When we left off at the end of November, Jesus acknowledged that as much as He wanted to be spared the agony of the cross, it was the purpose for which He had come to earth and He would see it through to glorify the Father. God the Father replied…
I’ll end with what is undoubtedly the most familiar CHRISTmas carol of all time: “Silent Night, Holy Night,” written by Joseph Mohr, put to music by Franz Gruber, and sung to guitar the first time because mice had ruined the organ! True story. When I was a child, we sang…
Christina G. Rossetti wrote the words to “How Great Our Joy” in the mid-1800s to the tune of a traditional Irish melody. David Evans added the harmony in 1927. How great is our joy to personally know the King of kings and Lord of lords. 1 While by the sheep…
HAPPY NEW YEAR! I pray you’re starting 2025 secure in an eternal relationship with the Babe born in a manger. William Harold Neidinger wrote both the words and music for “The Birthday of a King.” ’Twas a humble birthplace, but oh! how much God gave to us that day! 1…
Joseph Simpson Cook, a Methodist preacher, wrote the words to “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child.” Ernest MacMillan arranged a 14th century carol to go with them. Such a Babe in such a place, can He be the Savior? Yes, He is! And He is MY Savior. 1 Gentle Mary laid…
Do you mind if we do one more week of CHRISTmas carols? “Good Christian Men, Rejoice” was translated by John Mason Neale from a 14th century Latin carol. We can rejoice because Christ was born to save! Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed…
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” is another hymn written by Charles Wesley. Charles was quite prolific! I think this might be my favorite, though. God keeps His promises! He sent Jesus, and He will send Him again! 1. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our…
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” written by Edmund H. Sears and put to music by Richard Storrs Willis, tells such a wonderful story of prophecy fulfilled. 1 It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of…
Merry CHRISTmas! I love the invitation to come and worship found in “Angels From the Realms of Glory” by James Montgomery, put to music by Henry Smart. 1 Angels from the realms of glory, wing your flight o’er all the earth; ye who sang creation’s story now proclaim Messiah’s birth:…
“Angels We Have Heard on High” is a traditional French carol. The music was arranged by Warren Angell (how appropriate is that name???) but the translator of the lyrics is unknown. Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing! Come, adore on bended knee CHRIST the Lord,…