As this year closes, I ponder on what I did to better the lives of those less fortunate. I ask myself, did I do enough? Did I do anything? Here is a song that will help us remember that we should help others, not just this season, but always.
Light A Candle
Wrtten by Haun, Lindsay
Sung By: Avalon
Light a candle
For the old man who sits staring
Out a frosty windowpane
Light a candle
For the woman who is lonely
And every Christmas is the same
For the children who needs
More than presents can bring.
Light a candle
Light the dark
Light the world
Light a heart or two
Light a candle for me
Light a candle for you.
Light a candle
For the homeless and the hungry
A little shelter from the cold
Light a candle
For the broken and forgotten
May the season warm their souls
Can we open our hearts
To shine through the dark?
Light a candle
Light the dark?
Light the world
Light a heart or two
Light a candle for me
I'll light a candle for you.
And in this special time of year
May peace on earth surround us here
And teach us there's a better way to live
And with every flame that burns
We must somehow learn
That love's the greatest gift that we could ever give.
Light a candle
Light the dark
Light the world
Light a heart or two
Light a candle for me
I'll light a candle for you.
Light a candle for me
Light a candle for you.
Have a safe and happy new year!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Old Regrets, New Hopes
As we quickly unwind 2010 and start the winding up of 2011, I have been thinking about regrets and hopes. Now, personally, I don't have a lot of regret. I usually stick to my opinions, decisions, and live with the consequences. I try to accept what has happened in my life and deal with it. I do not fight back, I do get pouty at times, but I try not to lay down in self-pity and doubt. That is what hope is for.
Christ gives us the best hope anyone can ask for. He tells us that there is something more than just this earthly existence. Some days it is a good thing to remember that. When your family, co-workers, and friends are driving you batty, you sometimes times want to go sit in the corner and cover your eyes and ears. But through Christ, many ideas and opportunities happen.
Galatians 4:7 says "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."
Philippians 4:7 says "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
We can do all, have God's peace, and be heirs through Christ. What more is there? So has you celebrate the end of this year, and ringing in the new year, I pray that through this devotion, your studies, and teachings, you will let go of the regrets of the past and turn toward the exciting new hopes that God has to offer!
Happy New Year!
Christ gives us the best hope anyone can ask for. He tells us that there is something more than just this earthly existence. Some days it is a good thing to remember that. When your family, co-workers, and friends are driving you batty, you sometimes times want to go sit in the corner and cover your eyes and ears. But through Christ, many ideas and opportunities happen.
Galatians 4:7 says "Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."
Philippians 4:7 says "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
We can do all, have God's peace, and be heirs through Christ. What more is there? So has you celebrate the end of this year, and ringing in the new year, I pray that through this devotion, your studies, and teachings, you will let go of the regrets of the past and turn toward the exciting new hopes that God has to offer!
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 27, 2010
One Last Christmas
Wow, I apologize for the lateness of this post. I was hit with the flu and am just getting back to myself.
I found a song during these holiday times that not only looks at the love of parents to children, but the kindness of community that carries on throughout the year. This story is true.
One Last Christmas
Written & Sung by Matthew West
It's the news that no one hopes for,
Every parent's greatest fear.
Finding out the child you love so much
Might not make it through the year.
Now the thought of spending Christmas
Without him just feels wrong
They've been praying for a miracle
Now there praying he can just hold on.
For one last Christmas,
One last time.
One last season when the world is right
One more telling of the story
One more verse of Silent Night.
They'd give anything so he could have one last Christmas.
The middle of September,
Still 70 degrees.
Daddy climbs up in the attic brings down candles,
Hangs the lights on all the trees.
And the neighbors started asking
And pretty soon word got around
First it was the neighborhood,
Before to long they lit up that whole town.
For one last Christmas, one last time
One last season when the world is right
One more telling of the story
One more verse of Silent Night
They'd give anything so he could have
One last Christmas
Twenty seventh of October,
His time was wearing thin.
Friends and family
Even strangers that they didn't even know brought presents in
He was weak but he was smiling
Like there was nothing even wrong
They said he wouldn't make it
Looks like he got to see it after all.
For one last Christmas
One last time
One last season when all the world is right
One more telling of the story
One more verse of Silent Night
They gave everything so he could have
One last Christmas.
One last Christmas.
Dax went to be with the Lord in December of 2009. He was a leukemia victim. I pray for all those families who lose someone during the holidays. But we, as Christians know that there is more going to happen. We know that God lost someone too. He can relate to Dax's parents, to you and even to me. I praise God for the time I spent with my loved ones and for the lives that were touched. This little boy had people from around the world sending in photos of their Christmas lights and decorations. He inspired a whole town to become a kinder, gentler, giving people.
Maybe your life feels harden because of the commericalism of Christmas. But if you went to a church service and watched the little kids try and say their lines, sing sweetly to the Baby Jesus and get excited because of the anticipation, maybe God spoke to your heart and open you up. I pray that each of us keeps Christmas in our heart every day of 2011. Sing a carol, read a story, remember that baby, the wisemen, shepherds and angels. Sometimes it is not hard to forget.
I found a song during these holiday times that not only looks at the love of parents to children, but the kindness of community that carries on throughout the year. This story is true.
One Last Christmas
Written & Sung by Matthew West
It's the news that no one hopes for,
Every parent's greatest fear.
Finding out the child you love so much
Might not make it through the year.
Now the thought of spending Christmas
Without him just feels wrong
They've been praying for a miracle
Now there praying he can just hold on.
For one last Christmas,
One last time.
One last season when the world is right
One more telling of the story
One more verse of Silent Night.
They'd give anything so he could have one last Christmas.
The middle of September,
Still 70 degrees.
Daddy climbs up in the attic brings down candles,
Hangs the lights on all the trees.
And the neighbors started asking
And pretty soon word got around
First it was the neighborhood,
Before to long they lit up that whole town.
For one last Christmas, one last time
One last season when the world is right
One more telling of the story
One more verse of Silent Night
They'd give anything so he could have
One last Christmas
Twenty seventh of October,
His time was wearing thin.
Friends and family
Even strangers that they didn't even know brought presents in
He was weak but he was smiling
Like there was nothing even wrong
They said he wouldn't make it
Looks like he got to see it after all.
For one last Christmas
One last time
One last season when all the world is right
One more telling of the story
One more verse of Silent Night
They gave everything so he could have
One last Christmas.
One last Christmas.
Dax went to be with the Lord in December of 2009. He was a leukemia victim. I pray for all those families who lose someone during the holidays. But we, as Christians know that there is more going to happen. We know that God lost someone too. He can relate to Dax's parents, to you and even to me. I praise God for the time I spent with my loved ones and for the lives that were touched. This little boy had people from around the world sending in photos of their Christmas lights and decorations. He inspired a whole town to become a kinder, gentler, giving people.
Maybe your life feels harden because of the commericalism of Christmas. But if you went to a church service and watched the little kids try and say their lines, sing sweetly to the Baby Jesus and get excited because of the anticipation, maybe God spoke to your heart and open you up. I pray that each of us keeps Christmas in our heart every day of 2011. Sing a carol, read a story, remember that baby, the wisemen, shepherds and angels. Sometimes it is not hard to forget.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
December 23, 2010
To think that God started the whole thing. Until I was a young woman, did I think about Mary being seen by her friends and family as a girl who may have done something wrong. She had to have been looked on as a "bad" girl. I mean, she was young, pregnant, and looked on as unfaithful to her fiancee'. But God, used this situation to show us that sometimes it is not what we see. We have to wait and let everything unfold before we can understand everything. Judgement is not something we should be proud of and each of us is guilty of judging someone before we know everything. But with Mary, it was something she gracefully went through and didn't say a word. In fact, I think as Jesus grew, she began to see and understand who he was and what he was going to do, to an extent. So I leave you with one of the most popular song of our day.
Mary, Did You Know?
Written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God.
Oh Mary did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the lamb.
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rules the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding, is the great I AM.
Mary, Did You Know?
Written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God.
Oh Mary did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the lamb.
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rules the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding, is the great I AM.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
December 22, 2010
One of my all time favorite singing groups is The Gaither Vocal Band. They have three of the best song writers on their side, Bill and Gloria Gaither and Mark Lowry. Together they have written some inspirational songs and some of the Christmas ones are so thought-provoking. Who would have thought that Mary, Did You Know or He Lives would be some of the most inspired songs of a generation? I am so glad that they meditate and think on God's word in such a way that we can be given an insight that we wouldn't have thought about. One song that Gloria wrote can only be written by a mother. I have often wondered what Jesus was like as a baby. Was he easy to satisfy? Was he a light sleeper? Did he smile a lot, or have colic? This song tells us that he was an Ordinary Baby. Do not be frightened, because he chose to come and be with us.
Ordinary Baby
Written by Gloria Gaither
Music by Dony McGuire
He was just an ordinary baby
That's the way He planned it, maybe
Anything but common would have kept Him apart
From the children that He came to rescue,
Limited to some elite few;
When He was the only Child who asked to be born.
And He came to us with eyes wide open,
Knowing how we're hurt and broken,
Choosing to partake of all our joy and pain.
He was just an ordinary Baby,
That's the way he planned it, maybe
So that we would come to Him and not be afraid.
He was ordinary with exception
Of miraculous conception;
Both His birth and death he planned from the start.
But between His entrance and His exit
Was a life that has affected everyone
Who's walked the earth to this very day.
And without an air of condencension
He became God's pure extension
Giving you and me a chance to be remade.
He was just an ordinary Baby,
That's the way he planned it, maybe
So that we would come to Him and not be afraid.
So that we would come to Him and not be afraid.
Ordinary Baby
Written by Gloria Gaither
Music by Dony McGuire
He was just an ordinary baby
That's the way He planned it, maybe
Anything but common would have kept Him apart
From the children that He came to rescue,
Limited to some elite few;
When He was the only Child who asked to be born.
And He came to us with eyes wide open,
Knowing how we're hurt and broken,
Choosing to partake of all our joy and pain.
He was just an ordinary Baby,
That's the way he planned it, maybe
So that we would come to Him and not be afraid.
He was ordinary with exception
Of miraculous conception;
Both His birth and death he planned from the start.
But between His entrance and His exit
Was a life that has affected everyone
Who's walked the earth to this very day.
And without an air of condencension
He became God's pure extension
Giving you and me a chance to be remade.
He was just an ordinary Baby,
That's the way he planned it, maybe
So that we would come to Him and not be afraid.
So that we would come to Him and not be afraid.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
December 21, 2010
Each Christmas week, my father and I go shopping. We go a few days before Christmas and he complains about how early we are going or the traffic or finding Mom the right gift. One year, I practiced this song several times in the car as we were going. I asked him what he thought and he said that it was fine. So I sang it as an ending to our Christmas cantata. He cried, which surprised me. I asked him why he was crying and he said that he never paid attention to the song when I was singing it for him. LOL. But this song has more meaning for me because of that memory.
Heirlooms
Written by Bannister, Farrell and Grant
Sung by Amy Grant
Up in the attic, down on my knees
Lifetime of boxes, timeless to me
Letters and photographs, yellowed with years
Some bringing laughter, some bringing tears.
Time never changes the memories, the faces
Of loved ones who bring to me
All that I come from and all that I live for
And all that I'm going to be
My precious family is more than an heriloom to me.
Wiseman and shepherds down on their knees
Bringing their treasures to lay at his feet
Who was this wonder, baby yet King?
Living and dying he gave life to me.
Time never changes the memory, the moment
His love first pierced through me
Telling all that I come from and all that I live for
And all that I'm going to be
My precious Savior is more than a heirloom to me.
My precious Jesus
Is more than an heirloom to me.
Heirlooms
Written by Bannister, Farrell and Grant
Sung by Amy Grant
Up in the attic, down on my knees
Lifetime of boxes, timeless to me
Letters and photographs, yellowed with years
Some bringing laughter, some bringing tears.
Time never changes the memories, the faces
Of loved ones who bring to me
All that I come from and all that I live for
And all that I'm going to be
My precious family is more than an heriloom to me.
Wiseman and shepherds down on their knees
Bringing their treasures to lay at his feet
Who was this wonder, baby yet King?
Living and dying he gave life to me.
Time never changes the memory, the moment
His love first pierced through me
Telling all that I come from and all that I live for
And all that I'm going to be
My precious Savior is more than a heirloom to me.
My precious Jesus
Is more than an heirloom to me.
Monday, December 20, 2010
December 20, 2010
Do you believe the Christmas story? Do believe that a virgin became pregnant? Do you believe that baby was born in a stable? Do you believe Angels announced his birth? Do you believe that wisemen knew of the birth and followed a star to find him? Most importantly, do you believe this baby is God's child?
I Believe
Writers Ervin Drake, Irvin Graham, Jimmy Shirl, Al Stillman
Sung by Natalie Grant
In a land far away
Time stood still
Long ago
There were shepherds in fields
Or at least this is how
The story goes
The story goes
Woman with child
And an inn with no room
Born in a manger
For telling it tomb
This is how
The story goes
But it is more than a fable
And it’s more than a fairytale
And more than my mind can conceive
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy the angels
called the son of God
Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins
through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
I believe
Two thousand years
Still the story lives on
God’s gift to us
Sent to earth Wrapped in flesh
His only son
His only son
And the heartbeat of heaven
Confounded our wisdom
But it’s still the simple truth
That sets me free
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy
the angels called the son of God Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins
through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
And I believe
Precious child
How can it be that
God’s great plan
For history
Would send you to
The lonely tree
That you would come
For one like me
I believe
In a cross
I believe he came
For one, he came for all
Heavens child became a man
Gave his life for me
In spite of all I am
I believe
I believe
Oh I believe
Christmas lives in me
I believe
I Believe
Writers Ervin Drake, Irvin Graham, Jimmy Shirl, Al Stillman
Sung by Natalie Grant
In a land far away
Time stood still
Long ago
There were shepherds in fields
Or at least this is how
The story goes
The story goes
Woman with child
And an inn with no room
Born in a manger
For telling it tomb
This is how
The story goes
But it is more than a fable
And it’s more than a fairytale
And more than my mind can conceive
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy the angels
called the son of God
Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins
through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
I believe
Two thousand years
Still the story lives on
God’s gift to us
Sent to earth Wrapped in flesh
His only son
His only son
And the heartbeat of heaven
Confounded our wisdom
But it’s still the simple truth
That sets me free
I believe
The Wiseman saw
The baby boy
the angels called the son of God Heaven’s child
The great I am
Born to take away my sins
through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come
And I believe
Precious child
How can it be that
God’s great plan
For history
Would send you to
The lonely tree
That you would come
For one like me
I believe
In a cross
I believe he came
For one, he came for all
Heavens child became a man
Gave his life for me
In spite of all I am
I believe
I believe
Oh I believe
Christmas lives in me
I believe
Friday, December 17, 2010
December 17, 2010
As a child, you hear the story of this family who had no where to stay and think, 'How sad.' You hear of how angels announced a baby's birth and think, 'This must be one special baby.' Then you hear how these Maji bearing gifts from a far away land come searching for this child and you think 'What kind of gifts are those for a baby?' But as you get older, you understand the meaning of each gift. In the same way, we should grow in to understanding God's great gift to each of us. But, it all started with this baby.
One King
Written by Borders, Borders and Alexander
Sung by Point of Grace
Kings of earth on a course unknown
Bearing gifts from afar
Hoping, praying,
Following yonder star
Silhoutte of a caravan
Painted against the sky
Wise men searching
For the holy child
One king held the frankincense
One king held the myrrh
One king held the purest gold
One king held the hope of the world
A star hangs over Bethlehem
A journey ends in the night
Three kings trembling
Behold the glorious sight
Heaven's treasure, Emmanuel
Drawing men to bow down
Tiny baby born to wear a crown
One king held the frankincense
One king held the myrrh
One kin held the purest gold
One king held the hope of the world.
One King
Written by Borders, Borders and Alexander
Sung by Point of Grace
Kings of earth on a course unknown
Bearing gifts from afar
Hoping, praying,
Following yonder star
Silhoutte of a caravan
Painted against the sky
Wise men searching
For the holy child
One king held the frankincense
One king held the myrrh
One king held the purest gold
One king held the hope of the world
A star hangs over Bethlehem
A journey ends in the night
Three kings trembling
Behold the glorious sight
Heaven's treasure, Emmanuel
Drawing men to bow down
Tiny baby born to wear a crown
One king held the frankincense
One king held the myrrh
One kin held the purest gold
One king held the hope of the world.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
December 16, 2010
After that first Christmas night, the sun rose. Life seemed to go back to normal. The business of taking the census continued, chores needed to be done, lives were lived. But a small few people knew their lives changed that night. They saw and heard angels, they became parents, and they watched the wonder of the newborn baby. The little town of Bethlehem became a place that, though once forgotten, would never be just a little town. It was the birthplace of the King of kings! But more importantly, even though the world didn't realize it at the time, that Bethlehem morning was different than the morning before.
Bethlehem Morning
Artist: Sandi Patti
Lift up your heads
No need to mourn
His hand is stretched out still.
For unto us a child is born
His promise to fulfill
Jerusalem! He cried for you
He did not come to you in vain
His loving arms are open wide for you
And He will come
He will come again
Bethlehem morning
Is more than just a memory
For the child that was born there
Has come to set us free
Bethlehem sunrise
I can see Him in your eyes
For the Child that was born there
His spirit never dies
His star will never, it will never grow dim
And it's a brand new dawn, a new Jerusalem
And we, and we will reign,
We will reign with Him.
Bethlehem morning
Is more than just a memory
For the Child that was born there
Has come to set us free.
Bethlehem sunrise
I can see Him in your eyes.
For the Child that was born there
He's the King of kings and the Lord of Lords
And He will come again
Bethlehem Morning
Artist: Sandi Patti
Lift up your heads
No need to mourn
His hand is stretched out still.
For unto us a child is born
His promise to fulfill
Jerusalem! He cried for you
He did not come to you in vain
His loving arms are open wide for you
And He will come
He will come again
Bethlehem morning
Is more than just a memory
For the child that was born there
Has come to set us free
Bethlehem sunrise
I can see Him in your eyes
For the Child that was born there
His spirit never dies
His star will never, it will never grow dim
And it's a brand new dawn, a new Jerusalem
And we, and we will reign,
We will reign with Him.
Bethlehem morning
Is more than just a memory
For the Child that was born there
Has come to set us free.
Bethlehem sunrise
I can see Him in your eyes.
For the Child that was born there
He's the King of kings and the Lord of Lords
And He will come again
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
December 15, 2010
The child that came into the world over two thousand Decembers ago has many names. God named him Jesus. He is Emmanuel, Master, Heaven's Child. The wisemen came to seek him by following a star" and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2 Have you seen him? Have you looked up and saw the Light of the World?
Light of the World
Words and music by Phil Johnson & Mark Lowry
Sung by The Martins
Who would have thought that one bright star
Overy tiny Bethlehem
Would bring the light
That shines around the world.
And the light from that first holy night
Still warms the heart today
As we celebrate
We join our hearts and say.
Oh light, Oh light of the world we worship you.
Oh light, Oh light of the world we honor you.
As we journey through this cold, dark world.
We will carry you
To light up the world with the light of the world.
Like a candle in the darkness
The light dispels the fear
Of what is waiting
In the dark unknown
As you shine your light around us
By faith our hearts can see
The road we walk will on day lead us home.
Oh light, Oh light of the world we worship you.
Oh light, Oh light of the world we honor you.
As we journey through this cold, dark world.
We will carry you
To light up the world with the light of the world.
Shine your light in the places
That no one else can see
Holy light of the ages
Shine your light through me
Oh light, Oh light of the world we worship you.
Oh light, Oh light of the world we honor you.
As we journey through this cold, dark world.
We will carry you
To light up the world with the light of the world.
As we journey through this cold dark world
We will carry you
To light up the world with the light of the world.
Light of the World
Words and music by Phil Johnson & Mark Lowry
Sung by The Martins
Who would have thought that one bright star
Overy tiny Bethlehem
Would bring the light
That shines around the world.
And the light from that first holy night
Still warms the heart today
As we celebrate
We join our hearts and say.
Oh light, Oh light of the world we worship you.
Oh light, Oh light of the world we honor you.
As we journey through this cold, dark world.
We will carry you
To light up the world with the light of the world.
Like a candle in the darkness
The light dispels the fear
Of what is waiting
In the dark unknown
As you shine your light around us
By faith our hearts can see
The road we walk will on day lead us home.
Oh light, Oh light of the world we worship you.
Oh light, Oh light of the world we honor you.
As we journey through this cold, dark world.
We will carry you
To light up the world with the light of the world.
Shine your light in the places
That no one else can see
Holy light of the ages
Shine your light through me
Oh light, Oh light of the world we worship you.
Oh light, Oh light of the world we honor you.
As we journey through this cold, dark world.
We will carry you
To light up the world with the light of the world.
As we journey through this cold dark world
We will carry you
To light up the world with the light of the world.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
December 14, 2010
This child that the city of Bethlehem did not pay attention to or welcome, was Heaven's Child. The Martins, another southern gospel group sang about this child. He was announced by angels to the lowest class of people, shepherds. He was soon hunted down by King Herod and worshiped by wisemen from afar. But still, he was a present to mankind, a gift to all who will receive him. He is the gift that keeps on giving. I love the line in this that talks about how God must have been joyful and sad all at the same time because of Jesus.
Heaven's Child
Words and music by Joel Lindsey
Sung by The Martins
She rocked her tiny baby to warm Him from the cold
Hardly what she pictured in the prophecies of old
It seemed almost impossible to think it could be true
But as she pondered in her heart, she knew
This was heaven's child
This was heaven's child
In an earthen stable
Wrapped in glory, meek and mild
Joseph wept with wonder, as Mary sweetly smiled
Because they knew
This was heaven's child.
The angels must have missed Him as they sang Him to sleep
But they marveled at the promises the baby came to keep.
His Father must have felt at once, great sadness and great joy
As he watched His little baby boy
This was heaven's child
This was heaven's child
In an earthen stable
Wrapped in glory, meek and mild
Jospeh wept with wonder, as Mary sweetly smiled
Because they knew this was heaven's child
Mary's little baby boy, was Joseph's pride and joy
Still they wished the world would see
He was so much more
He was heaven's child
He was heaven's child
In an earthen stable
Wrapped in glory, meek and mild
Joseph wept with wonder, as Mary sweetly smiled
Because they knew
This was heaven's child.
Heaven's Child
Words and music by Joel Lindsey
Sung by The Martins
She rocked her tiny baby to warm Him from the cold
Hardly what she pictured in the prophecies of old
It seemed almost impossible to think it could be true
But as she pondered in her heart, she knew
This was heaven's child
This was heaven's child
In an earthen stable
Wrapped in glory, meek and mild
Joseph wept with wonder, as Mary sweetly smiled
Because they knew
This was heaven's child.
The angels must have missed Him as they sang Him to sleep
But they marveled at the promises the baby came to keep.
His Father must have felt at once, great sadness and great joy
As he watched His little baby boy
This was heaven's child
This was heaven's child
In an earthen stable
Wrapped in glory, meek and mild
Jospeh wept with wonder, as Mary sweetly smiled
Because they knew this was heaven's child
Mary's little baby boy, was Joseph's pride and joy
Still they wished the world would see
He was so much more
He was heaven's child
He was heaven's child
In an earthen stable
Wrapped in glory, meek and mild
Joseph wept with wonder, as Mary sweetly smiled
Because they knew
This was heaven's child.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
December 10, 2010
What else is there to say about Joseph? He was a good man. He must have really loved Mary to go through all that with her. The courage God gave him and the morals his family had instilled in him came through his character. But still, he must have had some issues that he kept to himself. This song says a lot. It's in our Christmas contata, which is next Sunday, December 19th at 6:00 PM.
Joseph
Words and Music by Tony Wood and Don Poythress
Joseph, did you want to pack your tools
Head to some place where nobody whispered "There goes Mary's fool?"
Joseph, did you look up and raise your hands crying
"God, you know I've always tried to be a righteous man?"
Joseph
Joseph, did you lie awake confused,
Thinking 'bout that small town scandal, and what love's supposed to do?
Joseph, if you felt you'd been betrayed, still you didn't walk by feelings.
You chse to walk by faith. Joseph.
Couldn't take her as your wife, but wouldn't let harm come to her.
You looked beyond the shame, and stood between her and an angry world.
And you made no accusations, so no one could raise a stone.
Did you feel so hurt, confused and all alone?
Joseph, did you wake up and want to screaqm,
"God are you really speaking through some angel in a dream?"
Joseph, did it all just seem absurd
That your wife might be the one to fulfill the prophet's words?
Joseph.
You denied yourself for others, obeyed when nothing much made sense.
You were her strength and shelter on that road to Bethlehem.
And kneeling by the manger, bathed in soft starlight,
Did you know whose face you touched that holy night?
Joseph, I hope to sit with you one day,
Hear you tell me all about the choices you were called to make,
'cause Joseph, it was you and no one else,
God trusted to take of Mary and Himself.
Joseph. Joseph. Joseph. Joseph.
Joseph
Words and Music by Tony Wood and Don Poythress
Joseph, did you want to pack your tools
Head to some place where nobody whispered "There goes Mary's fool?"
Joseph, did you look up and raise your hands crying
"God, you know I've always tried to be a righteous man?"
Joseph
Joseph, did you lie awake confused,
Thinking 'bout that small town scandal, and what love's supposed to do?
Joseph, if you felt you'd been betrayed, still you didn't walk by feelings.
You chse to walk by faith. Joseph.
Couldn't take her as your wife, but wouldn't let harm come to her.
You looked beyond the shame, and stood between her and an angry world.
And you made no accusations, so no one could raise a stone.
Did you feel so hurt, confused and all alone?
Joseph, did you wake up and want to screaqm,
"God are you really speaking through some angel in a dream?"
Joseph, did it all just seem absurd
That your wife might be the one to fulfill the prophet's words?
Joseph.
You denied yourself for others, obeyed when nothing much made sense.
You were her strength and shelter on that road to Bethlehem.
And kneeling by the manger, bathed in soft starlight,
Did you know whose face you touched that holy night?
Joseph, I hope to sit with you one day,
Hear you tell me all about the choices you were called to make,
'cause Joseph, it was you and no one else,
God trusted to take of Mary and Himself.
Joseph. Joseph. Joseph. Joseph.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
December 10, 2010
We don't know much about him, but Joseph must have been a wonderful man. He had a good job, he wanted to do what was right when he found out about Mary's pregnancy. But how could he not do anything but trust God. I'm sure more than once he asked couldn't there have been another way?
A Strange Way to Save the World
Words and Music by Mark Harris, Dave Clark & Don Koch
I'm sure he must have been surprised
Where this road had taken him
'Cause never in a million lives
Would he have dreamed of Bethlehem
Standing at the manger, he saw with his own eyes
The message from the angel come alive
And Joseph said
Why me?
I'm just a simple man of trade?
Why Him?
With all the rulers in the word?
Why here?
Inside this stable filled with hay?
Why her?
She's just and ordinary girl?
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say'
But this is such a strange way to save the world.
To think of how it could have been
If Jesus come as He deserved
There would have been no Bethlehem
No lowly shepherds at His birth
But Joseph knew the reason love had to reach so far
And as he held the Savior in his arms
He must have thought
Why me?
I'm just a simple man of trade?
Why Him?
With all the rulers in the word?
Why here?
Inside this stable filled with hay?
Why her?
She's just and ordinary girl?
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say'
But this is such a strange way to save the world.
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say
But this is such a strange way
A strange way to save the world.
A Strange Way to Save the World
Words and Music by Mark Harris, Dave Clark & Don Koch
I'm sure he must have been surprised
Where this road had taken him
'Cause never in a million lives
Would he have dreamed of Bethlehem
Standing at the manger, he saw with his own eyes
The message from the angel come alive
And Joseph said
Why me?
I'm just a simple man of trade?
Why Him?
With all the rulers in the word?
Why here?
Inside this stable filled with hay?
Why her?
She's just and ordinary girl?
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say'
But this is such a strange way to save the world.
To think of how it could have been
If Jesus come as He deserved
There would have been no Bethlehem
No lowly shepherds at His birth
But Joseph knew the reason love had to reach so far
And as he held the Savior in his arms
He must have thought
Why me?
I'm just a simple man of trade?
Why Him?
With all the rulers in the word?
Why here?
Inside this stable filled with hay?
Why her?
She's just and ordinary girl?
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say'
But this is such a strange way to save the world.
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say
But this is such a strange way
A strange way to save the world.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
December 9, 2010
Mary was a young teen. She was only fourteen. She, at that tender age, didn't know what was in store. Mary was probably ridiculed for being promiscuous, and her family had to feel dishonored. But the Bible doesn't tell us about that. The Bible tells us that she did what God asked, eagerly, without thought to the concequences or outcome. The Bible tells us that she was first, a servant of God and then his mother. This song, shows the mother in her.
A Cradle in Bethlehem
Words and music by Larry Stock & Alfred Bryan
Sung by: Greater Vision
Sing sweet and low, your lullaby
'til angels say amen
A mother, tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem.
While wiseman follow, through the dark
A star that beckons them
A mother, tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem.
A little child shall lead them.
The prophets said of old
When storm and tempest keep them
until the bell is tolled
Sing sweet and low, your lullaby
'til angels say amen.
A mother, tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem.
A mother, tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem.
A Cradle in Bethlehem
Words and music by Larry Stock & Alfred Bryan
Sung by: Greater Vision
Sing sweet and low, your lullaby
'til angels say amen
A mother, tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem.
While wiseman follow, through the dark
A star that beckons them
A mother, tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem.
A little child shall lead them.
The prophets said of old
When storm and tempest keep them
until the bell is tolled
Sing sweet and low, your lullaby
'til angels say amen.
A mother, tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem.
A mother, tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
December 7, 2010
One of my favorite song writers is Ray Boltz. He wrote a song about how even though Christ came to us as a baby, and was destined for greatness, sorrow and kingship, this person was still someone's child. The song is worth reading. I feel this is some of the most powerful words ever written. How can a parent go through life, knowing what was going to happen to their child? I don't think even Mary imagined Jesus dying. I think she, like all the others thought he would lead a military rebellion and he would become king that way. But what is amazing is, Jesus has always been King and Lord! Praise God.
Still Her Little Child
Words/Music by: Ray Boltz & Steve Millikan
Sung by Ray Boltz
When she laid him in a manger
He was still her little child
In a city filled with strangers
He was still her little child
Though the in was full and the night was cold,
She held him close and smiled
When she laid Him in a manager
He was still her little child.
When the angels called him Savior
He was still her little child
When the wisemen gave Him treasures
He was still her little child
When the shepherds bowed before Him
A star shone all the while
When the angles called Him Savior
He was still her little child.
When He grew in strength and wisdom
He was still her little child
When He spoke, the people listened
He was still her little child
When He healed the lam and daying
They would follow Him for miles
And when he grew in strength and wisdom
He was still her little child
When the people turned against Him
He was still her little child.
When they shouted crucify Him
He was still her little child
And when they nailed Him to a wooden cross
Then we were reconciled
When she held his broken body
He was still her little child
He was still her little child.
Still Her Little Child
Words/Music by: Ray Boltz & Steve Millikan
Sung by Ray Boltz
When she laid him in a manger
He was still her little child
In a city filled with strangers
He was still her little child
Though the in was full and the night was cold,
She held him close and smiled
When she laid Him in a manager
He was still her little child.
When the angels called him Savior
He was still her little child
When the wisemen gave Him treasures
He was still her little child
When the shepherds bowed before Him
A star shone all the while
When the angles called Him Savior
He was still her little child.
When He grew in strength and wisdom
He was still her little child
When He spoke, the people listened
He was still her little child
When He healed the lam and daying
They would follow Him for miles
And when he grew in strength and wisdom
He was still her little child
When the people turned against Him
He was still her little child.
When they shouted crucify Him
He was still her little child
And when they nailed Him to a wooden cross
Then we were reconciled
When she held his broken body
He was still her little child
He was still her little child.
Monday, December 6, 2010
December 6, 2010
This week I am going to focus on Mary and Joseph. There are a lot of songs about Mary. The most popular right now is Mary, Did You Know? I it is a beautiful song that makes us wonder if Mary understood what was going to happen to her son. But then, I found another song that puts in perspective that Mary did know what was happening. I love the chorus of this song because the idea that Mary saw him as a mother first. When I get to heaven, I want to sit down with Mary and talk about Jesus and her relationship as his mother and the things she saw that put his Godliness in perspective. Was it hard to discipline Jesus? Did she have to? Was he gentle, loving or did he roughhouse with his brothers? But through it all, as we peek in to her life, she knew that one day he would become our Savior.
Mary Knew
Words and Music by Gina Vera
Performed by Brian Free and Assurance
An angel of the Lord went out for visitation
Mary's willing heart was this angels destination
He spoke of the one who would be born
To reign as king and lord
Overshadowed by the truth,
Mary knew
Everyone could question the story's validation
Mary's new did not bring a joyous celebration
Even Joseph could not understand
That this was heaven's lamb
but a manager now held the truth,
Mary knew.
Mary knew Him at his best and she knew Him at his worst
She understood the man in Him
But knew that God came first
so she held her little promise
And she watched Him as He grew
But her faith never wavered from the truth,
Mary knew.
She followed all the way to the top of a great hill
Mary watched a silent pain
The Father's plan fulfilled
And at His feet she knelt that day.
As tears ran down her face
For the cross now held the truth,
Mary knew
At the place where they had laid baby down to sleep
An angel told the story of what she had believed
She saw the stone was rolled away
It was just an empty grave
The tomb revealed the truth,
Mary knew.
Mary knew.
Mary knew Him at his best
And she knew Him at his worst
She understood the man in Him
but knew that God came first
So she held her little promise
And she watched Him as he grew
But her faith never wavered from the truth,
Mary knew.
Friday, December 3, 2010
December 3, 2010
Happy Birthday to my mom! She is a wonderful Christian woman who keeps us all on the straight and narrow! Thanks Mom, I love you!
Last year, I was searching for a new song to sing. I went in to the Family Christian Book Store and saw that this group I had not really followed, but heard a few of their songs, had their Christmas CD Peace on Earth for like five dollars or something ridiculous. So I bought it. I am so glad I did. The music is really good. They do their own versions of several songs with a couple of original pieces. This one that I like the most is called God Is With Us. I love how this song is from the perspective of someone that maybe isn't apart of the story. I bet there were rumors flying about the baby born that night and adding to the circus is the shepherds who rushed to find the Christ child after the angel told them to. What must those townspeople thought of those smelly, uneducated herdsmen, who spoke of angels, and the words that were told to them?
Maybe someone really listened. Maybe someone talked further with the shepherds and understood that this was the Son of God. Someone needed something to believe in that night. Looking at the shepherds, how their story seemed to match up with that of Mary and Joseph's, the innkeeper, how can we not believe and put our faith in God? He was the Savior that they had been waiting for. Thank goodness we don't have to wait! He is here now with us and we just have to believe and obey him! During this season of believing, feel Jesus in your heart. Feel him at your side, surrounding you with peace, hope and love.
God Is With Us
by: Wayne Kirkpatrick
Sung by: Casting Crowns
The sky don't seem to be as dark as usual
The stars seem brighter than they've been before
Deep within I feel my soul a stirring
As though my hope has been restored.
The shepherds say they heard the voice of angels
Confirming rumors spread across the land
That a child protected well from Herod's anger
Is our Father's Son, and the Son of Man.
Love is raining down on the world tonight
There's a presence here, I can tell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel
He's a Savior we've been waiting for
In our humble hearts He will dwell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel.
I feel compelled to tell all who will listen
That peace on earth is not so out of reach
If we can find grace and mercy and forgiveness
He has come to save, He is all of these.
Love is raining down on the world tonight
There's a presence here, I can tell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel
He's a Savior we've been waiting for
In our humble hearts He will dwell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel.
Love is raining down on the world tonight
There's a presence here, I can tell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel
He's a Savior we've been waiting for
In our humble hearts He will dwell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel.
You're the Savior we've been praying for
In our humble hearts You will dwell
You are in us, You are for us, Your are with us, Emmanuel.
Last year, I was searching for a new song to sing. I went in to the Family Christian Book Store and saw that this group I had not really followed, but heard a few of their songs, had their Christmas CD Peace on Earth for like five dollars or something ridiculous. So I bought it. I am so glad I did. The music is really good. They do their own versions of several songs with a couple of original pieces. This one that I like the most is called God Is With Us. I love how this song is from the perspective of someone that maybe isn't apart of the story. I bet there were rumors flying about the baby born that night and adding to the circus is the shepherds who rushed to find the Christ child after the angel told them to. What must those townspeople thought of those smelly, uneducated herdsmen, who spoke of angels, and the words that were told to them?
Maybe someone really listened. Maybe someone talked further with the shepherds and understood that this was the Son of God. Someone needed something to believe in that night. Looking at the shepherds, how their story seemed to match up with that of Mary and Joseph's, the innkeeper, how can we not believe and put our faith in God? He was the Savior that they had been waiting for. Thank goodness we don't have to wait! He is here now with us and we just have to believe and obey him! During this season of believing, feel Jesus in your heart. Feel him at your side, surrounding you with peace, hope and love.
God Is With Us
by: Wayne Kirkpatrick
Sung by: Casting Crowns
The sky don't seem to be as dark as usual
The stars seem brighter than they've been before
Deep within I feel my soul a stirring
As though my hope has been restored.
The shepherds say they heard the voice of angels
Confirming rumors spread across the land
That a child protected well from Herod's anger
Is our Father's Son, and the Son of Man.
Love is raining down on the world tonight
There's a presence here, I can tell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel
He's a Savior we've been waiting for
In our humble hearts He will dwell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel.
I feel compelled to tell all who will listen
That peace on earth is not so out of reach
If we can find grace and mercy and forgiveness
He has come to save, He is all of these.
Love is raining down on the world tonight
There's a presence here, I can tell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel
He's a Savior we've been waiting for
In our humble hearts He will dwell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel.
Love is raining down on the world tonight
There's a presence here, I can tell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel
He's a Savior we've been waiting for
In our humble hearts He will dwell
God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel.
You're the Savior we've been praying for
In our humble hearts You will dwell
You are in us, You are for us, Your are with us, Emmanuel.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
December 2, 2010
I love this song by Point of Grace. I have sang it numerous times during the Christmas season at church and just love the calming affect it has. I imagine that first night, after the hectic day of Joseph scurrying around, trying to find a place of cover for Mary, as she was in labor, quiet and peaceful as God's child is resting. I love that most nativity scenes are quiet, as though disturbing the baby would upset something. I think in reality the quietness is for the the awe that that child is actually God with us, Emmanuel.
All is Calm
By: Michael W Smith & Wayne Kirkpatrick
Sung by: Point of Grace
All is well all is well
Angels and men rejoice
For tonight darkness fell
Into the dawn of love's light
Sing A-le
Sing Alleluia
All is well all is well
Let there be peace on earth
Christ is come go and tell
That He is in the manger
Sing A-le
Sing Alleluia
All is well all is well
Lift up your voice and sing
Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior
Sing Alleluia
Sing Alleluia
All is well
All is Calm
By: Michael W Smith & Wayne Kirkpatrick
Sung by: Point of Grace
All is well all is well
Angels and men rejoice
For tonight darkness fell
Into the dawn of love's light
Sing A-le
Sing Alleluia
All is well all is well
Let there be peace on earth
Christ is come go and tell
That He is in the manger
Sing A-le
Sing Alleluia
All is well all is well
Lift up your voice and sing
Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior
Sing Alleluia
Sing Alleluia
All is well
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
December 1, 2010
I am a Christmas Song Fanatic. If there is a new Christmas song, or a song about Christmas that is interesting or intriguing to me, I'm going to find out about it and try and sing it. So for the month of December, I am going to do something a little off-beat. I am taking different songs that are more recent and using them in my daily devotions. The first one has been on my mind for a few days.
My cousin's son and girlfriend had a baby in October. They were at my house for Thanksgiving and we got to hold this precious little boy. The baby's father posted on his Facebook page, days earlier, that a baby changes everything. I then found out that a co-worker of mine and his wife are expecting. His wife is from Columbia and we were discussing the different cultural beliefs. My co-worker was wondering outloud how different things will be.
Yes, having a child changes most people's perspective of life and of God. But, think how much more Mary and Joseph's views changed because they knew that they were going to raise God's son. The young couple immediately realized that with everything they went through, that first Christmas night of Jesus ' birth, changed everything for them.
And when you give your life to Jesus, you too will find, that this one baby changed everything for you and for a lost world.
Shepherds all gather ’round
Up above the star shines down
A baby changes everything
My cousin's son and girlfriend had a baby in October. They were at my house for Thanksgiving and we got to hold this precious little boy. The baby's father posted on his Facebook page, days earlier, that a baby changes everything. I then found out that a co-worker of mine and his wife are expecting. His wife is from Columbia and we were discussing the different cultural beliefs. My co-worker was wondering outloud how different things will be.
Yes, having a child changes most people's perspective of life and of God. But, think how much more Mary and Joseph's views changed because they knew that they were going to raise God's son. The young couple immediately realized that with everything they went through, that first Christmas night of Jesus ' birth, changed everything for them.
And when you give your life to Jesus, you too will find, that this one baby changed everything for you and for a lost world.
A Baby Changes Everything
Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what’s to come
A baby changes everything
Unprepared for what’s to come
A baby changes everything
Not a ring
On her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
On her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
The man she loves she’s never touched
How will she keep his trust
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
How will she keep his trust
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
And she cries ouuh she cries
Oh
Oh
She has to leave go far away
Heaven knows she can’t stay
A baby changes everything
Heaven knows she can’t stay
A baby changes everything
She can feel it’s coming soon
There’s no place, there’s no room
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
There’s no place, there’s no room
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
And she cries ………….
And she cries …..
Oh she cries ….
And she cries …..
Oh she cries ….
Shepherds all gather ’round
Up above the star shines down
A baby changes everything
Choir of angels say
Glory to the newborn king
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
Everything, everything, everything
Glory to the newborn king
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
Everything, everything, everything
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah)
My whole life is turned around
I was lost and now I’m found
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
I was lost and now I’m found
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
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