjoy this acapella version of a most popular Christmas song. As the days roll through December remember to come back and learn something more about our songs of the season. This “Christmas Song of the Day”…Mary Did You Know?.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know, that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know, that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know, that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding, is the great I AM.
Angels We Have Heard on High
In 1855 the French carol, Les Anges dan Nos Campagnes, was first published. The tune, which tells of the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth, was later translated 
and published into English. This refrain of the classic song takes the text from Luke 2:14 and provides the message the shepherds heard more than 2000 years ago; “Glory to God in the highest…” Singing in Latin, we hear the angel’s song translated, “Gloria, in excelsis Deo!”
Each of the four verses build upon the shepherds experience and what they might have said following the angelic appearance. “We have heard angels on high sweetly singing across the plain…” Perhaps as they ‘went back glorifying and praising God…’ they were asked “Shepherds, why are you so excited (jubilant)? What good news (glad tidings) do you have?” Perhaps they would have responded (and we sing), ‘Come to Bethlehem and see…’
But perhaps the most interesting part of this carol is to WHOM the angels first appeared. Not the priest in 
Jerusalem, nor the scribes and scholars. They didn’t even appear before the high ranking Jew’s leaders, the ones who were studied and anticipating the Messiah. Instead, the angels appeared to the lowly shepherds. Some have even concluded that perhaps these men tending their flocks were the same men who annually supplied lambs for the Passover sacrifices. Just think, they left the lambs for God to meet the Lamb of God.
If we can better understand some of these songs of the season I believe we’ll be better equipped to not only sing them, but appreciate them. Our “Christmas Song of the Day”…
.Angels We Have Heard on High.
- Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains
- And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains
CHORUS:
- Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
- Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
- Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
- What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song?
- Come to Bethlehem and see Him Whose birth the angels sing;
- Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
- See Him in a manger laid Jesus Lord of heaven and earth;
- Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise.
O Holy Night
Each of us enjoy hobbies that help to pass the time. Some sew, some read and some would rather ‘play.’ Some like to walk and talk while others like to sing. But for some, writing is their favorite. Self publishers and bloggers are evidence of the fact. But this isn’t a new found favorite. In 1847, the mayor of Roquemaure, France enjoyed writing poetry, and from his pen he wrote a gentle song inspired by the gospel of John in the 3rd chapter. His poem, O Holy
Night has come to be recognized as a song of inspiration and love during the Christmas season. Why…
“for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son!”
The song captures the essence of ‘the night’ as we read Luke 2:8, ‘In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.’ Reading the message that was sung by the angels we envision Placide Clappeau, our author, calling the listener to “Fall on your knees, and to (O) hear the angel voices!” The scripture never alludes to the shepherds taking this humble position (bowing their knees), but knowing they “…came in a hurry…’ to see the new baby and ‘went back glorifying and praising God…” would make it safe to conclude they might have surely fallen to their knees.
December is almost half gone, but we continue to look at the rich meaning surrounding these favorite songs of the season. This “Christmas Song of the Day”…O Holy Night.
Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine Oh night divine Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger (NOTE: Matthew 2, “…coming into the house they saw the Child…”)
In all our trials born to be our friend (and.. Luke 19, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”)
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine Oh night divine Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger (NOTE: Matthew 2, “…coming into the house they saw the Child…”)
In all our trials born to be our friend (and.. Luke 19, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”)
Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name
Joy to the World
Two brilliant song writers, separated by almost a century of time and half a world apart, created of one of the most recognizable ‘Christmas hymns’ ever sung. Issac Watts and Lowell Mason were musical icons who blazed new trails for spiritual renewal. Their work has touched the hearts of God-fearing men, women and children for generations. Yet as they penned the words and drafted the scales of this classic favorite, they never realized how much they were blessing the world with this cherished ‘Christmas anthem.’
Psalm 98 provides the message that Issac Watts needed for the hymn we know as ‘Joy to the World.’ Reading the words penned by the Psalmist in verses 4, 7 & 8 we see the inspiration; “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song…let the sea resound…the world, and all who live in it…let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord…” The strength of this song comes was we consider the words of the angel in Luke chapter 2, “…I bring you great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…’ (Additionally, this work from Issac Watts was set in common meter, and ‘Joy to the World’ was originally sung to the tune of ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.’
Born in 1792, Lowell Mason grew up in the early years of American history. A native of New Jersey, he was raised with a love for spiritual hymns. His ability to compose music for worship was highlighted in the early 1800’s as he taught Sunday school in Georgia. His musical popularity escalated in the late 1820’s when 50,000 copies of his self-published song book were ordered by Handel & Haydn Society of Massachusetts. But one of his great accomplishments came in 1836 when Mason composed a new melody inspired by Handel’s Messiah. The completed melody was an exuberant ode called ‘Antioch.’ It’s name inspired by the Syrian city were followers of Christ were first called ‘Christians.’ But this new master piece lacked the proper message to fit the melody…until he found Watt’s ‘Joy to the World.’
As December continues to roll along we’ll continue to explore and learn more about some of the songs of the season. This “Christmas Song of the Day”…Joy to the World.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing and heaven, and heaven and nature sing
Joy to the world! the Savior reigns let men their songs employ
While fields and floods rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy repeat, repeat the sounding joy
No more let sin and sorrow grow nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found far as, far as the curse is found
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness and wonders of his love
And wonders of his love and wonders and wonders of his love
Breath of Heaven
God’s word is complete and gives us all we need for salvation in Christ Jesus. We know the scripture is ‘God breathed’ and we are secure in following His word. Still there are some things within its pages that we don’t know. Questions like, what was Jesus like as a child? And, 
whatever happened to Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father)? Or, how did Mary cope with the news of her first pregnancy? We only know what we read in the scripture, but many have tried to fill in the blanks to these questions.
In 1993 Ken Young penned the words to a song we have sung hundreds of times before the Lord’s Supper, Thomas’ Song. Written from the view point of the apostle Thomas (doubting Thomas) we get a man’s interpretation as to what Thomas may have been feeling after learning of Christ’s resurrection. John 20:25-28 gives us the exact account, but we often like to imagine what Thomas might have said, “Jesus, You were all to me, why did You die on Calvary? O Lamb of God I fail to see how this could be part of the plan. If I could only hold your hand…”
In similar fashion, Amy Grant and Chris Eaton teamed up produce a song mirroring the possible thoughts and 
feelings of Mary, the mother of Jesus. How did she feel carrying the Son of God? Was she confused and scared, or was she excited and confident? We only know what we read in the scriptures (Luke 1:26-38). There we read, “Mary was greatly troubled…” (vs. 29) and her questioning, “How will this be…?” (vs. 34) as well as her humble acknowledgment, “I am the Lord’s servant…”. And yet, as we continue in this passage, we read she had more to say. She said,“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name.” (vs. 46-49)
Was she uncertain? Perhaps. Was she grateful? Certainly. But would that we all draw some encouragement as Mary might well have silently prayed that God would be with her. This ‘Christmas hymn’ recognizes that God’s breath gives life (Genesis 1) and as the resurrected Messiah ‘breathed on His disciples’ (John 20:22), so Mary may have longed for God to give her the breath of heaven.
Enjoy this acapella version of a relatively new, popular Christmas song. Remember to check back later this month as we explore more ‘seasonal’ favorites. This “Christmas Song of the Day”…Mary’s Song (Breath of Heaven).
I have traveled many moonless nights Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I’ve done Holy Father you have come
And chosen me now To carry your son
I am waiting in a silent prayer I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now Be with me now[Chorus:]
Breath of heaven Hold me together
Be forever near me Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Do you wonder as you watch my face If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong Help me be Help me
Breath of heaven Hold me together
Be forever near me Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Do you wonder as you watch my face If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong Help me be Help me
[Chorus:]
Breath of heaven Hold me together
Be forever near me Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Hold me together
Be forever near me Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven