O Come, All

       

         O come, all ye faithful,

(Those of you who haven’t been so faithful, you can come too, for there is forgiveness for those who repent.)

joyful,

(You sorrowful ones, come also. He brings joy in the morning. And the mourning.)

and triumphant!

(Come all you failures, as well, defeated by sin. He gives the true victory. )

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

(Come there, and find your way to the foot of the cross.)

Come and behold Him born the King of angels:

(Not just of angels, but of all the world. Come and behold the King of Kings)

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,

(Join the song, and know He sings over you.)

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

(Make a joyous noise along with them, knowing you are chosen, and yet still can choose.)

Glory to God, glory in the highest:

(For He alone is worthy. For He alone sits on the throne.)

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;

(Behold He stands at the door and knocks, will you welcome Him in?)

Jesus, to Thee be all glory given!

(And honor, and praise, and love. For now and forever.)

 

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!

(And You chose to dwell among us full of grace and truth.)

 

O come, let us adore Him,

(Together! Forever!)

 

O come, let us adore Him,

(Fall down before Him!)

 

O come, let us adore Him,

(God with us! The rescue has begun! The Hero has come!)

 

Christ the Lord.

(And all will bow before Him. Amen.)

Silent Night

     It's been quiet here on the blog. Usually that is a good sign that real life is CRAZY. That is definitely the case this year. I have had ideas for about five different posts. As you know if you follow me, I have posted zero. I even have photos taken for a post, but yet, nothing. The time just hasn't been right.

    I've been busy with Christmas stuff, preparing and planning, making and baking, running here, there and everywhere. But you haven't seen it (unless, of course, you're my husband). You have just seen....nothing. You haven't heard anything from me, but that doesn't mean I'm not here.

    And that is what I am thinking about tonight. Dwelling on the FOUR HUNDRED YEARS between the Old Testament and the New Testament. You know, the one or two pages between Malachi and Matthew in your Bible? That was lifetimes-generations coming and going. Waiting. Watching. For a while, at least...

    But waiting is hard. And we lose interest quickly. And days slip into weeks, years into decades. We lose track of time and we give up, forget, move on. But that didn't mean He wasn't there...

    That inter-Testament period? It is known as the silent, or dark, period. Pretty bleak. Quiet is nice at first, but after a while it can drive you crazy. You start talking to yourself, you start hearing voices. You wonder if maybe you are losing it, you wonder if you were confused about what you heard. Weren't promises made? A Savior. What was going on? Four hundred years...

    " The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

2 Peter 3:9 NIV

   Quiet days turned into silent nights. Promises seemed unfilled, hope felt empty. Memories were short, and soon, for many, thoughts of the Messiah slipped into the oblivion of forgetfulness...

    Until another silent night soon became a holy night. The most Holy of all Nights. The Silence was broken with the most powerful Word ever spoken.

"The Word became flesh and dwelt among US..." John 1:14 

    The emphasis is mine, because I can't get over the beauty of ending that phrase with those two little letters that mean me, and you, and everyone. The Word, a clarion call that prayers were answered, promises fulfilled, not just after four hundred years but for all of eternity. At just the right time...

     We don't ever have to live in that uncertainty again. Hope was born, and the Word doesn't just dwell among us, He dwells in us.

"Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 CSB

     If your night seems silent, I have a hard truth for you: you aren't listening. He is speaking, the silence is broken. He didn't just give us words at Christmas, He gave us THE Word. He spent four hundred years planning, preparing, perfecting. At just the right time, He tore the veil, broke the barrier, and glorious light and sound poured out, from Him to us. Christmas is Him speaking, flooding our ears with the most beautiful Voice ever heard, promising us that this Jesus was indeed, the One:

"While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”" Matthew 17:5 NIV

     We don't have to endure the silent treatment anymore, Jesus offered His life to free us to hear. He is speaking, we just have to stop to listen. He is there, He always has been, but now, His plans are apparent, His purpose clear. He fulfills all of His promises, no matter how slow the fulfillment may seem. I encourage you: if it seems like you are suffering through too many silent nights, remember that the Word is already here. We don't have to be wait, He has come.

    That is the beauty of Christmas. The Word that many in those hundreds of dark, quiet years died longing to hear, has come. Just listen: His name is Jesus.

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NIV

Christmas is for Everyone

     The snow is gently falling. I sit on the sofa in my very clean living room (even the carpet has been freshly steamed), with a pile of beautifully wrapped gifts sitting under my coordinating tree. My children sit at the table putting together adorable gingerbread trains, writing things like "Jesus is born" and "Peace on Earth" on them, while talking about how angels brought the good news to the shepherds. My favorite carols play in the background, and I sip the coffee my sweet husband brought me as a surprise. I think about the lovely lunch I just had with my extended family and I sigh with contentment as I look forward to sharing dinner and laughter with them later that evening. It really is the perfect Christmas Eve...

   No, this is not a dream. It really is how Christmas Eve went down this year. Pretty perfect, right? It might not be your ideal Christmas, but it still sounds pretty sweet. Now, don't worry-I don't share all this to make you jealous. I really do appreciate this Christmas wonder, but in a large part that is because I have had so many Christmases that were, shall we say, not quite as photo-worthy. Like the ones where my husband was deployed to a war zone. Or the one where my niece laying dying in the hospital awaiting a heart transplant. Or the ones where my entire family was sick-everyone restricted to their bed or the bathroom (if you know what I mean). Ones where I was separated from friends and family, because of life or my own selfishness. Ones where I was sad and lonely-or even afraid. 

   Which got me to thinking: does Christmas "mean" more to me on the years when everything goes just right? When my plans actually come to fruition and everything isn't a haze of stress and hurry? Or does it mean more when I am floundering, incapable of completing any tasks due to my overwhelming circumstances? Does it? Should it?

    And then I realized something-Christmas, as in Christ's birth, is awesome, miraculous and awe-inspiring no matter where I am, or how I am. Christmas, WHEN GOD CAME TO EARTH (yes, I am shouting now) should be amazing whatever life looks like. And it can be. Consider that:

The shepherds were poor, and consumed by the tasks of everyday life.

Jesus came for them.

Mary and Joseph had been hurtled into a strange and unknown situation, one they were completely unable to control.

Jesus came for them.

The wise men were at the top of their game, abounding in riches and knowledge.

Jesus came for them.

The people of Bethlehem were completely unaware (and unprepared).

Jesus came for them.

Herod was consumed by sin and the desire for power. 

Jesus came for him.

The Romans were enjoying prosperity and prestige.

Jesus came for them.

The innkeeper was harried and hurried, stressed and overwhelmed.

Jesus came for him.

Anna and Simeon were watching and praying. They were nearing the end of their earthly lives.

Jesus came for them.

   “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that EVERYONE who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (HCSB)

   This might be the worst Christmas of your life. You may be suffering, struggling, barely hanging on. Jesus came for you. This might be the best Christmas of your life. Perfect job, wonderful family, amazing life. Jesus came for you. This might be a run-of-the-mill Christmas. You might not remember it next month, much less next year, due to its boring normalcy. Jesus came for you.

JESUS CAME FOR EVERYONE.  Everyone means you.

    Christ's birth-the means for Him to come to earth to live, and then die for my sins, your sins, anyone's sins who trusts in Him, is what Christmas is all about. And no matter where your December 25th falls on the spectrum of perfection, Jesus came for you. I hope your Christmas is wonderful, and I know that it can be if you remember this: Christmas is for everyone. No matter what you are going through in life, Christmas is for you because Jesus is for you. And the very best part is that isn't limited to December 25th. It is for all year, every year.

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 (NIV)

   Nothing on earth can separate you from the love Christ brought on that first Christmas, if you allow Him to be Lord of your life. Nothing you're going through can change the fact that Christmas is for you. And that makes it pretty darn awesome, no matter what. Merry Christmas!

A Dark and Twisty...Christmas?

 

      The carols I like the best are the melancholy ones. When I was young, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" was always my favorite. I remember "discovering" the "Carol of the Bells" and "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". As an adult, I adore "In the Bleak Midwinter"-anything, deep, low and a little bit haunting.

    And it has become more apparent to me, this Christmas, as to why that is. I read, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" with my kids this year. I vaguely remembered liking it the one time I read it as a kid, and I wanted to revisit it. Now, all grown-up, it hit me what that book is really all about: the "IM" perfection of Christ's birth. Recognizing that it was *real* and therefore, it wasn't the flawless fairytale we picture it as.

   What?! It is paramount to blasphemy to say that, right? But listen: I am not at all implying that our Savior's birth wasn't exactly as the Lord intended it to be. It followed the ancient prophecies, it happened right when it needed to, just as it should it. But it wasn't the softly glowing lights and hay-scented stable we all want to imagine it was.

    Mary didn't deliver without pain-as a matter of fact, if she had it would have directly contradicted the curse that the Lord had established at the beginning of the world. Nothing in the New Testament implies that things were easy for Joseph or Mary, they left behind security, friends and even family in their journeys with Jesus, and they never returned to their hometown. Jesus birth is starkly contradicted by death-of all the babies two and under thanks to jealous Herod. I don't care what kind of shepherds the angels appeared to-if they kept earthly sheep, it wasn't in an odor-free clean room.

   Christmas was messy. Christ's birth occurred into *our* world. A pain-filled, war-torn, frightening, disaster. We abused, misused and destroyed the purity of creation and ourselves in the process. And it wasn't pretty. It was quite the opposite. And we deserved every bit of it.

    But that didn't change the truth that Jesus birth was strange. Don't overlook that. There is very little about it that was intended to be "normal". Even back then, thousands of years ago, babies were born in their *homes* and they weren't laid in mangers, whether they were in stables or not. Mary was humble, and faithful, but I'm sure she didn't specifically ask the Lord to be allowed to deliver miles away from family, after being denied a simple hotel room.
"...she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." Luke 2:7 (NIV)
    But that kind of was the point, wasn't it? The whole story reminds us that God's ways are not our ways. He wasn't writing the latest issue of "Better Homes and Gardens". He was authoring a way for us to join Him in eternity. He wasn't interested in impressing us with material goods and showy claims to power. He didn't need to prove to us to He is God, because before any of us were He was (and still is),"I AM". He didn't need to do it our way, He wanted to allow us an opportunity to do it His way.

    Christmas didn't need to be "perfect" by the world's standards, because Jesus is perfect by every standard. No earthly circumstance, situation or setting could ever measure up to that. No person involved in His birth could ever compare. So, it is folly to imagine that "Holy Night" as all filmy haloes and warm barns. It was meant to be a stark contrast between the absolute, unattainable, undeniable supremacy of Christ and us. Lowly, powerless, frail. We could never go to Him on our own, so He came to us.
"Remember, Christ, our Savior
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray..."
-"God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen"

While we were still sinners...
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it....The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:5 &14 (NIV) 
   So, I don't have to make that first night something it isn't. I don't have to fight and manipulate and struggle to make this Season something it never was to begin with. This celebration of Christ's birth?  It isn't about what I can do, or who I can impress, or how I can make it be anything. It isn't about *me* at all, other than like every other human, I am in desperate need of salvation that I can in no way provide for myself. Jesus is perfect. Christmas isn't-by the measures of this earth. It never has been, and it never will be. And it doesn't need to be-the contrast between our lack and His abundance is just fine. He came in a strange, unusual, mysterious way. He came into darkness because He *is* the light. He came to our twisted, winding road, because He is the straight "Way". So, maybe that is why I like my carols with a touch of melancholy and a little bleaker than most-because from the get go, I like the reminder that the first Christmas has always been a little dark and twisty. And that's just the way it was meant to be. 

Day 25: "O, Holy Night"

   The day is finally here. All the holiday planning and preparing is about to come to fruition. Just like the night Christ was born. God carefully constructed His redemption story from the very beginning, and now He would set it all in motion. His lovingly wrapped Present didn't come in colorful paper or have a photo-worthy bow. But He had chosen it with the utmost care and He would give His very best...His One and Only Son. Don't skip today's song, please? I found out  an interesting fact: the original French version of the poem on which this song was based was written by a professed atheist. He was a noted poet and so the parish priest of his town asked him to write it to celebrate. That makes it clear: you can celebrate Christmas without celebrating Christ, you can give beautiful gifts, and sing lovely songs, and do all the right "things" and still not mean it. We can redeem this though by having hearts of true worship-we give the day its due value and meaning when we sanctify it by having our hearts and minds centered on Christ. Today of all days, the one the world has chosen to celebrate the Most Important Birthday Ever, we should take some time and add prayer and worship to the top of the list, don't you think? He gave His all, so that we can truly have all. Today is the day! Sing of His birth!

Lyrics: "O, Holy Night"
(You won't find this one in the 1991 Baptist Hymnal, either)

Questions for thought and discussion;
1. Why do you think a posture of kneeling or bowing is repeated so often in Scripture? Is there merit to that? Or is it just an ancient tradition we no longer need? Perhaps you would kneel in prayer today, maybe even bow down, face to the floor. Does that humble you?

2. Christmas night: when the Divine met the earthly as had never been seen before. Truly, the created had a first time opportunity (since Adam and Eve) to bow before the Creator. Do you see the beauty in this? What is your favorite character in the story? How did he or she demonstrate reverence and awe? How can that instruct your own worship.

3. Make plans to worship today, corporately or own your own. Expect to meet God the same way the  Magi did. I think you will be surprised.

Looking for the printable? Find it here. 

Day 24: "We Three Kings"

   I remember loving this song as a child. It seemed dark and mysterious, exactly the way I pictured the Magi. There are only a few sentences about their arrival. And once I realized that pretty much they were *not* at the manger, I focused on correcting every nativity I ever saw. This was accomplished by placing all three "kings" as far away as possible from Jesus and His parents. The shepherds could be close by, but those impostors didn't belong at Christmas! I apologize now, because clearly I was caught up in my misplaced sense of justice. Those "kings" (who weren't really kings at all, they were an elite group of exceptionally learned men) definitely earned their spot in the Nativity story. And I love them so much more, now. They were the ultimate seekers, feeling their need for Jesus so strongly it drove them to leave everything they knew, their own wealth and stature, their homes and families, behind in search for the Greatest Gift. Those kings, they humble me, shame me with my insecurities and grasping at worldly treasures, when I already have everything, and the Only One I will ever need. So, if you are judgmental like I was, don't overlook this one. See what it is really saying.

Lyrics: "We Three Kings"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #113

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. The Magi recognized the kingship of Christ, in part because they themselves were in positions of authority. They could see the similarities in the prophecies of Christ's coming and the responsibilities their own jobs required. What "Kingly" responsibilities do we see in Christ's life? Are they all "high and mighty"?

2. We sometimes use the term "come to Jesus" when talking about a person's acceptance of salvation. How did the Magi illustrate that for us? When they "came to Jesus" what did it mean in terms of their posture and attitude? How can we continue to "come to Jesus" after we are saved?

Day 23: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

     This song should bring Scrooge to mind. That isn't because there is anything miserly or stingy about it, but because it is mentioned in the first chapter of "A Christmas Carol" by Dickens. We all love that quintessential Yuletide story. It is all about second chances and redemption, and well, God blessing all of the world and give us true joy, which does have a way of making one merry, doesn't it?  Scrooge reminds us the worst of scoundrels can see the light, that "when we were gone astray" "Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day"...Always there when we need Him most, isn't He?

Lyrics: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
(Another one not in the Baptist Hymnal!)

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. Jesus came as THE King- meaning He had (and has) all the power and prestige fitting the highest royal Person. He had the power to free us from sin, He was the only one. To deny Jesus' power is to, in a way, say that Satan has more control. Do you ever do that in your own life? When you doubt, or worry, isn't that in a way denying Christ's power over everything? "Let nothing you dismay"...how can you acknowledge that truth through Christ?

2.  The 7th verse (Does this one have a crazy number of verses or what? EIGHT!) speaks of brotherhood, and the verses from Romans talk of how "we have received grace and apostleship". How can we exemplify those things through our unity? Why is that such an essential to the Christian life?

Looking for the printable? Find it here. 

Day 22: "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night"

   I have fond memories of this song. I don't have the most pleasant of voices, it isn't like nails on a chalkboard or anything, but I can count on one hand the number of times I have sung in front of an audience that I wasn't hiding out in a choir. One of those was the illustrious performance of "Silent Night", and another was this song, which I performed with several of my sisters and my mother. That is the single time that I have done that as an adult. I had never heard this song before my mom suggested we sing it at a Christmas Eve service, and I immediately liked it. We did *not* sing all six verses, nor did we sing it perfectly. However, we did sing it joyously, as a humble homage to the King. I'm guessing that the shepherds paid their respects in much the same way-knowing they had little to offer, but giving all they had, confident He would make up the difference.

Lyrics: "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night"
(This one isn't in the Baptist Hymnal, either.)

Questions for thought and discussion;
1. It's pretty obvious throughout Scripture that God is pretty fond of shepherds. (Read about David if you need reminding!) However, He didn't elevate their status-sheep herding wasn't a plush job, they didn't make six figures, or have any status of which to speak. You would think if He liked them so much, He would have changed all that, right? Why do you think God chose to allow shepherds to maintain such a lowly position? What part did that play in the Christmas story?

2.  Our pastor spoke of the shepherds this morning and he pointed out something I had never noticed before: the shepherds were not commanded to find Jesus, they chose to go. That is such a great example of our own freedom to choose Jesus. How else do their actions concerning seeking Jesus, finding Him and sharing Him are a reflection of the experience of a believer?

Looking for the printable? Find it here.

Day 21: "Carol of the Bells"

   
Note: The tune for this song actually has several sets of lyrics. The version that I associated with this title is often called "Ring Christmas Bells", although it is also simply called "Christmas Bells". The version that is actually used with this name is here.  Either will work for the calendar, but I am specifically referencing the first one.

     This is one that isn't even in the good ol' SBC hymnal. However, when you are the author, you get to be "in charge", whatever that means! So, I decided to use my official power and put this one in, because it is one of my favorites. The repetition of the notes in the tune make it almost unforgettable, and then couple it with the simple, yet powerful, lyrics and it is perfection in my mind. The song is based on an old Ukrainian folk chant, and it pre-dated widespread Christianity there. It was a secular song with lyrics that spoke of the New Year. After the Gospel was shared there, it was "converted", and the lyrics were eventually re-written, well, because Jesus changes everything, right? That's the story of Christmas!

Lyrics: "Carol of the Bells" or "Ring Christmas Bells"

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. The bells are tolling the good news that Jesus is here! How does that reflect what we do when we sing? Do you really think that our music makes a difference?

2. "Every knee will bow and every tongue confess"...we think of this as a beautiful gesture of reverence on the part of the believer, but what will this look like for those that never acknowledged Christ? For a Christian, this is something we *want* to do, but we know that isn't true for everyone. Do you ever think about the time that Jesus will return as the conquering Hero and demand the place that has always been rightfully His?

Looking for the printable? Find it here.

Day 20: "Tell Me the Story of Jesus"

   You may think that I am fudging on this one, since you may not think of it as a true "carol". However, it is definitely a song about the birth of Christ, so I am taking the liberty! Don't skip over this one because it isn't "traditional"! Also, I didn't realize, but it is by Fanny Crosby. If you don't know her life story, look her up. She wrote over 8,000 hymns in her lifetime.  That alone is astounding, but she was found to be completely blind when she was very young. Instead of allowing her that to make her bitter and angry, she instead believed that it helped her to focus and rely on God. I was fascinated by her story as a child, and read multiple biographies. I loved playing her songs on the piano. I think we are all drawn to tragedy that turns into triumph and a humility that plays out in working earnestly for the Kingdom of God.  Hmmm, seems to me you can also find those themes in the life of Jesus...


Lyrics: "Tell Me the Story of Jesus" (Read the accompanying blog post if you have time!)

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #122

Questions for thought and discussion;
1. The Bible has been called the "greatest story every told". Do you really believe that? What is so fascinating about Jesus? Do you think that planning a completely engrossing story was intentional on God's part?

2. We love a happy ending-truly, everyone does. The Bible gives us the opportunity to guarantee our own picture perfect conclusion: salvation through Christ means eternal life in heaven. Doesn't that make all this worthwhile? Why are we hesitant to proclaim that definite truth?

3. Stories of Jesus were told in Christ's own day! I love, love, love to think about that. What do you think they said? Was He a "celebrity"? Which story would you have liked to have witnessed?

Looking for the entire printable? Find it here.

Day 19: "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne"

          Wow, less than a week until Christmas. It's crunch time for real if you are a procrastinator (I am over-loader, not quite the same, but I still have plenty to do!) and this is the time when Jesus really gets pushed to the back burner in the hustle and bustle. This carol is the perfect remedy if you are wont to overlook the "Reason for the season" right now. This song is one of the few (perhaps the only, I haven't looked at every single one yet) that is by a woman. I couldn't find any information about it, but the lyrics really have a sensitive, feminine touch in the best of ways. The third verse is just stunning. Stop and take a few minutes to sing (or just read) this beautiful song. It will put your focus back where it belongs. Because if He could leave His throne for us, I think we can leave behind our busyness, stress and worry for Him. Sounds like a delightfully un-fair trade, right?

Lyrics: "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #121

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. Christ gave up His rights so that we might have mercy that we in no way deserved. Why then do you think we are so loathe to give mercy to others? He hears the afflicted, the fatherless and the oppressed. How have you done that recently? If you haven't done that, how can you?

2. Christ became poor for us, physically, so that we might be rich spiritually. Yet, we often demand earthly abundance as our due. Is that Biblical? Why not? If we truly seek to emulate Christ, can we have wealth? (Please don't see read a "right" or "wrong" answer from my perspective. I am just hoping to ignite a spirit of searching for God's answers, not man's)

3. If you were Jesus, what would be the most difficult part of leaving your throne? Christ was 100% human, so I am sure there were moments when He remembered, and perhaps even missed or longed for, His heavenly home. Have you ever thought about that?

Looking for the printable? It's here. 

Day 18: "What Child Is This"

    This is my husband's favorite carol, I think in a large part because he likes the tune. I however, like it because it falls into that melancholy, low, slow category. I'm not really sure why I lean towards those, but clearly they are my favorite. Also, I love the words. It seems that this carol would be one of those written in the 13th-14th centuries, but in actuality, it is much more recent. It is from 1865, and the author was suffering from a near fatal illness that resulted in a renewed interest in Christ. A spiritual awakening that came during a really dark time? Sounds a lot like Christmas to me!

Lyrics: "What Child Is This"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #118

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. We really tend to take for granted that we know who Christ is, and surely that was easily recognized by His contemporaries. However, that was probably not the case-most did not likely realize who He was. Which leads me to think if we are mistaken about that assumption, do *we* really know who He is? Who do you say He is? Why?

2. The verse from Luke is short but poignant. Mary was pondering all these things...she was probably trying to figure out exactly "what Child is this" herself! What do you think she thought in those first few hours? Days? Do you think she had the same thoughts most mothers do?

3. Why do you think "Jerusalem was [disturbed]" with Herod? Was it unnatural for them to side with their known, earthly leader? Do you think we ever do that type of thing today?

Looking for the printable? Find it here.

Day 17: "Sing We Now Of Christmas"

    Christmas carols are absolutely essential to my celebration of Christ's birth. I can't think of many things that bring people together like music does, and when I sing songs, like this one, from the 15th(!) century, I can picture people all through the ages rejoicing in His arrival. It gives me a great feeling of unity, and really helps fuel that "love for my fellow man" thing that is so associated with this season. Music is often a catalyst for worship, and it isn't any different at Christmas. It gives us an ideal atmosphere for focusing on God, and while it definitely isn't the only way to worship, it is one of my favorites. I'm pretty sure God likes it, too-if you need more convincing than my humble opinion, spend some time in the Psalms and then let me know if you don't agree.

Lyrics: "Sing We Now Of Christmas"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #111

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. Why do you think God likes singing? He didn't give us all perfect pitch, but the Bible never says that should keep us silent. Why do you personally think music is a good way to praise God? Maybe you disagree-why?

2. The Magi came to "worship" Christ. Do you think that they sang to Him? What other forms of worship are there? Was it just their gifts? Do you really believe our tradition of gift-giving can be a form of worship? Why or why not?

3. Can you list at least five reasons why we should worship and praise God? What is your personal way of expressing yourself in worship and praise? Do that today.

Looking for the printable? Find it here.

Day 16: "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly"

    This carol will probably be familiar, although it doesn't receive the air time that some of the most popular ones do. I actually really like that about it, and also, it isn't your typical carol. The couplets are fun, and they give it an unusual rhythm (I'm sure anyone musically inclined could say much more about that than I, and describe it much better!) . However, I really love that this carol focuses on the little details-the lowliness of Christ's birthplace, the animals that were likely there. It nicely juxtaposes both the height of His holiness with His absolute down-to-earth humanity. And I like a good comparison.

Lyrics: "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #106

Questions for thought and discussion;
1. The Isaiah passage focuses on Christ's physical appearance-nothing about it would have been anything other than commonplace, average. He did not use his looks to attract people to Himself! Why do you think this was important? Why do you think that we usually picture Jesus as being physically good-looking? Is it our own vanity? Because He certainly wasn't concerned with His outward appearance!

2. Christ was despised, rejected, and looked down on, yet He gave us the right to become children of God, joining Him in the true royal family. How does this help us to realize that all of the aspirations of the world are completely backward? Christ was not afraid to be "lowly". Why are we so concerned that we won't be given our proper due? What do we really deserve?

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Day 15: "Angels We Have Heard On High"

  We don't know who wrote this carol, only that it is a traditional French one. This isn't the only common carol that has an unknown author, but it got me to thinking: if I wrote a song as famous as this one, I think I would want my name on it! Just being honest. But in reality, this song is such a perfect picture of what our lives should be as believers: continuous praise to our Savior, and His is the only name that need be made known. I can picture this long-gone poet proudly singing his song before his Maker, and he knows that is really giving credit where it is due. His name may be lost, but his song continues, prompting worship and praise for ages, and putting the focus squarely where it should be: on Christ.

Lyrics: "Angels We Have Heard On High"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #100

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. Both the passages list reasons why we should give "glory to God in the highest". As you think about those, what are some specific things in your own life for which you give God the glory?

2. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways." (Isaiah 55:8) How is this statement from the Lord made so obvious through the Christmas story? Truly, Christ's birth showcases God's skill as the ultimate Story Author. His creativity is boundless. What are some things in this world that make your breath catch? Your eyes water? What makes you want to break into "joyous strains" when you think about how perfectly God planned it? Take a few moments to be still in awe and worship.

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Day 14: "Away In A Manger"

      This is probably the first carol most children learn. It is short, and simple. Yet, it is so poignant-thinking of our precious Lord and Savior as a tiny, helpless Baby, it all becomes much more real when we picture Him as being so much like our own dear, sweet children. Our fierce desire to protect them and care for them, to see them accomplish great things is a direct reflection of how God surely felt for His very own Son. I can't imagine laying my own son in a hay-filled feeding trough, but I am certainly thankful that God didn't mind so much...

Lyrics: "Away in a Manger"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #103

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. Jesus, who had all the power of God, did not consider Himself equal with God-even though He was! Every step of His life here on earth was marked with humility. Why does that make His message even more powerful? Why is humility also an essential to our own testimonies?

2. Have you ever really considered how lowly Christ's beginnings are? Even if you have, really reflect on that now. Perhaps you will weep when you think of how our SAVIOR came to earth. If it doesn't move you in some way, keep looking until it does.

3. In my personal opinion, God directed Christ's birth in such a manner to eternally remind us that He came as a servant, but there was nothing "normal" about Him. What specific parts of His birth story highlight that for you? Which parts were ordinary?

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Day 13: "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

   So, today I can redeem myself with my mother. She may not care for "Go, Tell It On The Mountain", but today is her favorite. I don't know if she is familiar with the story behind it, but I know it will only increase her fondness for this beautiful carol. The short version: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (yes, the same famous American poet) wrote this in the thick of the Civil War, after his son had joined the Union Army against his father's wishes,and was gravely injured shortly thereafter,  and Longfellow's wife had died in a tragic accident. He surely bowed his head in despair many times during those black days. But rather than allowing Christmas to increase his sorrow, Longfellow realized that the true meaning of that day is hope-for salvation, for love, for forgiveness, and for restoration, if not here on earth, than definitely in heaven. Isn't that just wonderful?

Lyrics: "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #98

Questions for thoughts and discussion:
1. The strongest recurring theme here is peace, in both the songs and the verses. It is easy to see why Longfellow craved peace, but don't you, too? Why do you think Jesus is called the "Prince of Peace"?

2. Peace and reconciliation are both mentioned in the passage from Colossians. Can you have reconciliation without peace? Or peace without reconciliation?

3. "God is not dead, nor does He sleep"...sometimes when life is hard, the opposite seems true, even to a believer. We have so many promises from the Lord that He will never leave us, and yet we still struggle. What are some practical things you can do to counteract those lies? How can you remind yourself that He will "reign...forever"?

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Day 12: "Good Christian Men, Rejoice"

   This may surprise you as much as it surprised me, but this is probably the oldest carol in the bunch. I haven't studied them all yet, but this one was believed to be written (in Latin) in 1328! I think that is one of the things that I love the most about Christmas carols-how enduring they are. They have united people in the shared language of music for centuries, and I hope that tradition continues. This is one of my top five favorite carols, (its really hard to choose just one favorite!) and so it makes me happy to know that it has stood the test of time. I hope that if Jesus hasn't returned by then, that people are still singing it in 700 years!

Lyrics: "Good Christian Men, Rejoice"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #96

Questions for thought and discussion:

1. What do you think: do we "rejoice" because we are "good Christian men (and women)" or are we good Christians because we rejoice? Maybe both?

2. The verses from Acts are quoted about Christ, but they can also be applied to Christians. Isn't it lovely to think that there are Scriptures that talk about Christ, but also about us? It makes me rejoice that through Christ's sacrifice I am worthy of so many wonderful blessings! What are some of the things that make you rejoice about your salvation?

3. We "need not fear the grave" according to the song, and Hebrews 2:15 tells us that Christ has freed us from the slavery that the fear of death has over us. Does that mean it is wrong to be afraid of dying? Why do you think that so many have such great anxiety when it comes to death? How can we conquer that fear through Christ?

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Day 11: "Go Tell It On The Mountain"

 First of all, can I just say, "I'm sorry, Mom, I had to do it." This carol is my mother's least favorite of them all, and she must have passed that on to me. And for years, I haven't been particularly fond of it, either. Until David Crowder. It is on his "Oh For Joy" holiday CD, but I had never heard it like that before. And as with all things DC, I loved it! And now, after studying it, and finding so many Scriptural connections, I am even more taken with it. So, even if this one isn't on your top 10, give a few minutes. You may find it grows on you!

Lyrics: "Go Tell It On The Mountain"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #95

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. The entire theme of this song is the telling. Can you share the Gospel story without telling of Christ's birth? Is that part essential to fully understand Christ's sacrifice? How?

2. The Isaiah passage says that the feet of those who share the "good news" are "beautiful". Those shepherds, those lowly, hard-working, *smelly* shepherds...did they have beautiful feet? Do you?

3. We often think of the angels as the primary "heralds" in this story, but their message was only to the shepherds. The shepherds, however, are the ones who "spread the word" (Luke 2:17). God uses people as His chief manner of proclamation. Ordinary, everyday, even "boring" ones. Are you ever guilty of expecting angels to share the story God has given to you to tell?

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Day 10: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

  This is one of the "newer" carols in the list, it was first published in 1849. It is also an American carol, but it uses the same beautiful language that many of the older European songs do. This is another song focusing on the angels-they seem an irresistible muse to many writers. Maybe because they are the central thread tying all the groups of the story together?

Lyrics: "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #93

Questions for though and discussion:
1. Not everyone listens to the angels (or believes them) right away. Zechariah didn't! He received a sign all right: muteness. I think we like to believe that if an angel appeared and spoke to us, that is all the convincing we would need, but can you think of some reasons we are tempted to ignore the Holy Spirit's voice? Isn't He greater than the angels?

2. At some point in the future "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea" will praise God. This is the basis for the 4th verse. What do you think that will look like? Sound like? Do you think it will just be singing? 

Looking for the entire printable? It's here.