Angels from the Realms of Glory

Read: Matthew 2:1-12; Matthew 3:10-17; Ephesians 1:18

Journalist James Montgomery wrote a poem that ran on Christmas Eve 1816 in his London paper.  This poem (“Angels from the Realms of Glory”) would later be set to music by a blind organist, and the song has been sung for over 200 years now in churches all over the world. 

Given that the music was written by a blind man, I especially love the third verse that says, “Sages, leave your contemplations; brighter visions beam afar; Seek the Great Desire of Nations; Ye have seen His natal star.”  Of course the direct reference of the lyric points to the Magi (the sage foreigners) who saw the brighter vision of the Christmas star and went to check it out (see Matthew 2:1-12).  However, this brighter vision need not be confined to only the first century.

A very common miracle that Jesus worked was giving sight to the blind.  This is both a physical miracle and a picture of what He does for you and me — gives us spiritual eyes so we can see who He really is (Matthew 13:10-17).

Two thousand years after the birth of Jesus, He still wants us to see Him for who He really is . . . the Son of God, and the Savior of the World.  May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened so that we may know Him (and the blessing He gives to us) more this year (Ephesians 1:18). 

Take a moment today and sing Montgomery’s song, and pray for a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ this Christmas season.

Angels From the Realms of Glory

Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.

Refrain: Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Shepherds, in the field abiding,
Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant light:

Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen His natal star.

Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear.

Sinners, wrung with true repentance,
Doomed for guilt to endless pains,
Justice now revokes the sentence,
Mercy calls you; break your chains.

Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:

All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’ eternal Three in One.

 

To access all 30 days of “The Christmas Carols” devotional in pdf format, click here.

 

To access playlists for all 30 songs and for more information about how to worship with Wildwood Community Church this Christmas season, click here.

 

Away in a Manger

Read: Isaiah 53:2; Luke 2:12; Hebrews 4:15-16

After Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph placed Him in a manger, which is a feeding trough for livestock.  This reality is sung about in “Away in a Manger” and feels commonplace to us since the Christmas story is so familiar.  However, have you ever wondered WHY God had Jesus placed in a manger on that first Christmas day?

While the repurposed manger certainly symbolized the humility of Jesus, Luke 2:12 gives the specific reason for the trough: “And this will be a sign for you, you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloth and lying in the manger.” These words, spoken by the angels to the shepherds, indicate that the manger crib was the sign to let the shepherds know which baby was Jesus.  In others words, there were other babies in Bethlehem that night, but only one could be found wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger – Jesus!

Since all Jewish mothers wrapped infants in cloths, it was the manger that highlighted Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.  The manger was a spotlight.  The shepherds would go house to house until they found the baby in the feeding trough.  When they found THAT child, they would worship Him.

It is significant that the BED Jesus lay in was the distinguishing factor as to His identity.  This lets us know that He otherwise LOOKED like a normal baby.  He was not glowing in holiness or preaching in perfect Aramaic. In fact, he was probably crying, despite what the lyrics of  “Away in a Manger” suggest.  Everything about Jesus looked normal, so the angels could not identify Jesus to the shepherds through His physical appearance; they needed to describe His bed.

This simple point reminds us that the Son of God truly did become the fully human Son of Man. Hebrews 4:15-16 confirms this. Therefore, Jesus knows what it means to live a normal human life.  He did so in every way . . . except that He did not sin.  Thus, He can help us and forgive us as we deal with the sin in our own lives.

As we sing “Away in a Manger” this Christmas season, be reminded that Jesus’ bed (not His body) revealed His uniqueness that first Christmas night.  He knows normal, and so He can help normal people like you and me.

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head
The stars in the sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The Baby awakes
The little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle
Till morning is nigh

Be near me, Lord Jesus
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And fate us for heaven
To live with Thee there

 

To access all 30 days of “The Christmas Carols” devotional in pdf format, click here.

 

To access playlists for all 30 songs and for more information about how to worship with Wildwood Community Church this Christmas season, click here.

 

Silent Night

Read: Romans 8:28

“You have found it!  The right song!  God be praised!” said the organist to Priest Joseph Mohr at a Catholic Church in the Austrian Alps just before Christmas 1818.  The organ had broken down, and the priest and his musician were trying to compose a song that would befit the majesty of Christmas but would not require the booming sound of the organ.  The simple song that was written (to be accompanied by a guitar), was “Silent Night.”  This Christmas, this song celebrates its 205th birthday!  What a gift born out of necessity.

Two things came to mind when I learned of the origin story for this song:

1. “Contemporary” styled church music (with guitars and other instruments) has been around a long time!
2. Necessity is the mother of invention.

Just think, if the organ had not broken, “Silent Night” might never have been written.  As a pastor who has planned many Christmas services, I can only imagine that the broken organ was a major inconvenience and potentially a discouragement during the holiday season.  Yet, God took this challenge and (in the midst of it) gave the church an enduring gift.

Romans 8:28 reflects on the sovereignty of God by saying, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”  God is able to take the broken instruments in our lives and work through them to create a beautiful song.

As we sing “Silent Night” this year, let us remember its birth through necessity.  What aspects of your life seem out of tune?  Trust the Lord to work through them for good.

Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace!
Sleep in heavenly peace!

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!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!

 

To access all 30 days of “The Christmas Carols” devotional in pdf format, click here.

 

To access playlists for all 30 songs and for more information about how to worship with Wildwood Community Church this Christmas season, click here.

 

What Child is This?

Read: Matthew 16:13-20; 1 Peter 1:3

At the age of 29 William Dix was living in Glasgow, Scotland, working as an insurance salesman.  He contracted a serious illness that left him in bed and also (eventually) depressed.  For the promising young hymn writer, his illness threatened to limit his ministry.  But, the Lord is not restricted by our limitations.  In our weakness, the strength of the Lord is often most clearly seen.

It was from this bed of despair that William Dix wrote the hymn “What Child is This?”  The song is a simple Q&A style, where the verses ask questions which the chorus answers. 

• Question:  “What child is this that lay to rest in Mary’s lap sleeping?” 
• Answer:  “This, this is Christ the King!” 

In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was.  Dix’s song points Jesus’ words forward to us.  During the Christmas season, we see depictions of Baby Jesus everywhere.  As we see these depictions of Jesus, may we ask ourselves the question of the song, “What child is this who laid to rest on Mary’s lap is sleeping?”  Some say that Jesus was simply a prophet or a religious leader, but who do you say Jesus is?  Is He just those things, or something more?

May we come to know (as Peter did in Matthew 16) that Jesus is the Christ (Savior), the Son of the Living God.  And because He is a living God, He offers us a living hope, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).”

From a place of personal frailty, Dix reminded us of the power of God in Christ.  The Child that lay sleeping on Mary’s lap offers hope and life to all who come to know His true identity and trust in Him.  Who do you say this child is?

What Child Is This?

What Child is this Who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud
The Babe, the Son of Mary

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and lamb are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through
The cross be borne for me, for you
Hail, hail the Word made flesh
The Babe, the Son of Mary

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh
Come peasant, king to own Him
The King of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Raise, raise a song on high
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for Christ is born
The Babe, the Son of Mary

 

To access all 30 days of “The Christmas Carols” devotional in pdf format, click here.

 

To access playlists for all 30 songs and for more information about how to worship with Wildwood Community Church this Christmas season, click here.

 

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Read: Micah 5:2; 1 Peter 1:8-9

In 1868, Episcopalian Pastor Phillip Brooks needed a carol for the kids to sing at a Christmas service at his church.  Not satisfied with any songs he had heard, Brooks decided to write one himself.  Inspired by a Christmas Eve service he had attended in Bethlehem during a Holy Land trip three years prior, Brooks sat down and authored “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”  Not only did the children in his church sing this song in their Christmas program, but millions continue to sing the tune today, some 150 years later.  Think about that for a moment.  This Philadelphia pastor has a top hit that has lasted fifteen decades!  Knowing that best sellers in the iTunes music store top the charts for only about fifteen days, and even the best of our contemporary praise and worship songs seldom persist in popularity past fifteen years, Brooks’s song is amazingly durable.  What is it about this song that has allowed it to endure?

I think the message of this hymn is very powerful.  I have always been struck by the phrase at the end of the first verse, “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.”  The idea that Jesus Christ comforts our deepest fears and provides for us our greatest hope is an amazingly powerful message!  As I ponder the significance of this phrase, I am reminded of 1 Peter 1:8-9, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”  Our deepest fear is death.  Our greatest hope is eternal life in fellowship with our Creator, the salvation of our souls.  Truly, in Christ the hopes and fears of all the years are met.

As we sing this hymn, may we be reminded of the comfort and hope Jesus Christ provides to you and me.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight

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 men on earth

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel.

 

To access all 30 days of “The Christmas Carols” devotional in pdf format, click here.

 

To access playlists for all 30 songs and for more information about how to worship with Wildwood Community Church this Christmas season, click here.

 

Joy Has Dawned!

Read: Philippians 2:4-11

Great Christian songs are not always old.  There are wonderful songs currently being written that reflect upon the majesty of Jesus.  Of the groups currently writing modern hymns, my favorite is Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.  They have authored a number of very popular modern hymns including the “Power of the Cross” and “In Christ Alone.”  They also have composed a few songs that reflect on the birth of Jesus.  Of these new Christmas songs, my favorite is “Joy Has Dawned.”

In “Joy Has Dawned,” each verse reflects upon the paradox of the birth of Jesus Christ.  Just some of the poetry in this song:

• “Not with fanfare from above, not with scenes of glory, but a humble gift of love – Jesus born of Mary.”
• “Hands that set the stars in place, shaped the earth in darkness, cling now to a mother’s breast, vulnerable and helpless.”
• “Shepherds bow before the Lamb, gazing at His glory”
• “Son of Adam, Son of heaven, given as a ransom; reconciling God and man, Christ our mighty champion!”

These statements remind me of Philippians 2:4-11, where the birth  of Jesus is described as a step of tremendous humility – “though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8).”

The humility Jesus shows is meant to do more than just inspire us, it is to instruct us with a model for our lives.  If the Creator God humbled Himself in love to come to the earth for us, then we should (following that example) humble ourselves in service to others.  As we sing “Joy has Dawned” today may the humble example of Jesus inspire us, for joy dawns not when we cling onto our lives and rights but when we freely give ourselves away in love for others.

Joy Has Dawned

Joy has dawned upon the world,
Promised from creation—
God’s salvation now unfurled,
Hope for ev’ry nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
Not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love—
Jesus born of Mary.

Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place,
Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother’s breast,
Vuln’rable and helpless.

Shepherds bow before the Lamb,
Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story.
Gold—a King is born today,
Incense—God is with us,
Myrrh—His death will make a way,
And by His blood He’ll win us.

Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
Given as a ransom;
Reconciling God and man,
Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Savior! What a Friend!
What a glorious myst’ry!
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of hist’ry.

 

To access all 30 days of “The Christmas Carols” devotional in pdf format, click here.

 

To access playlists for all 30 songs and for more information about how to worship with Wildwood Community Church this Christmas season, click here.

 

The First Noel

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:3-8

In 1833, William Sandys wrote the hymn, “The First Noel.”  The song details Jesus birth, with each verse telling a new part of the story, separated by the chorus refrain, “Noel!  Born is the King of Israel!”  “Noel” is a French word for Christmas that comes from Latin roots that mean “new birth.”  Therefore, the song is ultimately about how the new birth of Jesus in Bethlehem leads to the new birth of the people of God in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 and John 3:3-8 tell of the new birth that believers have in Jesus Christ .  Christians’ new or second birth occurs because in Christ, their full identity changes.  Without Christ, a sinner’s core identity is an “object of wrath” before a Holy God.  After trusting in Christ for the forgiveness of sins, the Christian’s core identity is a child of God . . . an heir according to His promise.

What this means is that believers in Christ celebrate the first birth of Jesus because it provides for them their new birth into the family of God.  That is why the sixth verse of “The First Noel” is so powerful.  It begins, “Let us all with one accord . . . ”  Since this hymn has been sung for 190 years, our voices join with “one accord” to literally millions who have sung this very song previously.  The verse concludes by declaring the reason for our cross-generational unity, “With His (Jesus) Blood mankind hath bought.”  Because of the blood of Jesus Christ, all believers now have a second, “new” birth.  With this in mind, the chorus sounds like the cry of a 1930′s newspaper salesman calling, “Extra, Extra, read all about it!”  The chorus shouts, “New birth!  New birth!  New birth!  New birth!  Born is the One who brings us new birth!

Let us think about that as we reflect on the lyrics of this great Christmas hymn!

The First Noel

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o’er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

 

To access all 30 days of “The Christmas Carols” devotional in pdf format, click here.

 

To access playlists for all 30 songs and for more information about how to worship with Wildwood Community Church this Christmas season, click here.

 

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Read: Hebrews 13:5-6; Matthew 28:20

There is a great scene in the 1995 movie “Apollo 13″ where Tom Hanks (playing the part of Astronaut Jim Lovell) sits in his back yard staring at the moon.  Lovell was soon to pilot the famed Apollo 13 spaceship to a lunar landing.  As he sat in his suburban backyard on terra firm, however, Lovell was thousands of miles from his destination.  While staring at the moon, Lovell closes one eye and extends his fist in front of him then raises his thumb.  The camera switches to Lovell’s perspective, showing the captain’s ability to make the moon disappear behind his thumb.

Now, two possible explanations exist regarding Lovell’s disappearing moon:

1. The disappearance of the moon was an optical illusion created by the close proximity of the finger to the eyeball.  In other words, it was a matter of perspective.
2. Tom Hanks has an extremely large thumb!  In other words, his thumb is bigger than the moon.

Of course, option one is correct! It also serves as a helpful reminder that our problems have a very near proximity to our eyes.  Medical issues, crumbling relationships, and dashed dreams are so close to us that they feel enormous.  In fact, their perceived size can even cause us to not see God in the midst of our difficulty. 

Again, two possibilities exist:

1. We have really large problems . . . larger than the God who created the universe.
2. We are allowing our current circumstances to create an illusion, blinding us to the reality of God’s presence.

This Christmas season, many are no doubt dealing with tough trials.  Because of that, we have a tendency to miss God.  Under our stress and strain, we squint our eyes and see only that which is attached to our hands.  Don’t be fooled!  God is there!  The infant born in Bethlehem is not small in stature . . . He is Lord, and He is our Immanuel – God with us.  Therefore, sing loudly the chorus to “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”

Be comforted because God does not disappear . . . He has come to us in Christ. Remember Jesus’ last words to His disciples, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  This promise dispels the illusion that we are alone.  He is here, and we can trust Him with problems, big and small.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

God rest ye merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy

Fear not then, said the Angel let nothing you affright
This day is born a Savior of a pure Virgin bright
To free all those who trust in Him from Satan’s power and might

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy

 

To access all 30 days of “The Christmas Carols” devotional in pdf format, click here.

 

To access playlists for all 30 songs and for more information about how to worship with Wildwood Community Church this Christmas season, click here.

 

Breath of Heaven

Read: Luke 1:5-25; Luke 1:39-45

Do you want a “blessed” life?  Of course you do!  Who doesn’t, right?  Only a hardcore atheist who does not believe in a “Bless-or” is repelled by the concept of being blessed by their Creator.  However, what does the blessing of God look like, and how do we get on the blessed list?

After Mary was visited by Gabriel and told she was carrying the Son of God, she visited her relative Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45).  At that time, Elizabeth declared to Mary that she was indeed “blessed” by God (Luke 1:42).  Of course, the blessing Elizabeth was referring to was the Baby Mary was carrying in her womb . . . but a closer reading of this passage (in context) also reveals to us another way Mary was blessed in Luke 1.

After speaking with the Angel Gabriel, Mary was mostly left in isolation to ponder her new found pregnancy.  Her parents would have been concerned.  Her betrothed, Joseph, was considering a divorce.  Who would believe her?  Did she really hear the Angel correctly?  These were probably some of the questions Mary was asking. 

So, where does she go?  How does God provide and bless Mary in the midst of her situation?  The Lord has Mary walk 50-70 miles to the hills of Judah to visit Elizabeth,   the only other woman in the world who would understand miraculous pregnancies (see Luke 1:5-25)!  The Lord blessed Mary through another person – her cousin Elizabeth’s company!

1. Can you imagine what Mary may have been thinking as she walked to Elizabeth’s house?  The song “Breath of Heaven” shares a fictionalized perspective from Mary as she made that trek.  Listen to this song as you relate Mary’s circumstances.
2. Realize that the “Breath of Heaven’s” blessing that fell on Mary at that time was not a second angelic visit, but a cup of coffee with her cousin. 

Are you longing for the supernatural provision of God?  Have you ever stopped to think that the blessing of God . . . the breath of heaven . . . may be coming to you by another member of the Body of Christ who lives down the street, or is in your small group, or is just a phone call away.  The supernatural blessing of God is often wrapped in natural paper.

Breath of Heaven

I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I’ve done
Holy Father, You have come
And chosen me now to carry Your Son

I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now, be with me now

Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven

Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place?
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of Your plan
Help me be strong, help me be, help me

 

To access all 30 days of “The Christmas Carols” devotional in pdf format, click here.

 

To access playlists for all 30 songs and for more information about how to worship with Wildwood Community Church this Christmas season, click here.