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"?

Looking for the entire printable? It's here. 

Day 7: O Come, All Ye Faithful

    So, I found an interesting little tidbit that may not be so well known as this song: it has been rumored that it was a coded ode to Bonnie Prince Charlie at his birth. Due to the disagreement over right to the English throne, the Jacobites were purported to have used this song to honor him in secret. Interesting to think of this song being about the birth of a King no one recognized, huh? I sincerely doubt anyone is thinking about Charles Stuart when they are singing this-but we definitely can contemplate how it would be for Jesus to have come to take a throne that *was* rightly His and not have anyone acknowledge that....

Lyrics: "O Come, All Ye Faithful"

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #89

Thoughts for questions and discussion:
1. The Isaiah passage talks about what will give us "joy" and "triumph" as believers. What is that? Why do you think that particular commandment is so important? What could that possibly have to do with Christmas?

2. The Word became flesh...what does that really mean? How was Jesus "the Word" before He was born? Why was it so important that He become flesh?

3. What is something you can do to show your adoration for Christ? What would truly adoring Him really look like?

Looking for the entire printable? It's here.

Day 4: O Little Town of Bethlehem

    This classic always conjured up a sleepy, peaceful little town of pueblo-style buildings under a starlit sky. The reality was that it was a tiny town, ill-equipped to handle the influx of travelers that the census caused. Bethlehem (this is a brief, but interesting article) was the birthplace to another famous Jewish king-David. That lineage led Joseph, a Davidic descendant, back to the "House of Bread"-the literal meaning of Bethlehem. Pretty fitting name for the birthplace of the "Bread of Life", huh?

Lyrics: "O Little Town of Bethlehem" (extra credit: tidbits on the story behind the song!)

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #85

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. Why do you think it was important that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, rather than Joseph and Mary's native town of Nazereth?

2. Ruth was from Bethlehem (bonus points if you know how she was related to David). How does her story in some ways foreshadow Christ?

3. We tend to think of Bethlehem as a quiet, dark town. With all the travelers, that very well might not have been the case. Do you think that perhaps all the hustle, bustle and noise somewhat masked that most important birth? Is that an accurate reflection of Christmas in the world today? How?


Looking for the printable that contains all 25 days of songs and Scriptures? Its here!

Day 3: Emmanuel

      This is probably the simplest carol of them all. A single verse, and very few words. However, it is beautiful in its simplicity. And it still manages to evoke all those feelings of wonder that thinking of the birth of Christ should. Perhaps you can find time to sing this one twice?



Link to lyrics: "Emmanuel" (by Bob McGee-there are several songs by this title)

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #82



Questions for thought and discussion:
 1. How is "God with us" now?

2.If Jesus birth signaled "God with us" (since He was called "Emmanuel") had God not been there before? What changed about His presence with Jesus birth? How did that change again after Christ's ascension?

3. What specific events in your life have proven to you that "God with us" is really true?

Day 2: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

 

    This is one of those carols that isn't *quite* as common. It is still heard fairly frequently, but it isn't up there with "Silent Night". I love all the ones that are a little more melancholy, and this one fills the bill. Not only that, but this one is so old it is overflowing with just the most poetic wording. Lovely!

Link to lyrics: "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"
or try this one: "Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus"
The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #77

Questions for thoughts and discussion:

1. Do you know how long Jeremiah and Isaiah were written before Jesus' birth? The Israelites had been waiting a long, long time.

2. What would you expect if a king were coming? How would you get ready? Are some of those things that we do to prepare for Christmas?

Day 1: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

     

     What could be a better beginning to the Advent season than, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"? The greatest longing of Israel, a Redeemer, would soon be fulfilled. All of the ancient prophecies would culminate in Him. This is a rich, old carol, and even I wasn't aware of all the verses!


Link to lyrics: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". (Take a minute to read the top paragraph!)

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #76

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. What does "ransom" mean?

2. Why did Israel need to be ransomed?

3. Are we included in Israel?

4. The song mentions both the "Rod of Jesse" and the "Root of Jesse". That speaks of King David's father. Why would this lineage be important to the Israelites?

Find the printable for the entire devotional series here. And be sure to check back for each day's review!