O Come, All Ye Faithful (stanza 2)
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ, the Lord!
Christmas morning is such a happy time. Children usually up long before sunrise to see what has been left for them under the tree. Parents and adults still in bed but remembering Christmas mornings past when they too were running through the house exclaiming what they had found under the tree for them at a Christmas long ago.
It is a time of discovery and hope and even sometimes disappointment. Yes, disappointment when that special something just didn’t make it under the tree or that special something is not quite as fantastic as you had it pictured. One year our daughter wanted “Big Bird” from the Muppet shows that she had seen on public broadcasting. When she opened the big box all she could see was the “long nose” of the bird looking at her, she started backing up and wouldn’t go near the box for the rest of the day. It was a disappointing moment for all of us.
The hymn, O Come, All Ye Faithful, has the wonderful words in stanza two, “Yes, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning,” words that guarantee that there will be no disappointing Christmas morning. What a marvel it is to greet this Christmas morning as a “happy morning” when all of us can rejoice in what God has done in our lives.
Sometime this morning take a moment and thank God for the greatest gift God has given us, the gift of God’s only son. Have the happiest morning ever this Christmas Day.
Loving God, we thank you for all the gifts you have given us. On this happy day we thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus, to whom we sing all praise and glory. Amen.
Dr. Glenn Doak
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Advent Devotion 26, Friday, December 24
O Holy Night (first stanza)
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
If I had to choose one song to hear at Christmas, it would without question be O Holy Night. I only came to this realization in recent years. For me, the lyrics cut through all the extraneous noise and clutter of the season and perfectly summarizes its true meaning. The song, when performed well, gives me goosebumps. I feel the Holy Spirit.
I enjoy many aspects of Advent and Christmas with family and friends. But my favorite time is on Christmas Eve when I can spend just a little bit of contemplative time without other people—just God and me. I think about blessings and hope. I think about that feeling that O Holy Night gives me about what God has done, and will do, for us.
O Holy Night is best suited for singers with powerful voices and dramatic range—a group which comprises a select few. I listened to several versions in thinking about this devotional, and I highly recommend performances by Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Kate Smith, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion and Charlotte Church. Find some quiet time, close your eyes, and listen to God.
We are a weary world that needs the thrill of hope. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
God, our Shepherd, We give you thanks and praise for the incredible gift of the “night divine.” Help us to hear you through the sounds of Christmas. Amen.
David MacMillan
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
If I had to choose one song to hear at Christmas, it would without question be O Holy Night. I only came to this realization in recent years. For me, the lyrics cut through all the extraneous noise and clutter of the season and perfectly summarizes its true meaning. The song, when performed well, gives me goosebumps. I feel the Holy Spirit.
I enjoy many aspects of Advent and Christmas with family and friends. But my favorite time is on Christmas Eve when I can spend just a little bit of contemplative time without other people—just God and me. I think about blessings and hope. I think about that feeling that O Holy Night gives me about what God has done, and will do, for us.
O Holy Night is best suited for singers with powerful voices and dramatic range—a group which comprises a select few. I listened to several versions in thinking about this devotional, and I highly recommend performances by Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis, Kate Smith, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion and Charlotte Church. Find some quiet time, close your eyes, and listen to God.
We are a weary world that needs the thrill of hope. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
God, our Shepherd, We give you thanks and praise for the incredible gift of the “night divine.” Help us to hear you through the sounds of Christmas. Amen.
David MacMillan
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Advent Devotion 25, Thursday, December 23
Silent Night (stanza 2)
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior is born, Christ, the Savior is born
One of my favorite songs at Christmas is Silent Night. I remember singing this while walking out of the sanctuary with my burning candle. It is my favorite part of the whole Christmas Eve service. Singing such a great, meaningful song while walking out of the church on Christmas Eve is amazing.
The older I’ve grown, the more I understand the song. It is wonderful to think that the exact night a long time before, Jesus was born. When it says “Glories stream from heaven afar” it means that the night of Jesus’s birth was a happy night everywhere. It still is a very happy night all around.
I love hearing the many Bible versus explaining the excitement throughout Bethlehem on that night. The most memorable to me is a verse in Luke that says “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior has been born tonight in Bethlehem!” The night Jesus was born truly was one of the most elated times in the gospels.
Dear Lord, we thank you for giving us your always forgiving and loving Son. We thank you for giving us this special time where we can be with our families and a time for us to remember that 2000 years ago you came to us through Jesus Christ. Help us to be better people and lead the lives that you want us to live. Amen.
Richard Sims Ferguson
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior is born, Christ, the Savior is born
One of my favorite songs at Christmas is Silent Night. I remember singing this while walking out of the sanctuary with my burning candle. It is my favorite part of the whole Christmas Eve service. Singing such a great, meaningful song while walking out of the church on Christmas Eve is amazing.
The older I’ve grown, the more I understand the song. It is wonderful to think that the exact night a long time before, Jesus was born. When it says “Glories stream from heaven afar” it means that the night of Jesus’s birth was a happy night everywhere. It still is a very happy night all around.
I love hearing the many Bible versus explaining the excitement throughout Bethlehem on that night. The most memorable to me is a verse in Luke that says “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior has been born tonight in Bethlehem!” The night Jesus was born truly was one of the most elated times in the gospels.
Dear Lord, we thank you for giving us your always forgiving and loving Son. We thank you for giving us this special time where we can be with our families and a time for us to remember that 2000 years ago you came to us through Jesus Christ. Help us to be better people and lead the lives that you want us to live. Amen.
Richard Sims Ferguson
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Advent Devotion 24, Wednesday, December 22
Away in a Manger (stanza 1)
Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
Every Christmas Eve and during every Christmas pageant, for as long as I can remember, children and the congregation join in singing this beloved hymn. And, every year I become teary-eyed as I am reminded of the miracle of His birth, the gift of His life, and the wonder and beauty of the celebration of Christmas as interpreted by the young, sweet, pure voices of children.
I love to remember all of the Christmas pageants in which my children participated. Their first pageant parts were always walking timidly down the church aisle as cows, sheep and donkeys – aspiring, of course, to be angels - and then scrambling to find the best seats on the straw, nearest their friends. Becoming tall enough to light the candles, marked their debut as acolytes, tentatively balancing the candle lighter, and me being certain they were going to light someone’s hair on fire. Waiting for the familiar “squeak” from my daughter’s clarinet during the school Christmas concert still brings a tear to my eye. I recall the school gymnasium with the foil stars stapled to the stage curtain, the band seated on the basketball court and the choir assembled in the bleachers – everyone dressed in their best church clothes. The entire scene represents a Norman Rockwell painting.
Now, my grandchildren are dressed as cows, sheep – even a chick! – in their church Christmas pageants. And, I do not miss a school holiday concert. They are still held in the gymnasium, and now include songs representing a diversity of ethnic groups. The variety of music reminds us that Jesus’ love does indeed encompass the whole world.
The ever-enduring songs and music of children remind us of that event that occurred over two thousand years ago. The birth of beautiful baby Jesus, in a stable, with animals as his companions, and straw for his bed represent the reason for foil stars, a sheep costume, a beginning band’s musical rendition of a favorite hymn – what better way to demonstrate gratitude and love?
Be near us Lord Jesus; We ask Thee to stay close by us forever and love us we pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with Thee there. Amen.
Judy Burch
Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
Every Christmas Eve and during every Christmas pageant, for as long as I can remember, children and the congregation join in singing this beloved hymn. And, every year I become teary-eyed as I am reminded of the miracle of His birth, the gift of His life, and the wonder and beauty of the celebration of Christmas as interpreted by the young, sweet, pure voices of children.
I love to remember all of the Christmas pageants in which my children participated. Their first pageant parts were always walking timidly down the church aisle as cows, sheep and donkeys – aspiring, of course, to be angels - and then scrambling to find the best seats on the straw, nearest their friends. Becoming tall enough to light the candles, marked their debut as acolytes, tentatively balancing the candle lighter, and me being certain they were going to light someone’s hair on fire. Waiting for the familiar “squeak” from my daughter’s clarinet during the school Christmas concert still brings a tear to my eye. I recall the school gymnasium with the foil stars stapled to the stage curtain, the band seated on the basketball court and the choir assembled in the bleachers – everyone dressed in their best church clothes. The entire scene represents a Norman Rockwell painting.
Now, my grandchildren are dressed as cows, sheep – even a chick! – in their church Christmas pageants. And, I do not miss a school holiday concert. They are still held in the gymnasium, and now include songs representing a diversity of ethnic groups. The variety of music reminds us that Jesus’ love does indeed encompass the whole world.
The ever-enduring songs and music of children remind us of that event that occurred over two thousand years ago. The birth of beautiful baby Jesus, in a stable, with animals as his companions, and straw for his bed represent the reason for foil stars, a sheep costume, a beginning band’s musical rendition of a favorite hymn – what better way to demonstrate gratitude and love?
Be near us Lord Jesus; We ask Thee to stay close by us forever and love us we pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with Thee there. Amen.
Judy Burch
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Advent Devotion 23, Tuesday, December 21
Tuesday, December 21
Star Carol
Angels bright, come from heaven’s highest glory,
Bear the news with its message of good cheer;
“Sing, rejoice, for a King is come to save us,
Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary!
Follow me joyfully;
“See his star shining bright,
In the sky this Christmas Night!
Follow me joyfully;
Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary!"
I first remember hearing John Rutter’s Star Carol on a local Christian radio station during several Christmas seasons. At that time, I thought that it was a very beautiful song but was never able to find out the name of it, as they typically did not announced names and artists on the radio station. Later on, after joining our church choir, we sang the Star Carol. I was thrilled to be singing “that beautiful song that I heard on the radio.”
When I think about Christmas, one of the most important things to me is the music that is heard that time of the year. In fact the translation of Merry Christmas into the Hawaiian language is “mele Kalikimaka.” If you translate mele kalikimaka back to English it comes back meaning something like “sing about Christmas.” It could be argued that “making merry” means to sing about something! At Christmastide, we can make merry by singing.
The second stanza above emphasizes how that Jesus came to this earth to save us. It also reminds us of the shining star that lead the shepherds to find Jesus where he lay. Mary, his mother, was a virgin. This virgin birth of the Messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament as was that of the birth taking place in Bethlehem. Even the scribes and the Pharisees told the Magi where to look for the Christ Child. Jesus came and lived a perfect life. Then he was crucified for our sins. And if we only accept his sacrifice as payment for our sins, then we are forgiven of all of them—all sins, past, present, and future. Thus when God looks at us, we are perfectly sinless and filled with the righteousness of Christ. That way, we can have eternal life through Jesus Christ. Eternal life sounds like a good Christmas gift. Indeed, Jesus is the “reason for the season.”
John Rutter is a contemporary composer/arranger of music and has written no small amount of music. Besides the Star Carol, he has also written the Candlelight Carol and the Donkey Carol which our choir has done. (See The John Rutter Christmas Album, with the Cambridge Singers and London Sinfonia, www.collegium.co.uk). He has also arranged traditional Christmas music and written much more as well. Our choir has also done the Rutter Requiem on more than one occasion as another example. He also wrote a cute piece called Brother Heinrich’s Christmas (from the CD entitled Three Musical Fables).
The most important part of Christmas, for me, is that of the music that is heard during that season. I do enjoy very much hearing John Rutter’s music and choir music in general.
Lord God, we thank you for Jesus Christ, our Savior, Redeemer, and Messiah, who made it possible for us to come to You into your Presence and have eternal life. Amen.
Tom Berry
Star Carol
Angels bright, come from heaven’s highest glory,
Bear the news with its message of good cheer;
“Sing, rejoice, for a King is come to save us,
Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary!
Follow me joyfully;
“See his star shining bright,
In the sky this Christmas Night!
Follow me joyfully;
Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary!"
I first remember hearing John Rutter’s Star Carol on a local Christian radio station during several Christmas seasons. At that time, I thought that it was a very beautiful song but was never able to find out the name of it, as they typically did not announced names and artists on the radio station. Later on, after joining our church choir, we sang the Star Carol. I was thrilled to be singing “that beautiful song that I heard on the radio.”
When I think about Christmas, one of the most important things to me is the music that is heard that time of the year. In fact the translation of Merry Christmas into the Hawaiian language is “mele Kalikimaka.” If you translate mele kalikimaka back to English it comes back meaning something like “sing about Christmas.” It could be argued that “making merry” means to sing about something! At Christmastide, we can make merry by singing.
The second stanza above emphasizes how that Jesus came to this earth to save us. It also reminds us of the shining star that lead the shepherds to find Jesus where he lay. Mary, his mother, was a virgin. This virgin birth of the Messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament as was that of the birth taking place in Bethlehem. Even the scribes and the Pharisees told the Magi where to look for the Christ Child. Jesus came and lived a perfect life. Then he was crucified for our sins. And if we only accept his sacrifice as payment for our sins, then we are forgiven of all of them—all sins, past, present, and future. Thus when God looks at us, we are perfectly sinless and filled with the righteousness of Christ. That way, we can have eternal life through Jesus Christ. Eternal life sounds like a good Christmas gift. Indeed, Jesus is the “reason for the season.”
John Rutter is a contemporary composer/arranger of music and has written no small amount of music. Besides the Star Carol, he has also written the Candlelight Carol and the Donkey Carol which our choir has done. (See The John Rutter Christmas Album, with the Cambridge Singers and London Sinfonia, www.collegium.co.uk). He has also arranged traditional Christmas music and written much more as well. Our choir has also done the Rutter Requiem on more than one occasion as another example. He also wrote a cute piece called Brother Heinrich’s Christmas (from the CD entitled Three Musical Fables).
The most important part of Christmas, for me, is that of the music that is heard during that season. I do enjoy very much hearing John Rutter’s music and choir music in general.
Lord God, we thank you for Jesus Christ, our Savior, Redeemer, and Messiah, who made it possible for us to come to You into your Presence and have eternal life. Amen.
Tom Berry
Monday, December 20, 2010
Advent Devotion 22, Monday, December 20
O Little Town of Bethlehem (stanza 2)
For Christ is born of Mary; and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth.
Many of the images I have for Christmas come from Christmas cards as a child. It seems we always received at least a couple of cards with a picture of the Bethlehem skyline with a huge star marking the stable of Christ’s birth. As I read and sing this second stanza of O Little Town of Bethlehem, some new images come to mind to augment that of my childhood.
Phillips Brooks, an Episcopal rector in Boston who wrote this text for his church’s Sunday school in 1868 after visiting Bethlehem in 1865, begins with a narrative of sorts: While we mortals sleep (literally or figuratively?), angels (with wings, halos and white robes or in some other form?) are keeping watch. In the third line (“O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!”) it’s as if Brooks is commanding the stars and the entire world, “Proclaim the holy birth!”
If the stars so far away can proclaim Christ’s coming, what can I do this year to proclaim his birth here in Athens and throughout the world? What can we do together?
Loving God, who watches over us all our lives, we give thanks that you sent your Son, wondering love personified, that we may know you better and lead better lives. Help us to love those around us and those far away. We pray through Jesus Christ in the Spirit. Amen.
Tom Granum
For Christ is born of Mary; and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth.
Many of the images I have for Christmas come from Christmas cards as a child. It seems we always received at least a couple of cards with a picture of the Bethlehem skyline with a huge star marking the stable of Christ’s birth. As I read and sing this second stanza of O Little Town of Bethlehem, some new images come to mind to augment that of my childhood.
Phillips Brooks, an Episcopal rector in Boston who wrote this text for his church’s Sunday school in 1868 after visiting Bethlehem in 1865, begins with a narrative of sorts: While we mortals sleep (literally or figuratively?), angels (with wings, halos and white robes or in some other form?) are keeping watch. In the third line (“O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!”) it’s as if Brooks is commanding the stars and the entire world, “Proclaim the holy birth!”
If the stars so far away can proclaim Christ’s coming, what can I do this year to proclaim his birth here in Athens and throughout the world? What can we do together?
Loving God, who watches over us all our lives, we give thanks that you sent your Son, wondering love personified, that we may know you better and lead better lives. Help us to love those around us and those far away. We pray through Jesus Christ in the Spirit. Amen.
Tom Granum
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Advent Devotion 21, Sunday, December 19
O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem (stanza 2)
O beautiful star, the hope of life
Guiding the pilgrims through the night
Over the mountains ‘til the break of dawn
Into the land of perfect day
It will give out a lovely ray
O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine on!
This is an old Appalachian hymn that I had never heard until 2001 when The Century Men (a choir of 100 Baptist ministers) released their arrangement and the local stations devoted to playing Christmas music throughout Advent were flooded with requests. I was in the car and got tickled about how annoyed the announcer was with the number of requests for this. But when it started, I was so moved by the beauty and power of it that I almost had to stop the car. I later ordered the CD, and I play it repeatedly (throughout the year). I love the message of guidance and direction.
Sometimes, life is really, really hard. Getting lost in the pain and fear can happen without our realizing, because we are just trying to function and survive. But one day, something crosses our path to remind us that there is guidance and direction to help navigate through the pain and fear if we just focus on the right thing. For me, it was this hymn that startled me back to really focusing on what can guide me day to day so that I’m not lost or fearful. When I walk in the early morning before sunrise, I look to the stars and remember there is one beautiful and perfect Star sent to guide me through any crisis or trauma if I just stay focused on it – the Beautiful Star of Bethlehem that is Christ Jesus.
Loving God, who created everything including stars too infinite to count, we give thanks that you sent the one perfect Star to guide us to a closer relationship with you. Help us to stay focused on Your Son for guidance and direction each day. In Jesus Christ we ask this. Amen.
Jennifer Nickles
O beautiful star, the hope of life
Guiding the pilgrims through the night
Over the mountains ‘til the break of dawn
Into the land of perfect day
It will give out a lovely ray
O beautiful star of Bethlehem
Shine on!
This is an old Appalachian hymn that I had never heard until 2001 when The Century Men (a choir of 100 Baptist ministers) released their arrangement and the local stations devoted to playing Christmas music throughout Advent were flooded with requests. I was in the car and got tickled about how annoyed the announcer was with the number of requests for this. But when it started, I was so moved by the beauty and power of it that I almost had to stop the car. I later ordered the CD, and I play it repeatedly (throughout the year). I love the message of guidance and direction.
Sometimes, life is really, really hard. Getting lost in the pain and fear can happen without our realizing, because we are just trying to function and survive. But one day, something crosses our path to remind us that there is guidance and direction to help navigate through the pain and fear if we just focus on the right thing. For me, it was this hymn that startled me back to really focusing on what can guide me day to day so that I’m not lost or fearful. When I walk in the early morning before sunrise, I look to the stars and remember there is one beautiful and perfect Star sent to guide me through any crisis or trauma if I just stay focused on it – the Beautiful Star of Bethlehem that is Christ Jesus.
Loving God, who created everything including stars too infinite to count, we give thanks that you sent the one perfect Star to guide us to a closer relationship with you. Help us to stay focused on Your Son for guidance and direction each day. In Jesus Christ we ask this. Amen.
Jennifer Nickles
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