“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” a poem by Henry W. Longfellow put to music by John Calkin, has such a lovely refrain: Peace on earth, good will to men. How our world needs peace! 1 I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And…
“Carols Sing” by Paul and Martha Puckett; music by Martha Puckett. Carols raise, HIS name praise! He shall reign eternally. Amen! 1. Carols sing to the King, Jesus Christ Christ our Savior; Born this day, angels say, In a lowly manger; He came down to the earth Bringing us new…
“O Come, All Ye Faithful,” a Latin hymn with credit ascribed to several authors, put to music by John Francis Wade. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing… Oh, what a gift! 1 O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;…
MONDAY 12/5 — “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Phillips Brooks, music by Lewis H. Redner. I always think of children’s choirs when I hear this one. 1 O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by:…
“The First Nowell,” a traditional English carol. Born is the King of Israel! (For simplicity’s sake, I’ve changed “nowell” to “noel.”) 1 The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold…
“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent,” from the Liturgy of St. James, translated by Gerard Moultrie. My favorite line: He will give to all the faithful His own self… 1 Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in his…
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” by Charles Wesley. 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 fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation,…
At first glance, this verse seems rather insignificant when compared to others like John 3:16 or the 23rd Psalm. But the more I looked at it, the more “meat” I found. Note some of these important words: For God is MY King… “My” indicates a personal relationship. A king’s first…
Continuing his reminder to remain faithful until the Lord’s return, James mentioned the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name. They were ridiculed and persecuted for doing so, yet they remained faithful. These prophets were revered by the first-century Jews, so this reminder would have caught their attention and reiterated…
James is bringing his letter to a close, and he adds a gentle admonition: be patient. These first-century believers were so eager for Christ’s return, they were becoming anxious and impatient. (Sometimes I feel that way myself!) These people wanted Christ to return and bring judgment on those who’d oppressed…
