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 . . .

"O Come, All Ye Faithful"

 

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

“John Francis Wade, author of this hymn, was hounded out of England in 1745. He was a Roman Catholic layman in Lancashire; but because of persecution arising from the Jacobite rebellion, streams of Catholics fled to France and Portugal, where communities of English-speaking Catholics appeared.

“But how could he, a refugee, support himself? In those days, the printing of musical scores was cumbersome, and copying them by hand was an art. In the famous Roman Catholic College and Ministry Center in Douay, France, Wade taught music and became renowned as a copyist of musical scores. His work was exquisite.

“In 1743, Wade, thirty-two, produced a copy of a Latin Christmas carol beginning with the phrase 'Adeste Fidelis, Laeti triumphantes.' At one time historians believed he had simply discovered an ancient hymn by an unknown author, but most scholars now believe Wade himself composed the lyrics. Seven original hand-copied manuscripts of this Latin hymn have been found, all of them bearing Wade’s signature.

“As timed passed, English Catholics began returning to Britain, and they carried Wade’s Christmas carol with them. One day an Anglican minister named Rev. Frederick Oakeley, who preached at Margaret Street Chapel in London, came across Wade’s Latin Christmas carol. Being deeply moved, he translated it into English for Margaret Street Chapel. The first line of Oakeley’s translation said, ‘Ye Faithful, Approach Ye.’

“Later, Oakeley came up with a simpler, more vigorous, ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant!’’’

Verse One

“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!

Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!”

Psalm 30:4

“Sing the praises of the Lord, you His faithful people; praise His holy name.”

Enduringword.com: Remembering the great works of God did not only cause David to praise, but also caused him to compel others to praise Him. It was fitting, because they also were saints of His, His special people . . .  “He felt that he could not praise God enough himself, and therefore he would enlist the hearts of others.” (Spurgeon)

Psalm 149:5

“Let His faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.”

Godsbless.ing: The act of praising and acknowledging God’s holiness can serve as a beacon of tranquility and perspective. Gratitude and worship possess the transformative power to reshape our outlook, redirecting our focus from the mundane and negative towards the divine and positive.

Verse Two

“God of God, Light of Light,

lo, He abhors not the virgin's womb;

Very God, begotten not created.”

2 Corinthians 4:6

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: As light was the beginning of the first creation; so, in the new creation, the light of the Spirit is His first work upon the soul. 

Godsbless.ing: The light of the gospel can serve as a guiding beacon, leading you towards a fulfilling and meaningful existence. It has the power to penetrate even the most hardened hearts, softening them with its message of grace and redemption. Allowing the light of the gospel to shine in your heart may lead you to experience a profound sense of peace, joy, and purpose that transcends earthly concerns. Embrace the light of the gospel, let it brighten your inner world, and watch as it transforms you from the inside out.

Psalm 36:9

“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.”

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: God is light itself, the Father of lights, and the former of it in every sense; in the light of His countenance, and the discoveries of His love, they that trust in Him see light, or enjoy comfort; and in the light of His Son, Jesus Christ, the sun of righteousness and light of the world, they see the face of God, and enjoy His favor, and behold the glory and excellency of Christ Himself.

 Verse Three

“Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;

Sing, all ye citizens of heav'n above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest!”

Psalm 103:20

“Praise the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Poole’s Commentary: Angels, which, though glorious creatures, are but His ministers and messengers, as the word signifies. And inviting the angels to bless God, He quickens men to the same duty, as having more dependence upon God, and, obligation to Him.

Enduringword.com: David began the psalm by telling his own soul to bless the Lord, but he knew the praise and honor to God should go beyond what he could give. It should extend all the way to the angels, and David boldly told them to also bless the Lord, who excel in strength, who do His word: The angels are strong and obedient, but even they should bless the Lord, giving Him praise and honor.

Philippians 3:20

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Contending for the Faith: Christians belong to a heavenly commonwealth whose government is in heaven. As citizens of the heavenly kingdom, their lives are to reflect an adherence to the authority and power manifested in the Divine Word.

Godsbless.ing: This verse from Philippians reminds us as believers that our true citizenship is in heaven, not on this earth. It calls us to remember that our primary identity and allegiance belong to God’s kingdom, which is eternal and perfect. Recognizing our heavenly citizenship encourages us to live our lives with an eternal perspective, focusing on the values and principles of God’s Kingdom rather than those of the world. We eagerly await our Savior from heaven, reminding us of the hope and anticipation we have in Jesus Christ’s return. This hope should motivate us to live faithfully and obediently, knowing that one day we will be united with our Savior for eternity. It prompts us to constantly seek Him, to grow in our relationship with Him, and to share His love and message with others.

Verse Four

“Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;

Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv'n!

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!”

Luke 2:6-7

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

Godsbless.ing: As they searched for a place to stay, they found that the inns were all full. With no other options, they sought refuge in a humble stable. It was in this lowly setting that Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. The surroundings were simple and rustic, with the sounds of animals and the soft glow of a manger illuminating the space where the newborn baby lay. This significant event marked the fulfillment of prophecies and the beginning of a new era for humanity.

Psalm 72:19

“Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.”

Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: This prayer was especially appropriate at the close of a psalm designed to celebrate the glorious reign of the Messiah. Under that reign the earth will be, in fact, filled with the glory of God; the world will be a world of glory. Assuredly all who love God, and who love mankind, all who desire that God may be honored, and that the world may be blessed and happy, will unite in this fervent prayer, and echo the hearty “Amen and amen” of the psalmist.

Refrain

“O come, let us adore Him;

O come, let us adore Him;

O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!”

1 Chronicles 29:11

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.” (New Living Translation)

Godsbless.ing: Oh, what a powerful and awe-inspiring scripture this is! 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 beautifully captures the essence of God’s majesty and omnipotence. As teachers on a journey of faith and understanding, let’s delve into the profound meaning behind these verses. These verses remind us of God’s unrivaled greatness and power as the ultimate Ruler of the universe. It emphasizes that everything in heaven and on earth belongs to Him, showcasing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. It highlights God’s generosity and benevolence towards us, demonstrating His gracious nature and boundless love . . . Let these verses serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering presence and provision in our lives, igniting a sense of reverence and awe for our Creator.

 By His Grace . . .