Christmas

 

SWEET LITTLE JESUS BOY

          Few of the many songs of Christmas so directly and profoundly share the personal appeal of Jesus Christ as "Sweet Little Jesus Boy".

          The song is mistaken by many to be an old American spiritual song sung by the slaves of the South in the 19^th Century.  But it was really written in 1934 by white American composer, Robert MacCimasey (1898-1979).

          Born in Louisiana, MacGimsey was a lawyer who wrote what folks of his generation often called "black music".  He was actually raised in the company of black domestric help who gave him a rich background in the gospel music of the South.  It is said that his childhood caregiver, who he called Aunt Becky, would sing spirituals to him as a baby.

          It is said that he wanted this song to echo the sentiments of black Christians in the Civil War era.  He pictured an aging black man, whose life had been filled with poverty and injustice, "standing in the middle of a field just giving his heart to Jesus in the stillness."

          He was influenced by his circumstances one snowy Christmas Eve in New York City as he was walking past some noisy nightclubs.  He saw inebriated patrons whose celebrations had no connection with Jesus Christ and why He came.   He wondered how people could be so disconnected to the real message and history of the season.
          The lyrics of his song represent the deeper expressions of most Christians during this season.  They begin with the telling of how Christ, as a child and later as a man, would not be accepted by the world.  And as an apology to Jesus his lyrics repeat the phrase "We didn't know who you were."  He says "Didn't know You'd come to save us, Lord; To take our sins away.  Our eyes was blind, we couldn't see.  We didn't know who you was." Are things much different today?

          Though performed live on the radio for many years, "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" was made most famous in 1955 when it was released by famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.  Since her recording, various artists have recorded and performed this song in various ways.  It since has been a favorite of both large and small choirs.

          As we listen to this song, may we be challenged anew this holiday season of the truth of the One who came here as a baby to eventually become our Savior.  May we understand who He is and that He came to save us all, take our sins away and give us new life.

 

Sweet little Jesus boy, born in a manger

Sweet little Holy child, 

we didn't know who You were

Long time ago it seems, You were born

Born in a manager Lord, 

sweet little Jesus boy

Didn't know you'd come to save us all

To take our sins away

Our eyes were blind we did not see

We didn't know who You were

 

You have shown us how 

And we are trying

Master, You have shown us how

Even as You were dying

This world treats You mean, Lord

Treats me mean too

But that's how things are done down here

We didn't know it was You

Didn't know You'd come to save us all, 

to take our sins away

Our eyes were blind, we did not see

We didn't know who You were

 

Listen to it here.    SWEET

 

CHERISH THAT NAME (TH)

TIMELESS HYMN  - Another revised and repeated blog of one of the great hymns of the faith originally shared here on December 14, 2008.  

          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 the  most precious possessions we have.  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 deeply 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. Unfortunately today fewer people even know who Jesus is.  Even fewer have a relationship with Him. 

          Years ago my sister, sister-in-law, and wife sang as a women's trio.  They were excellent and their voices blended so well. One of my favorite songs which they sang was "Cherish That Name". The composer is Lanny Wolfe who  wrote over 700 songs, 14 musicals, and has recorded over seventy projects.   

          At the Christmas season I especially think about this song and its powerful message.  But it is a name and message that we should think about and honor and cherish daily.  

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

SOMETHING WORTH LIVING FOR

          It is so sad to hear of a person who chooses suicide to end a life that appears to him to be hopeless.  And just as sad are those who choose to murder innocent people before taking their own life.  And we read of these tragedies almost daily in today's world where for many death seems to be the only escape from their shattered lives.
          But what a joy to discover the Savior that can mend hearts and give one something to live for.  Something more than my yesterdays.  Something more than wealth or fame.  Something worth living for!
          The text of this song was written by William Dale Oldham, who was born in 1903, in Oklahoma to William H. Oldham, a minister in the Church of God, and his wife Myrtle.  His father had composed some music, and singing was important in the home.  Dale first became involved as an evangelistic song-leader who travelled with various preachers in their meetings.  Then he became a minister in the Church of God, serving first in Kentucky, beginning in 1925.
          After moving around to numerous places, Oldham came in 1945 to the Park Place Church of God in Anderson, IN,  and he remained there as minister until 1962.  Shortly after his arrival, a student at Anderson College who was a member at Park Place and worked at a local radio station suggested the possibility of a national radio program.  Thus, in January of 1947, the first airing of "The Christian Brotherhood Hour" was broadcast from radio station KGGF in Coffeyville, KS.  Oldham served as speaker, a role which he continued until 1968.  By 1962, the program was being carried on more than 260 stations, in 44 different states, and a dozen international stations. 
          The tune (Something More) for "Something Worth Living For" was composed by William James "Bill" Gaither (b. 1936).  The song was first published in 1967 by Gaither Music Company.  After a battle with cancer, Oldham died in March of 1984 at the age of 81.  Dale was the father of gospel singer Douglas Reed "Doug" Oldham (1930-2010).
          The final verse of this song reminds us that the Lord gives joy to the guilty soul who has been healed.  "Oh, the joy of sins forgiven, there's nothing the same as before; My life overflows since Jesus came and gave me something worth living for!"  What a contrast to the hopelessness that so many are dealing with today.
          What about you dear friend?  Have you experienced the new life and joy that Jesus can provide for you or are you living with hopelessness and despair.  Trust Jesus today, then you will have something worth living for

Life was shattered and hope was gone, 

crushing the load that I bore;

Then out of the depths I cried,

 "O God, give me something worth living for!" 

Something more than my yesterdays,

 more than I had before;

Something more than wealth or fame, 

He gave me something worth living for! 

There, with life at its lowest ebb, 

who could heal and restore?

Then He came and mended my broken heart, 

He gave me something worth living for!

Something more than my yesterdays,

 more than I had before;

Something more than wealth or fame, 

He gave me something worth living for! 

Oh, the joy of sins forgiven, 

there's nothing the same as before;

My life overflows since Jesus came 

and gave me something worth living for! 

Something more than my yesterdays, 

more than I had before;

Something more than wealth or fame, 

He gave me something worth living for! 

Something worth living for! 

Listen to it here.    SOMETHING

IT IS MARVELOUS AND WONDERFUL (TH)

TIMELESS HYMNS - A feature in which I choose a hymn blog from the past, rewrite it and edit it and share it once more.  This hymn was first shared on May 27, 2012

          The regular readers of this blog will know that sometimes my choices are made because of the moving melody of the selection.  This is the case again this week since I love the chorus in particular which has a flowing, upbeat melody.  

          And the words also are special and a wonderful testimony.  In the first verse we are reminded of the peace which we experience when we yield to the Savior's control.  The second verse reminds us of the Savior's presence through His marvelous grace during our daily walk with Him.  As is very common in old hymns, the final verse speaks of the fellowship we will experience when we see our Lord face to face around His throne. Concluding hymns with a verse about the hope of heaven was important to the old hymn writers. And yes, what Jesus has done for our soul is marvelous and wonderful.  No words can adequately share this situation.  

          As is often the case, I could find nothing about the actual writing of this hymn except that it was penned by Mrs. Charles H. Morris (1862-1929).  I have referred to her often in previous blogs noting that when her eyes began to fail in 1913, her son built a 28-foot blackboard with oversized staff lines so she could continue composing.  It is said that she authored more than 1,000 Gospel songs this way.  

          This hymn must have flowed from her closeness to the Lord.  Hopefully it will be a stirring reminder to you of the wonderful, marvelous experience of knowing and walking with the Lord.

          "It is marvelous and wonderful!"

(1)   The Saviour has come in His mighty Power 

And spoken peace to my soul 

And all of my life from that very hour 

I've yielded to his control 

I've yielded to his control 

Wonderful oh it is wonderful 

It is marvelous and wonderful 

What Jesus has done for this soul of mine 

The half has never been told 

(2)   From Glory to Glory he leads me on 

From Grace to Grace every day 

And brighter and brighter the Glory dawns 

While pressing my home ward way 

While pressing my home ward way  

Wonderful oh it is wonderful 

It is marvelous and wonderful 

What Jesus has done for this soul of mine 

The half has never been told 

(3)    If fellowship here with my Lord can be 

So inexpressibly sweet 

Oh what will it be when his face we see 

When round the bright throne we meet 

When round the bright throne we meet  

Wonderful oh it is wonderful 

It is marvelous and wonderful 

What Jesus has done for this soul of mine 

The half has never been told  

Listen to it here.   MARVELOUS