"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 . . . 

"Joy to the World!"

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

Until Isaac Watts came along, most of the singing in British churches was from the Psalms of David. The church—especially the Church of Scotland—had labored over the Psalms with great effort and scholarship, translating them into poems with rhyme and rhythm suitable for singing.

As a young man in Southampton, Isaac had become dissatisfied with the quality of singing, and he keenly felt the limitations of being able to only sing these psalms. So he “invented” the English hymn.

He did not, however, neglect the Psalms. In 1719, he published a unique hymnal—one in which he had translated, interpreted, and paraphrased the Old Testament Psalms through the eyes of New Testament faith. He called it simply, “The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament.” Taking various psalms, he studies them from the perspective of Jesus and the New Testament, and then formed them into verses for singing.

“I have rather expressed myself as I may suppose David would have done if he lived in the days of Christianity,” Watts explained, “and by this means, perhaps, I have sometimes hit upon the true intent of the Spirit of God in those verses farther and clearer than David himself could ever discover.”

Watts’s interpretation of Psalm 98, which says, "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth" (verse 4). As he read Psalm 98, Isaac pondered the real reason for shouting joyfully to the Lord—The Messiah has come to redeem us. The result has been a timeless carol that has brightened our Christmases for nearly three years.”

Verse One

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come,

Let earth receive her King.

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.”

Luke 1:68

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”

Godsbless.ing: Isn’t it truly awe-inspiring to see Zechariah’s gratitude and praise for God sending a Savior to redeem His people? We witness the profound significance of God’s ultimate act of love and mercy towards humanity in this verse. Through the Savior, God displays His unwavering commitment to His people, offering them a path to redemption and salvation. God’s grace and the fulfillment of His promise to rescue and restore His people remind us of the profound impact as we reflect on this verse. It serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and His profound love for all of us. Zechariah’s praise encapsulates a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for the Savior who brings hope and salvation to a world in need. Let us ponder the profound message of redemption and salvation conveyed in this verse as we appreciate the magnitude of God’s love.

Verse Two

“Joy to the world, the Savior reigns,

Let men their songs employ.

While fields and floods, Rocks, hills and plains,

Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.”

Exodus 15:18

“The Lord reigns for ever and ever.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: This song is the most ancient we know of. It is a holy song, to the honor of God, to exalt his name, and celebrate his praise, and his only, not in the least to magnify any man. Holiness to the Lord is in every part of it. It may be considered as typical, and prophetical of the final destruction of the enemies of the church. Happy the people whose God is the Lord.

Verse Three

“No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground.

He comes to make his blessings flow,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found.”

Hebrew 10:17

“Then he adds: 'Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.'”

Biblerepository.com. This passage is a powerful statement about God’s forgiveness. It assures us that when we confess our sins and turn to Him, He chooses to forget our wrongdoings completely. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made regularly to atone for sins. However, these sacrifices were only temporary measures. With the coming of Christ, this verse highlights the shift from the old covenant to a new one. Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross was sufficient, and now, when we accept Him, our sins are fully forgiven. This is a significant truth; it brings us freedom from guilt and shame.

Verse Four

“He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove,

The glories of his righteousness,

And wonders of his love,

And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love.”

2 Chronicles 20:6

“And said: ‘Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.’”

Enduringword.com: Jehoshaphat began his great prayer by recognizing the power of Yahweh over heaven and all kingdoms of the nations. Other peoples believed in localized deities – as if the Moabites had their god, the Philistines their god, the Ammonites their god, and so on. Jehoshaphat recognized that the God of Israel was in fact the God of all kingdoms, of all nations, of all the earth and indeed of heaven itself.

Godsbless.ing: The phrase “rule over all the kingdoms of the nations” highlights God’s omnipotence. It’s an assertion that no earthly power, no matter how intimidating, stands outside God’s control. This universal dominion reassures believers that God’s authority is absolute and unchallenged . . . It’s not just that God rules; He has the power to change situations, to protect, and to deliver. This is a comforting truth, especially in times of personal or communal crisis.

By His Grace . . .