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.
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 nightsCold 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
[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
As we consider this hymn many call a ‘Christmas song,’ we find it ancient in not only its text, but in the music as well. The tune you most certainly know it by (made popular in the 1800’s) actually finds its origin from the medieval times. The lack of strict rhythmic measures gives the tune a free-flowing style. You can almost hear the simple intervals as they echo through an old, stone cathedral.
Like many hymns of worship, the text of this song provides a rich source for Christian meditation as we notice that each stanza concentrates on a specific Biblical name for Christ. Jesus is God with us, “Emmanuel.” He is the “Wisdom from on high” and the “the Lord of might.” We read in the scripture He is called “the Rod of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1) and the “Key of David” (Isaiah 22:22) “…and the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.” Jesus is the ‘Dayspring’ (17: 76-79); “…And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Certainly, our Savior is the “Desire of Nations” (Haggai 2:7) “…and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.” The prophets of old wrote and today we sing of our Savior, Emmanuel.
Consider this old, ‘Christmas Hymn’ as we take this month to look at and explore some familiar favorites. The “Song of the Day”…O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Chorus: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel,
shall come to thee o Israel!
O come, Thou Wisdom, from on high, and order all things far and nigh;
to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go.
O come, o come, Thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law, in cloud, and majesty, and awe.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse’s stem, from ev’ry foe deliver them
that trust Thy mighty power to save, and give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
O come, Thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heav’nly home,
make safe the way that leads on high, that we no more have cause to sigh.
O come, Thou Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by thy drawing nigh;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadow put to flight.
O come, Desire of the nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind;
bid every strife and quarrel cease and fill the world with heaven’s peace.
Unless you simply refuse to accept it, our country was founded by God-fearing men. The first president of our United States understood the importance of honoring and fearing (respecting) our Heavenly Father. As George Washington penned this proclamation, notice how many times our president gives reference to God, our protector and ‘Author of all that’s good.’
“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”
Note: To 1) acknowledge the providence of God, 2) obey His will, 3) be grateful to Him and 4) humbly ask for His protection…is the duty of all nations!
“Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks–for His kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of His Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war (recognizing God’s role in the Revolutionary War)–for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted–for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.”
Again note: Our tranquility as a country, the unity we enjoy as a nation, and our extreme ‘plenty’ is surely a blessing from God! These truths are not from our own making, but from the hand of God. That was something our first President clearly understood and adamantly promoted.
“…and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease (increase) of science among them and us–and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.”
Each November our nation is united around ‘Thanksgiving,’ but how many of us will truly humble ourselves and pray? Do we see this time as an opportunity to perform our ‘several and relative duties (for each other) properly,’ or are we too busy ‘shopping for the holidays?’ God has so generously blessed us!
“Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
A pattern is necessary if you want to duplicate the original. If I want to ‘make it right,’ I have to follow the pattern. But just because I have a pattern doesn’t mean I automatically have a duplicate. Without following the directions, the pattern will be flawed and far from effective.
Any seamstress knows the importance of following the pattern. And yet many who ‘fear God’ often fail to remember that basic principle when it comes to living Christian lives. Many will say they want to follow God’s teaching (the Word), but don’t want to be ‘bound’ by a pattern. Free will and exploring God on my own might be the ‘new way’, but even Moses was instructed, “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:5
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, November 24, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise. “In Moments Like These” 239
If we are honest with ourselves, there are times when we feel closer to God than other times. What causes this feeling of joy and fulfillment? What gives us that emotional lift as opposed to the times when we’re feeling down? Circumstances can change in life, but our God never changes. When you do find yourself feeling God’s love and strength, sing a song of praise. But when you’re not…sing these words; “In moments like these, I lift up my voice; singing I love you, Lord.”
“Is It For Me?” – 483
An old hymn that asks a simple question, “Is it for me…?” The peace and rest of heave, the welcome to ‘enter in’ heaven’s glory. We sing this question, but let the message of the refrain echo in your heart as we praise the Father and the Son, “O Savior, my Redeemer, what can I but adore (what else is worthy of praise), and magnify (glorify) and praise Thee and love Thee…forever more?” Never forget that the glory and rest of heaven is for all those who die to Christ…and yes, it is for me!
“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book
A contemporary song that isn’t really asking the question, ‘How deep is the Father’s love’, but one that is sung to confirm what we already believe and know. God’s love for us is so deep and vast we can’t begin to measure it. How great the pain must have been for both the Father and the Son, but the objective was clear, to ‘bring many sons to glory.’ We continue this song as we ‘behold the man upon the cross’ and clearly recognize our sins. Think in your mind back to the mocking voices (Luke 23:25-38) as they stood at the foot of the cross. Why should I gain from His sacrifice? I don’t know the answer to that question. “But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.’
“Abide with Me” – 808
A song that is popular during the closing hours of one’s life. A hymn pleading for God to abide with us during these dark, lonely hours. We’ll sing this song following the Lord’s Supper, but we’ll focus on the fourth verse as we sing; “Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee: in life and in death, O Lord, abide with me.”
“Restore My Soul” – no book
A strong, upbeat song that asked God to restore our spirit, revive the fire of our souls and renew our courage to live for the Savior. “Renew my love, rebuild my faith and restore my soul.” Perhaps some will find it repetitive, but what a message to ask for strength as we express our “desire to work in His fold…”
“Sing to Me of Heaven” – 716
Almost 100 years old, this spiritual song is sung encouraging the Christian to remember the joy of heaven. The traps (toils) that bind us on this earth will be loosened as we encourage each other to keep looking to the pattern and the hope of eternal life with Christ!
“Softly and Tenderly” – 934
An ‘invitation song’ that has been around since the late-1800’s calls the wandering sinner to turn back to God. Visions of the stubborn child who has run away from home are seen as we plead for those who are weary to come back and rest. To emphasize the message, there is a sense of urgency in the third verse; don’t you realize time is now fleeting and the moments are passing…? Come on, come home!
“True Hearted, Whole Hearted” – 629
“Peal out the watch word!” Almost like the town crier who is standing on the street corner announcing the ‘good news’, so we too should be true to our devotion to God and share His message. Or more likely, we should be shouting out the song of our spirits if we are truly rejoicing and free. This is truly a song of victory if we are true to His Word and follow the pattern given to us in the scripture.
“Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in! Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle…He is the King of glory.”
Psalm 24:7, 8, 9 David penned this psalm thousands of years ago, and yet the soldier still today finds comfort in knowing who is mighty in battle.
As soldier’s of the cross we must hold fast to the knowledge that the war has been won. Though skirmishes come into our lives constantly, and daily battles must be fought as we stand for truth, we know Jesus is Lord. Join us Sunday morning as we honor our veterans and admonish all of the soldiers in the Lord’s army!
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, November 10, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” 560
We begin our worship services this morning as we encourage each other to give glory and honor to the King. It’s interesting to consider the first verse; how are we entering the land (this world)? Are we equipped for battle or do we ‘just throw something on?’ A football player would be clobbered if he walked onto the gridiron minus his shoulder pad or helmet. And yet how often does the Christian walk into the world without His armor?
“Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” – no book
This old song has several different arrangements, but we’ll sing this one to the tune of “The Gospel is for All.” Simply enough we sing (ask) the question, “Am I a soldier of the cross; a follower of the Lamb…?” Today we should be asking ourselves, am I afraid to stand up for Him…or am I embarrassed to be known as a soldier of Christ? This world opposes God…are you willing to be a soldier in His army?
“Come Share the Lord” – 364
As we turn our minds toward the Lord’s Supper, we commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. We join each other in breaking the bread, drinking the fruit of the vine and sharing (communing) with our Lord. Each Christian understands the importance of this memorial and that’s why we anticipate the feast each Sunday morning. That’s why ‘we gather here in Jesus’ name…’ and that’s why ‘…His love is burning in our hearts like living flame…’
“Why Did My Savior Come to Earth” – 382
An other simple question which all honest believers have asked…’why?’ Why did my Savior come to earth and go to the humble (lowly)…? The answer is heard as the little children sing “Jesus loves me, this I know.” Why did He drink the bitter cup (death) and endure sorrow, pain and woe…?” He did it, because He love me so!
“It Is Finished” – 369
A majestic song of Christ’s resurrection and our victory in Him. The first three verses are sung together while we consider the old rugged cross as it stands on a line drawn through the ages. The forces of evil have been amassed on one side and the angels of glory on the other. The earth shakes with the force of the conflict, even noting that the sun refuses to shine (Luke 23:44). But then, as Christ breathes His last, a cry echoes across all time…“It is finished!” Though we may still struggle with our won individual battles we can praise His name knowing that there will be no more war…it is finished and Jesus is Lord!
“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647
Before our lesson this morning it seems only fitting to sing about being a soldier of Christ. It has always struck me with fascination as we implore the soldier’s of Christ to ARISE (get up)! Notice the call to put on your armor (helmet, shoes, breastplate, sword, belt) and be ready to fight a foe who opposes God. Reading Ephesians 6 you’ll get a clearer understanding of what the ‘panoply of God’ really is. Just be sure that you, leave no place unguarded, and that there be no weakness in your soul. Take virtue and grace and fortify (secure) the whole of your responsibility in serving Christ.
“Take My Life, and Let It Be” – 669
The ‘invitation’ is a simple to call to clarify your present walk in life. The Christian’s desire should be to draw closer to God each and every day. The non-Christian has a call to come and take Christ on in baptism, that they too may be a child of the King. After knowing who Jesus is and what He did we should all be saying, “Take my life and let it be consecrate Lord to Thee…” It’s not what I want, but what God calls me to be. We sing, “take my life, my hands, my will, my heart, my life, myself…to be honest, that doesn’t leave much behind. Give to God your all.
“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” 560
We’ll conclude our worship together with the same song that we began with. But we’ll start this time with the chorus, “And we’ll sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord…” As soldier’s in the Lord’s army, let’s be ready to praise our King and serve Him faithfully. Never fear the battle, but remember, the Battle Belongs to the Lord!
Culture can be defined as; ‘the predominating attitudes and behavior that characterize the functioning of a group or organization.’ We consider the actions of a people and determine their culture. What do the people believe? What is the most important part of the people’s life? Perhaps we need to look no further than what that ‘culture’ values.
Concerning His disciples Christ prayed in John 17, ‘…they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.’ We do live in this world (this culture), but we are called to be separated from it. In this same text Jesus also prayed, ‘I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.’ If our culture should embrace (have an attitude or behavior) that opposes God’s will, where will we stand? With culture, or counter to it? Just remember, oil and water won’t mix…and neither should Christians and the world. Does that mean we ought not to ‘hang around’ non-Christians? Not exactly, but we had best consider how we are seen by the world. Will we fall in-line with the current culture, or will our Christianity be counter cultural?
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, November 3, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Awesome God” -38
We toss around the word ‘awesome’ when we want to describe something we really like. That movie was awesome. The meal was awesome. What an awesome time we had together. But let me encourage you to re-think the way we use this adjective. It means to be inspired and moved beyond the norm. Is that what God is for you? Are you in ‘awe’ of Him? Personally, I guess it’s just hard for me to place my Creator in the same category as Hollywood’s latest production. God deserves much more than we give Him credit for…
Our God IS an awesome God!
“Faith is the Victory” – 469
A strong, spiritual songs that recalls the armor of God (Ephesians 6) and the battle we Christians should be preparing for. We sing to admonish the congregation as we anticipate the spiritual battle against forces of darkness. The message is poetically clear in the first verse; as soldiers we are camped next to the hills of light (heaven), but we must be ready to go to war ‘against the foes in vales below.’ Our fight is against the ‘night’ lest it should overcome the glowing skies (which seems to be the current situation in our culture). Just remember, with our faith in God, we have the victory!
“Wounded for Me” – 328
Written in the 1930’s, this spiritual song has the sound of a contemporary piece with the basic message of Christ’s sacrifice for us, “Wounded for me, wounded for me. There on the cross He was wounded for me…” Our song continues as we sing how he was not only wounded, but He died for me. But praise be to God, “He has risen for me; now evermore from death’s sting I am free, all because Jesus has risen for me.”
“‘Tis Midnight, and On Olive’s Brow” – 334
Open your Bibles and you’ll be able to follow the thought process of William B. Tappan as he penned these words in 1822. The poetry takes you to Luke 22:39-44, “He came out and proceeded…to the Mount of Olives…and He withdrew from them about a stone’s thrown…an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him…His sweat became like drops of blood…” And singing, “Tis midnight and on Olive’s brow…the Savior prays alone…’ (1) ‘…unheard by mortals are the strains that sweetly soothe the Savior’s woes…’ (4) ‘…the Man of Sorrows weeps in blood…’ (3)
See also Hebrews 5:7, “…He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death…”
“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” – 276
The title of this song comes from the chorus which was made famous by Helen Lemmel in 1922 (some may have thought this to be another contemporary, 80’s or 90’s, song). The power of the words encourage us keep our eyes on Jesus. As we conclude the Memorial of our Lord’s death, we continually strive to stay focused on Him. Would that our hearts and minds be so close to our God that, ‘…the things of earth will grow strangely dim…’
“Onward, Christian Soldiers” – 646
A great ‘battle song’, but one with a verse many may have missed. Notice these ‘new’ words; “Like a mighty army moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod. We are not divided, all one body we; one in hope and doctrine, one in charity…”. Would that we understand and remember Ephesians 4; “There is one body and one Spirit…one hope…one Lord…one faith…one baptism…one God and Father.”
“I Am Resolved” – 948
January 1st is a good time to find people making ‘resolutions.’ A time when you fix your mind toward accomplishing our goals. A time when we promise ourself personal achievement. A new year, a new start, a new goal. This morning’s invitation is more than just a ‘first of the year’ promise. We sing to confirm a promise that we are going to stop lingering, we are going to go to the Savior, follow the Savior, and ultimately, to enter His kingdom. Do you hurry to get to the Savior (do you hasten to Him) or are you just lingering, taking your time?
“All the Way My Savior Leads Me” – no book
We live in a culture determined to lead us to believe and behavior in a particular way. But as a child of God, our attitude and actions should be determined by Him and His will. Who is leading your life? Are you following in line with the ideals (behavior) of our culture, or are you being lead by the Savior…all the way?
Have you ever considered the difference between hearing and listening? We hear the sound of the traffic on the highway, but we listen when the driver behind us honks. In frustration some may say, “Yeah, I hear you!” But though their ears have heard the voice, the mind hasn’t processed (or even rejects) the message. Many today would say, “I hear you, but I’m not listening to you.” This can be a dangerous mistake for sure.
This Sunday morning we’re blessed to ‘listen’ to another lesson presented by one of our own ministers, Robert Taylor. Come join us for worship and do more than just hear a good sermon, open your ears and listen to the message from God’s holy word? Join us as we explore God’s Word and consider how we’ll use our ears!
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, October 27, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“What a Mighty God We Serve” -993
Technically, this isn’t a difficult song. The words are repetitive and the message is a basic reminder; “What a mighty God we serve! What a mighty God we serve! Angels bow before Him, heaven and earth adore Him. What a mighty God we serve!” You hear the message, but are you listening to what you’re saying? He IS mighty and He is worthy to be served…but HOW are you serving Him?
“O Thou Fount of Every Blessing” – 226
This author has talked in depth of the interpretation of this hymn written in old English Robert Robinson in the mid-1700’s. Words like “Ebenezer”, “fetter” and “interpose” have left many to discard this song as antiquated. But we must do more than just sing (hear) this message from yesteryear. Listen to the meaning when you sing verse three; “O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! {I know, and can never forget, the grace God gives me every day will never be repaid} Let Thy goodness like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee; {Father, please keep your loving kindness tied around my heart} Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love. {I am all to liable to wander away from you, like a little child, please keep close to You}. Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.” {As a matter of fact, take my heart and keep it in Your care until you call me home.}
“In Christ Alone” – no book
Consider this song of encouragement as we prepare our minds to commemorate our Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. We begin this song recognizing our Cornerstone, solid ground and Comforter as Christ…alone. Verse two takes us from His birth to His crucifixion and for those who know this song ‘listen’ to the emotion found in the third verse. And though we begin softly singing of His burial, our voices ‘burst forth’ as we proclaim His resurrection. The final verse gives us the assurance of our security in Christ. Children of God understand that, “…no power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand…”
“I Am Mine No More” – 683
Though the author and composer of this song are unknown, the message is very clear. Would that we do more than just say, “I am mine no more…”, but that our lives would reflect a change in our priority. When you say something is more important than something else, it’s only proven by your next step. The difference between hearing and listening…
“Open Our Eyes Lord” – 766
Written in 1976, this song calls us to open our eyes and see how Jesus is alive in our world. But Robert Cull goes a step further as he penned the next verse; “Open our eyes, Lord and help us to listen…” My daddy would tell us boys, ‘You have one mouth and two ears…you should listen twice as much as you talk’ We might not be bigger talkers, but how are we with looking for God and listening to His words?
“Heaven Came Down” – 517
As we prepare for this morning’s lesson, let’s sing this spiritual song about living a Christian life. A beautiful message but notice the second verse; “Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine. Justified fully through Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine! And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came. Took of the offer of grace He did proffer, He saved me! O praise His dear name…” To proffer is to give a gift expecting an answer, either accept it or not. He has given us salvation. What will you do with His offer? Everyone in the auditorium will hear the offer, but will you listen to the message?
“Only a Step” – 940
How far away from God do you think you are? What kind of step(s) do you need to take to get right with Christ? Our invitation song begins with the call to “Hear the sweet voice of Jesus…” It all starts with hearing the message, but how many will listen to the ‘call?’ In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way…No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The writer of this song encourages us with the understanding that Jesus is only a step away. Those who have been baptized into Christ at one time stepped into the watery grave of baptism. If you are not a child of God and you wonder how far away is He? The answer is simple…He’s only a step away.
“I’ll Be Listening” – 988
As a young boy, when my mother called…I had better answer. If I heard her and choose not to respond (refuse to listen), the consequences might include holding my dad’s hand. All the while he held a switch with his other. We hear God’s call and many have listened to His message of salvation. He will call again at the end of time, but though ‘every knee will bow’ (everyone will listen then), only those who have been faithful will be received. “When the Savior calls, I will answer…I’ll be somewhere listening for my name!”
Concerning a particular situation or a specific set of circumstances some might said, ‘What a coincidence!’ But how do we know if something is coincidental (lucky) or if it’s more likely providential? Often we look at life and see it as lucky or unlucky, black or white and yet all the while we might be missing the point. Perhaps we come up short of giving God the credit He deserves for working in our lives. Perhaps we need to be better about recognizing and seeing that God’s hands are working in ways we can not see. (Remember the song “God Will Make a Way.”) After all, don’t we pray for Him to be with us?
Consider two Christian song writers from this century; Chisholm and Sanderson. T.O. Chisholm was a well renowned American song writer during the early 1900’s. Many of his 1,200 works of Christian poetry have found their way into some of our hymnals. In 1960, at the age of 94, Chisholm passed from this life. His works are well documented but we’ll consider one that was born on a lonely, dark night.
Another well noted writer and composer from the same era was L.O. Sanderson. Sanderson was a preacher of the gospel as well a noted musician. He is recognized as one who wrote the words and music to many of our gospel songs. He was born in 1901 and passed away in 1992, at the age of 91. Like Chisholm, Sanderson penned the music to one particular song in the dark hours of the night. Perhaps it’s not surprising that these two men combined their talents to produce some ‘greats songs of the church.’
It was recorded that one night around midnight, Sanderson was working alone in his office. He had been preparing his sermon for the coming Sunday morning, but a new, specific tune kept running through his mind. To satisfy his musical creativity, he stopped his study and jotted down the musical notes. In a few short weeks he sent the music to his friend, T.O. Chisholm, and inquired of him if had any poetry to fit the scales. As Chisholm reviewed the work of his friend, he found the musical bars (the meter, 11.10.11.10) were a perfect fit for the poetry he penned, “Be with me, Lord – I can not live without Thee, I dare not try to take one step alone, I cannot bear the loads of life, unaided, I need Thy strength to lean myself upon…”
As the two friends compared notes and asked each other questions about this specific work, they found that they both had similar circumstances surrounding their endeavors. Both were working late one night (after midnight to be precise), and both were preoccupied with some specific words, a specific tune, floating within their mind. They were struggling to accomplish one task while trying to embrace this new song. And yet both were unable to be resolution to their struggle until they put their music, poetry, to paper. The extraordinary piece of this puzzle was that both men were creating this song of praise and affirmation some 1000’s of miles apart. Could it have been a coincidence or just plain lucky? Was this just a great accident of hymnology or was our God, the Great Composer, at work in creating a hymn for His people to sing for the ages?
Two men of God, in two separate towns divided by hundreds of miles sitting in their respective offices churning out their own contribution to this hymn of prayer. Perhaps Chisholm’s inspiration in the third verse explains this more clearly; “…a constant sense of Thy abiding presence, where ‘er I am, to feel that Thou art near.”
Philip Nolan was a fictitious Army Lieutenant for the Union during the American Civil War. Accused of being an accomplice of treason he is put on trial. During his testimony, in anger, he renounces his country shouting, “I wish I may never hear of the United States again!” Shocked by the outburst of defiance, with cold resolve the judge grants him his wish. Nolan is sentenced to spend the rest of his life aboard United States Navy warships, in exile, with no right ever again to set foot on U.S. soil. The final element of punishment is that no one shall ever mention his country to him again. He becomes, the ‘Man without a Country.’
Citizenship in a country is a sign of belonging. It establishes your rights and your membership. If you are not a citizen of a country (or a community), you have no voice or privilege within that country/community. Our lesson this Sunday asks the question with no clarification, simply…’are you a citizen?’ Join us as we consider our citizenship.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, October 8, 2013
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah” 3
A beautiful song of praise to our God…read Psalm 148 and you will better understand the power and majesty of this ‘psalm’ of praise.
“Seek Ye First” – 555
A contemporary psalm (song from the scripture) that I remember singing around the campfire. A ‘teen’ song that inspires the singer/listener to seek God first. Open your Bible to Matthew 6:33 and sing, “but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you…”
“Hallelujah, What a Savior” – 337
Another psalm as we consider the words of Isaiah in his 53rd chapter…“He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.” But consider this verse carefully as you sing…”Guilty, vile and helpless we; (we are not innocent, we are disgusting (vile) and unable to take care of ourselves. Jesus, however, is the Lamb of God, who is without blemish (spotless). Is it possible (can it be) therefore, that we can have full atonement (cleansing) from our guilty, vile and helpless situation? The answer is yes and our response is simple…“Hallelujah! What a Savior.”
“Sweet Adoration” – 253
“Sweet adoration comes from Your children…” Do we admire our God and tell Him that in our songs? More than saying it, do we live it? Can the world see our glory and honor and praise to God as a part of our constant devotion?
“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” – 538
On Christ…the SOLID Rock I stand! Where do you stand?
“Jesus, Let Us Come to Know You” – 768
Not your typical invitation song, but this spiritual song calls us to say to our Lord, ‘Jesus, let us come to know You.’ We’ll never know Him, until we give our lives to Him!
“When the Roll is Called Upon Yonder” – 852
The teacher takes roll in class for the simple purpose to find out “who’s there.” This song was born from the same idea, but looking toward eternity. When life is over, when the Lord is ‘taking roll’ will our name be called? When the ‘roll is called’ up yonder…will you be there?
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.
