I Stand Amazed in the Presence

As a new Christian in my late 20s, I saw Sunday evenings in church as a time to sing gospel songs. Among those were songs by Charles Gabriel (1856-1932), who wrote “I Stand Amazed in the Presence.” Two other well-known hymns he wrote are "Send the Light, the Blessed Gospel Light," and, "O That Will Be Glory for Me." Themes of spreading the gospel and heaven abound in Gabriel's songs.

He was born in 1856 on a farm in Iowa and spent his early years there. His father was actually a travelling music teacher, so he became quite musical at a young age. When his father died, he initially carried on his music teaching practice, but even before that he'd developed such a natural talent that during the day he would be busy on the farm doing his chores and he would be writing melodies in his head. He would come back in and write songs based on them.

He announced to his family that he wanted to be a songwriter and everyone was very pleased. He said how he wanted to write a famous song, and his mother said this to him: "My boy, I would rather have you write a song that will help somebody than see you the President of the United States."

Though self-trained, he started leading singing school educational events as a teenager. He worked with Grace Episcopal Methodist Church in San Francisco from 1890-1892 and then moved to Chicago where he worked for Homer Rodeheaver’s Publishing Firm.

Gabriel became known as the “Master of Missionary Music.” Gabriel led worship for Billy Sunday encouraging listeners to hear the “Macedonian Call” (a call by the apostle Paul in Acts encouraging a Macedonian to join him in preaching the gospel). One common thread throughout many of Gabriel‘s lyrics is the high-honor and sense of indebtedness to spread the good news of the gospel.

During the 1890s he and his family moved to Chicago and became very involved in the music there. He wrote countless songs, published countless hymnals, and was well known in the field for his prolific work.

He edited gospel song books and contributed numerous hymns to various publications.  He is credited with writing between 7,000-8,000 hymns and songs in his life. 

Verse One

“I stand amazed in the presence,

  Of Jesus the Nazarene.

And wonder how He could love me,

  A sinner condemned, unclean.”

 Luke 9:43

“And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.”

Biblerepository.com: In Luke 9:43, we see a beautiful picture of amazement and wonder surrounding the ministry of Jesus Christ. The people witnessing His miracles are struck with awe at the display of God’s might and power . . . What this verse truly offers us is a glimpse into the heart of our faith and the essence of the message Jesus is conveying to His disciples during this moment . . . The crowd’s wonder symbolizes the natural human response to the divine. In our lives, we might encounter moments of amazement as we see God at work . . . We can relate to this universal feeling of awe. There is a sense of simplicity in taking a step back and reflecting on what God has done for us . . . One of the most profound lessons in this verse is how we respond to wonder in our lives. God often reveals His presence most powerfully in our moments of amazement, but those moments should spur us to further our understanding and relationship with Him. We should dive into His Word, seek to know Him more deeply, and challenge ourselves to share our experiences with others.

Verse Two

“For me it was in the garden,

He prayed: ‘Not My will, but Thine.’

He had no tears for His own griefs,

But sweat-drops of blood for mine.”

Luke 22:44

“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse portrays an incredibly poignant moment in Jesus’ life, demonstrating His humanity and the immense emotional and physical toll He was enduring . . . Can you imagine the depth of Jesus’ agony, knowing the sacrifice He was about to make for all of us? This verse serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and His willingness to endure unimaginable suffering out of love for each of us. It invites us to reflect on the depth of His love and the magnitude of His sacrifice, inspiring us to appreciate the profound mercy and grace extended to us through His selfless act on the cross.

Hebrews 5:7

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”

Enduringword.com: The agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane proved He struggled with the difficulty of obedience, yet He obeyed perfectly . . . These prayers were “Most ardent requests, uttered with deep sighs, hands lifted up, and manifold moans, in a most submissive manner.” (Trapp) . . . This answers the question, “How can this glorious, enthroned Jesus know what I am going through down here?” He knows..

Verse Three

“In pity angels beheld Him,

And came from the world of light.

To strengthen Him in the sorrows,

He bore for my soul that night.”

John 12:27

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: The sin of our souls was the troubled of Christ's soul, when He undertook to redeem and save us, and to make His soul an offering for our sin. Christ was willing to suffer, yet prayed to be saved from suffering . . . The soul that was at a distance from Christ, is brought to love Him and trust Him. Jesus was now going to heaven, and He would draw men's hearts to Him thither. There is power in the death of Christ to draw souls to Him.

Verse Four

“He took my sins and my sorrows,

He made them His very own;

He bore the burden to Calv’ry,

And suffered, and died alone.”

“We know the story that Jesus went to the cross bearing our sins, carrying the weight of our sins on His shoulders, becoming sin for us, taking on our curse and doing it all alone . . . This is an amazing thought: that we who are sinners, condemned and unclean, have those sins nailed to the cross with Jesus so that when we place our faith in Him they're washed away. They're taken away from us; they're placed on Him so that we can be free. This is the most wonderful act of love God could have done, taking on our sins Himself so that we could go free. How marvelous! How wonderful!”  Lukepowellministries.com

Verse Five

“When with the ransomed in glory,

His face I at last shall see.

’Twill be my joy through the ages,

To sing of His love for me.”

Mark 10:45

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Enduringword.com: This is one of the great claims Jesus made about Himself and His ministry. He is the one who stands in the place of guilty sinners and offers Himself as a substitute for them . . . The ransom metaphor sums up the purpose for which Jesus gave His life and defines the complete expression of His service.

Studylight.org, Contending for the Faith: Jesus says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). This is the greatest service, and Jesus comes for the purpose of giving it . . . Jesus gives His life in the stead of many. He gives His life in their place. His punishment and death are a substitute for the many . . . The giving of one life rescues many. The glad tidings of salvation through the ransom paid by Christ is for all who believe in and obey Him. It is not restricted to the few--His friends or His enemies--but it must be proclaimed to all.

Refrain

“How marvelous! How wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

How marvelous! How wonderful!

  Is my Savior’s love for me!”

Matthew 21:42

“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'”

Godsbless.ing: Jesus is compared to the cornerstone of a building in this verse. Just like a cornerstone holds a building together, Jesus is the crucial element that holds our faith and salvation together. He is the foundation on which we build our lives, our beliefs, and our relationship with God . . . Our faith cannot be complete without Jesus, just as a building cannot stand without a cornerstone. He is the key to salvation, the beginning and the end of our faith journey. Embracing Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith ensures that our spiritual foundation is strong and secure . . . The phrase “And it is marvelous in our eyes” reflects the awe and wonder that accompany the recognition of God’s miraculous deeds. It invites us to marvel at the divine wisdom that transforms rejection into exaltation.

This hymn says that one day I'm going to actually see Jesus face to face up there in glory, and then it's going to be the greatest joy to sing His praise and to thank Him for His love. “How marvelous! How wonderful!”

  

I am indebted to the following resources:

Umcdiscipleship.org

Lukepowellministries.com

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

Hymnal.net

By His Grace . . . 

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

Little is known of Eliza Hewitt, author of this hymn, who was born in 1851 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She often wrote under the name of Lidie H. Edmunds, her pseudonym. Hewitt completed her school education at the Girls’ Normal School in Philadelphia where she graduated as a valedictorian of her class. She later started teaching at the Northern Home for Friendless Children.

While teaching, one of her students struck her with a heavy slate, and she suffered a severe spinal injury which forced her to retire from teaching and made her an invalid for the rest of her life.

Her suffering deepened her spiritual life, and she often wrote from a place of personal experience and reflection. She turned to writing poetry and hymns, finding in this creative outlet a way to continue her service to God despite her physical limitations.

However, writing did not fill all her desires for usefulness in the Master’s service, and it was her privilege to be engaged in primary Sunday School work, and to take an active part in the Philadelphia Elementary Union.

She was a close friend of Fanny Crosby, prolific hymnist. She often attended the Methodist camp meetings at Ocean Grove, New Jersey. Her cousin, Edgar Page Stites, was also a hymn writer.

She died on April 24, 1920, in Philadelphia. She was buried in Woodlands Cemetery in Philadelphia.[6]

William J. Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), hymn writer for this hymn, was an Irish-born American hymnwriter. His family immigrated to Philadelphia in 1840. William did not accompany his parents on the initial immigration as he was too young, and they wished to be settled before bringing him to America.

William was exposed to and given formal training in music at a very young age. In 1854, he studied music, playing the cello, fife, flute, organ and violin. He joined the Harmonia and the Haydn Sacred Music Societies where he was exposed to many great composers. In 1855, he became involved in the Wharton Street Methodist Episcopal Church serving the choir with his musical talent and teaching Sunday School.

Over the years he published close to 100 major works and many annual works such as anthems for Easter, Christmas, and children’s choirs. Kirkpatrick died on 20 September 1921.

There is a well-known story about Kirkpatrick from a meeting he participated in. He often led the music portion of the meetings and enlisted the help of soloists and other musicians to perform for the attenders. During one of these meetings, he became saddened by his observation of the soloist, who would perform the required songs and then leave without staying to hear the preacher. William feared that this young man did not really know Christ and so he began to pray that God would somehow get a hold of the soloist's heart.

One evening while he was praying, a song began to form in his mind. He quickly jotted down the lyrics and asked the soloist to sing the song that night. The lyrics of the song convicted the young man's heart, and he ended up staying and listening to the message. When the preacher gave the altar call at the end of the night, the soloist got up and went to the front of the tent and accepted Jesus into his heart.

 The lyrics that so touched this young man, and many people since, are: "I've wandered far away from God, Now I'm coming home; The paths of sin too long I've trod, Lord, I'm coming home. Coming home, coming home, Nevermore to roam; Open now Thine arms of love, Lord, I'm coming home." The song, “Lord, I'm Coming Home,” was based on the story of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15.

Verse One

“My faith has found a resting place,

Not in device or creed;

I trust the ever living One,

His wounds for me shall plead.”

Psalm 132:14

“This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it.”

Bibleoutlined.com: “Psalm 132:14 expresses a deep desire for a place of rest. In this verse, God makes a profound declaration about His chosen dwelling. The Hebrew expression implies not just a physical place but a sense of peace and permanence. When God speaks about resting here forever, He is highlighting the significance of His presence among His people. This verse emphasizes our need for a place where we feel secure and at home, a sanctuary filled with God’s comfort . . . He desires a relationship with us. Thus, this desire for resting signifies God’s ongoing commitment toward us, wishing to dwell in our hearts and lives . . . “Furthermore, the idea of God’s presence resting forever serves as a reminder of His faithfulness. His Word reassures us that He remains steadfast. We can rely on His promises because He is ever-present.

Acts 7:49

“’Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me?’ says the Lord. ‘Or where will my resting place be?’”

Scripturesavvy.com: This part of the message invites us to consider where God finds rest. Rather than looking for a house made of stone, God seeks a place in our hearts. It reveals God’s desire for fellowship and communion with us. Through faith, we are invited to create spaces in our hearts where God can dwell, allowing us to be vessels of love that reflect His character.

Verse Two

“Enough for me that Jesus saves,

This ends my fear and doubt;

A sinful soul I come to Him,

He'll never cast me out.”

John 10:9

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture.”

Versebyversecommentary.com: I am the door. Jesus is the access to eternal life. He is the sole means to enter the safety of the sheepfold . . . Everyone begins on the outside of the fold. Each one must enter through Jesus. Those who make the decision that Jesus is the way to eternal life immediately enter an eternal fellowship with other believers and with God . . . Those who believe in Christ will ensure that their souls are safe and secure. Jesus is the protector of the sheep. He saves from both sin and damnation; people will be saved from the means and the end. This is the condition of the result of being saved.”

2 Timothy 1:9

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”

Godsbless.ing: Understanding the significance of God’s grace in salvation in this verse also highlights the sovereignty of God in the salvation of His people. It reminds us that salvation is entirely a gift from God, given out of His love and mercy towards us. This truth humbles us, showing us that we cannot earn or achieve salvation on our own, but it is solely by God’s grace and His calling that we are saved. God’s grace in our lives ultimately points to the eternal impact. It assures believers that their salvation is secure and founded on God’s unchanging love and grace. This understanding can bring great comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that their salvation rests not on their own efforts, but on the unshakeable grace of God.

Verse Three

“My heart is leaning on the Word,

The living Word of God;

Salvation by my Savior's Name,

Salvation through His blood.”

1 Peter 1:23

“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”

Wordexplain.com: God’s greatest revelation of Himself has been through His Son, Jesus the Messiah.  Jesus is the Living Word of God . . . Jesus Christ is fully and completely God, with all the rights and privileges thereof.  He is the Living Word of God because, being physically alive and visible to us humans in His humanity, He is also the express image of God.  He is God’s Living Message to us!  He is God come in human flesh!

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: The Word of our God shall stand for ever . . . because He lives and abides . . . Christ is the Word which lives . . . He has life in Himself as God, as man, and as Mediator; and is the Author of life . . . all its promises, blessings, doctrines, and ordinances, are lasting; it will continue in the world until all the elect of God are gathered in, until the second coming of Christ, and to the end of the world . . . and will abide in the hearts of the saints, to all eternity.

Verse Four

“My great Physician heals the sick,

The lost He came to save;

For me His precious blood He shed,

For me His life He gave.”

 John 10:15

“Just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

Godsbless.ing: His willingness to sacrifice Himself for the sake of His followers demonstrates the depth of His love and commitment. Jesus exemplifies the ultimate act of selflessness and compassion by giving up His own life, showing that His love knows no bounds . . . By stating, “I lay down my life for the sheep,” Jesus demonstrates the ultimate sacrifice He is willing to make for His followers, showcasing His selfless love and unwavering commitment to humanity. This sacrificial love echoes throughout the Bible, resonating with passages like Psalm 23:1-4, which portrays the Lord as a Shepherd who provides, guides, and protects His people.

Refrain

“I need no other argument,

I need no other plea;

It is enough that Jesus died,

And that He died for me.”

Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Biblerepository.com: In Romans 5:8 we find a powerful message about God’s love for us. This love is not just a feeling; it is an action. God demonstrated His love in a specific way, by making a great sacrifice—He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. This scripture highlights a fundamental truth in Christianity that emphasizes grace—God’s unmerited favor towards us. We did not earn God’s love; instead, while we were still sinners, God chose to love us. This verse assures us that God’s love is abundant and unconditional, transcending any mistakes or failures we may have made in our lives . . . This verse can be seen as a benchmark for our faith. It reminds us that Jesus’ sacrifice was intentional. He came and willingly gave up His life for us . . . It’s powerful to consider that Jesus willingly took upon Himself the sins of the world. His death was not a mere act of kindness; it was the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. This is central to our faith and provides a model of sacrificial love we must replicate in our own lives. Just as Christ laid down His life for others, we are called to serve and love those around us selflessly.

“It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.” 

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

En.wikipedia.org

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

Gusdasafamilyjournal.blogspot.com

Hymnoftheday.com

Baptist.net

Thescottspot.wordpress.com

Barryshymns.blogspot.com

By His Grace . . . 

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Charles Wesley and his brother, John, are well-known names. Charles wrote hymns and John preached. We’ve read their story in the hymn studies of “And Can It Be” in May 2024 and “O For a Thousand Tongues” in September 2025, which can be found down the right side of this blog.

Charles Wesley (1707-1788) was a prolific hymn writer of the 18th century. Coming from a musical family, he left a lasting legacy of congregational song. The youngest of 18 children, Charles possessed prodigious talents that soon blossomed. Little did he know that “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” would rise to become one of the most popular and consistently vocalized Christian songs.

Both John and Charles were instrumental in changing the spiritual environment of Britain during the 18th century. In doing so, they formed the bedrock of what Methodism has become worldwide. Their unwavering devotion to expressing Christian spirituality through hymns has impacted individuals across all denominational lines.

Scholars suggest that Charles was able to compose about 10 lines of verse daily for 50 years. Charles’ brother John sometimes served as editor to his hymns. John’s typical response was, “some were good, some were mediocre, and some were exceptional.” John can also be credited with improving the singability of Charles’ hymns.

 It has been estimated that Charles Wesley wrote some six thousand hymns over the course of his lifetime. How could such a great number of hymns come from the pen of a parson who spent so little time in his study?

First, Wesley was naturally gifted—in intellect as well as personal discipline. The poetry that welled up in his heart allowed him to express his faith through hymn-writing. Secondly, Wesley organized himself for the task. He developed his own technique and special type of shorthand. This allowed him to jot down ideas that came to him as he rode. Then, “As soon as he reached an inn, he would rush in and ask for a pen and ink to write down the hymn he had composed.” This was his customary method to “transform his rough notes into finished verse.”

“’A substantial number of his writings were completed while riding on horseback.’ The whole ordeal sounds easier than it was. In fact, a horse once threw him which interrupted that part of his work. Wesley later recounted, ‘My companion thought I had broken my neck; but my leg only was bruised, my hand sprained, and my head stunned, which spoiled my making hymns till the next day.’ This vignette demonstrates Wesley’s commitment to Christ and the Gospel. ‘His writings were passionate and well-crafted, conveying the true essence of Christian teaching” even “across denominational lines.’ Beggs capsules His essence: ‘What really set[s] Charles apart from other hymn writers was his effective use of scriptural allusions’ which ‘provided a spiritual roadmap whereby individuals could imagine a Christ-centered life.’” Mark Beggs, Stageandstory.org

The hymn first appeared in Wesley’s “Hymns for Those That Seek, and Those That Have Redemption in the Blood of Jesus Christ” published in 1747.

Due to the closely matching lyrics, many scholars believe it was inspired by John Dryden’s “Fairest Isle” sung in Act 5 of his opera “Venus.” The lyrics are so closely matching, that it is believed he may have been inspired by the lyrics to apply a Christian message to them.

While the hymn is one of Wesley’s best known, it is also considered a prayer. In the prayer of the hymn we are asking Jesus to enter our hearts, set our hearts free from sin, and make us a new creation in him

Read the hymn slowly and meditate on the words while letting it sink deep into the soul. Take time. Get alone. And grasp the thought that this hymn was first a poem that sprang from the heart of one loved and worshiped our Lord Christ.

Verse One

“Love divine, all loves excelling,

Joy of Heav'n to Earth come down,

Fix in us thy humble dwelling,

All thy faithful mercies crown;

Jesus, thou art all compassion,

Pure, unbounded love thou art;

Visit us with thy salvation,

Enter ev'ry trembling heart.”

Psalm 96:9

“Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: The word "tremble" is that solemn awe produced by the sense of the Divine presence and majesty which causes trembling. It denotes profound reverence for God.”

Studylight.org, Calvin’s Commentary on the Bible: Tremble before His face, intimating that we should prostrate ourselves as suppliants before Him when we consider His awful majesty. Not that He would deter worshippers from drawing near to God. They should esteem it their greatest pleasure and enjoyment to seek His face. But He would have us humbled to the right and serious worship of God.

“Fear of God is the blush upon the face of holiness enhancing its beauty.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Verse Two

“Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit,

Into ev'ry troubled breast;

Let us all in Thee inherit,

Let us find Thy promised rest;

Take away our love of sinning;

Alpha and Omega be;

End of faith as its beginning,

Set our hearts at liberty.”

Joshua 22:4

“Now that the Lord your God has given them rest as He promised, return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan.” 

Verse Three

“Come, Almighty to deliver;

Let us all thy grace receive;

Suddenly return, and never,

Never more thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing,

Serve Thee as Thy host above,

Pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,

Glory in Thy perfect love.”

Romans 7:25

“Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.”

Biblerepository.com: The term “thank God” is not merely an enthusiastic expression; it’s a deep and genuine gratitude that gives hope. Paul realizes that while he may fall short in his actions, Jesus covers that gap. Our relationship with Christ is crucial in addressing sin. As we mold our minds to align with God’s principles, we also engage in a lifelong journey of transformation.

Enduringword.com: Paul looks outside of himself and unto Jesus. As soon as he looks to Jesus, he has something to thank God for – and he thanks God through Jesus Christ our Lord . . . Through means that Paul sees Jesus standing between himself and God, bridging the gap and providing the way to God. Lord means Paul has put Jesus in the right place – as Lord and master of his life.

Verse Four

“Finish, then, Thy new creation;

Pure and spotless let us be;

Let us see Thy great salvation,

Perfectly restored in Thee;

Changed from glory into glory,

Till in Heav'n we take our place,

Till we cast our crowns before Thee,

Lost in wonder, love, and praise!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Scripturesavvy.com: This verse brings us profound hope, by explaining that when we accept Christ into our lives, we become a new creation. We are not merely reforming ourselves or updating old habits; we are experiencing a complete overhaul of our very being. The expression “new creation” tells us that God’s work in us is not superficial; instead, it is a total renewal of our hearts and minds.

Clarke’s Commentary: It is vain for a man to profess affinity to Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in his heart and life, and dead in trespasses and sins; for he that is in Christ, that is, a genuine Christian, having Christ dwelling in his heart by faith, is a new creature.

We are fortunate to be the recipients of the poetic genius of Charles Wesley. He influenced Methodism more than any other hymn writer. Upon hearing of Charles’ death, an elderly Londoner asked, “Who will write poetry for us now?” What better way to be thought of, than by your poetic and spiritual impact on congregational song?

 By His Grace . . .

I am indebted to the following resources:

StageandStory.org

Umcdiscipleship.org

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

"O Little Town of Bethlehem"

 

This story from “Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition” by Robert J. Morgan. Scripture and commentary for each verse provided by Carol.

“At nearly six feet six, weighing three hundred pounds, Phillips Brooks cast a long shadow. He was a native Bostonian, the ninth generation of distinguished Puritan stock,, who entered the Episcopalian ministry and pastored with great Power in Philadelphia and in Boston. His sermons were topical rather than expositional, and he’s been criticized for thinness of doctrine. Nonetheless, he’s considered one of America’s greatest preachers. His delivery came in lightening bursts; he felt he had more to say than time in which to say it.

“While at Philadelphia’s Holy Trinity Church, Phillips, thirty, visited the Holy Land. On December 24, 1865, traveling by horseback from Jerusalem, he attended a five-hour Christmas Eve service at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. He was deeply moved.

“'I remembered standing in the old church in Bethlehem,’ he later said, ‘close to the spot where Jesus was born, when the whole church was ringing hour after hour with splendid hymns of praise to God, how again and again it seemed as if I could hear voices I knew well, telling each other of the Wonderful Night of the Savior’s birth.’

“Three years later, as he prepared for the Christmas season of 1867, he wanted to compose an original Christmas hymn for the children to sing during their annual program. Recalling his magical night in Bethlehem, he wrote a little hymn of five stanzas and handed the words to his organist, Lewis Redner, saying, ‘Lewis, why not write a new tune for my poem. If it is a good tune, I will name it ‘St. Lewis’ after you.’

“Brooks was so pleased with the tune that he did indeed name it for his organist, changing the spelling to St. Louis, so as not  to embarrass him.”

Verse One

“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.”

Isaiah 60:19

“No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory."

Godsbless.ing: This verse is a comforting reminder of the eternal presence of God’s light in our lives. It conveys the idea that no matter how dark our paths may seem, God’s light will always shine upon us, guiding and illuminating our way. The image of God as an everlasting light signifies His eternal presence, love, and protection, providing us with hope and reassurance in times of darkness and despair . . . “But the Lord will be your everlasting light” highlights the eternal and unchanging nature of God’s presence and guidance. Unlike the sun and moon, which have their cycles, God’s light is constant and enduring. “And your God will be your glory” indicates that God’s presence not only illuminates but also brings honor and splendor to His people.

Verse Two

“For Christ is born of Mary; and, gathered all above,

While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond'ring love.

O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth,

And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.”

Job 38:7

“As the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy.”

Enduringword.com:  This tells us that angelic beings (here called morning stars and sons of God) did in fact witness the creation of the earth; and they rejoiced at the glory, power, and wisdom of God in the creation.

Godsbless.ing: The mention of angels rejoicing at creation serves as a beautiful image of the wonder and joy that permeate the universe when God brings something new into existence. It paints a picture of celestial beings celebrating the work of God, showcasing a harmonious relationship between the divine and the heavenly hosts. This verse invites us to consider the wonder and beauty of the world around us, prompting us to join in the chorus of praise and gratitude for the marvelous works of God. Let us reflect on this verse to remind us of the majesty of our Creator and the awe-inspiring nature of His creations.

Verse Three

“How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is giv'n!

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav'n.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.”

Matthew 5:5 

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse speaks to the concept of meekness. Being meek in biblical terms does not mean being weak or passive, but rather, having strength under control. It involves humility, gentleness, and a willingness to submit to God’s will. The promise of inheriting the earth reflects the idea that those who are humble and obedient will ultimately receive God’s blessings and rewards. This teaching emphasizes the importance of recognizing our dependence on God and trusting in His plan for our lives.

John 3:34

“For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.”

Enduringword.com: John spoke both of Jesus (who had the Holy Spirit without measure) and prophetically of the New Covenant (which featured a true outpouring of the Holy Spirit). For those joined to the Messiah through the New Covenant, there is as much of the Spirit as needed, given without measure.

Verse Four

“O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!”

1 Peter 1:23

“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.”

Studylight.org, Contending for the Faith: This phrase is from one Greek word, anagennao, meaning "to produce again, so that he lives a new life and one conformed to the will of God" (Thayer 36-1-313)

Biblerepository.com: This verse indicates the transformation that can occur within us through God’s Word. When we think about being “born again,” we must understand that this transformation is not merely a physical change; it’s a spiritual revival that opens the door to eternal life through our faith. It signifies a cleansing from past sins and a turning toward a life filled with purpose and divine connection.

By His Grace . . .