THOU DIDST LEAVE THY THRONE

When we stop to really think about the Christmas story, it is quite incredible.  Jesus left His perfect throne in heaven to come to earth as a baby to ultimately save us from death and eternal separation from God.  He left His kingly throne for me and for you.  And then he wasn't even born in a palace or even a modest home.  He was born in a barn or a cave and in a manger, a trough!  Talk about humility.  God took on a human form, becoming a man.  He was made lower than the angels.  And later he obeyed God even to the point of death.  What amazing love shown to each of us.  In 1864, Elizabeth Steele Elliott tried to express this sacrifice and humility in one of over 140 hymns which she wrote.  "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" expressed the Christmas story with a refrain after each verse that should be our response.  As we leave the Christmas season, meditate on this message and the responses, and may it challenge your life throughout the coming year.

(1)   Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,

When Thou camest to earth for me;

But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room

For Thy holy nativity.

Refrain

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,

There is room in my heart for Thee.

(2)   Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang,

Proclaiming Thy royal degree;

But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,

And in great humility.

Refrain

(3)   The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest

In the shade of the forest tree;

But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,

In the deserts of Galilee.

Refrain

(4)   Thou camest, O Lord, with the living Word,

That should set Thy people free;

But with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn,

They bore Thee to Calvary.

Refrain

(5)   When the heav'ns shall ring, and her choirs shall sing,

At Thy coming to victory,

Let Thy voice call me home, saying "Yet there is room,

There is room at My side for thee."

My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,

When Thou comest and callest for me.

Listen to it here.      LISTEN

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

One of my most vivid childhood memories are the trips to Bethlehem, PA, on Christmas Eve. I was in elementary school when my grandfather pastored a large church there.  Christmas was always spent with all of their family in the parsonage.  We would travel there the night before and as kids we would always look to see who could first spot the lighted PP&L building in Allentown.  That was the sign that we were almost there.  When we would arrive we would always find Grandma Wolf preparing hot chocolate and barbecue for the young people of the church who were out caroling.  They would gather afterwards in the parsonage basement to play ping pong and enjoy Grandma's food.  And so I have special memories of Bethlehem at Christmas.  But the events at Bethlehem centuries before are more memorable to everyone.  After a trip to Bethlehem in 1868, Rector Phillips Brooks was inspired by the view of the town from the hills of Palestine and he penned the words of that famous carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem".  The words remind us of that life changing event that happened that Christmas Eve.  And the miracle continues today ... "where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in."

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 his 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  

Listen to the music here.      LISTEN

CHERISH THAT NAME

Few things hurt me as much as hearing the name of the Lord taken in vain.  Unfortunately to more and more folks today the name of our Lord is nothing more than a curse word.  To most of us our name is one of our most precious possessions.  Our name often seems to define us and our reputation.  We are hurt when folks make fun of it or use it in a derogatory way - something many experience, especially as children.  And so it hurts when our Saviour's name is used in swearing or in a mocking way.  It is a beautiful name, full of deep, significant meaning.  It is a wonderful name that brings salvation.  It is a matchless name and none can compare.  That name is Jesus.  Years ago my sister, sister-in-law, and wife sang as a women's trio.  They were excellent and their voices blended so well. I miss their singing.  One of my favorite songs which they sang was "Cherish That Name".    Each Christmas season I think about that song and its powerful message.

An angel from long ago

Bent down to earth below,

And to Mary whispered low,

"Call His name Jesus."

Cherish that beautiful name.

Cherish that wonderful name.

Cherish that matchless name.

That name is Jesus.

"Fear not the words I say.

God has favored you today.

You shall bring forth a Son

And call His name Jesus."

Cherish that beautiful name.

Cherish that wonderful name.

Cherish that matchless name.

That name is Jesus.

King of kings and Lord of lords.

He shall reign forevermore.

Come before Him and adore

That lovely name of Jesus.

Cherish that beautiful name.

Cherish that wonderful name.

Cherish that matchless name.

That name is Jesus.

You can listen to it here.       LISTEN

MARY DID YOU KNOW?

I love the carols of Christmas.  I enjoy December when many of the radio stations feature this great music.  And, I do have some special favorites.  One of those is a recently written carol which asks questions about what Mary really knew about her special Son.  I've heard many folks react to this question, but I'm still not sure.  Did she really comprehend that the child that she was carrying would provide salvation to this world?  Did she know that He would be her Savior?  It is interesting to contemplate what she knew.  But no matter what, Her son was the Son of God who would change the world.  Contemplate the impact of the Son and thank God the Father as you sing this hymn.

Mary, did you know

That your baby boy

Would someday walk on water?

Mary did you know

That your baby boy 

Will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know

That your baby boy 

Has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered

Will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know

That your baby boy 

Will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know

That your baby boy 

Will calm the storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy 

Has walked where angels trod?

When you kiss your little baby

You've kissed the face of God.

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 

Will one day rule 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 

Listen to it here.    LISTEN