The Songs Of Christmas - Angels We Have Heard On High

The Christmas season is one that brings the full range of human experience. For many, it is filled with all the very best things in life – family, food, gifts and more. Yet for others, it is a season when financial stress, strained relationships, absence or disappointment can be intensified. However, when the angel first announced the news of Jesus' birth to the shepherds on that starry night in Bethlehem, the message was stunningly uncomplicated: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2.10, NIV) “Great joy for all the people” was no small claim on that first Christmas night, just as it is no small claim today. It was a promise given to people who faced real challenges that were very similar to the ones people face today. Jesus was the promise of joy that had long been prophesied and awaited. Rejoice, O people of Zion!Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!Look, your king is coming to you.He is righteous and victorious,yet He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey's colt.Zechariah 9.9 (NLT) Today, the joyous Christmas message of Jesus, extended equally to all, is more relevant than ever. In a world where both joy and equality can be in short supply, Christmas proclaims the existence of a Saviour – the hope of all humankind – who freely offers salvation and eternal life to all that believe in Him. How can our response to this great news be anything but likewise joy-filled? Let us, this day, take our gaze off the things of this earth and place it on to the source of our joy. Let us allow this message of joy for all of humankind to simplify the Christmas season for us. And let us allow our spirits to be compelled to lift up a sacrifice of praise to God – our own gift of gratitude extended heavenwards, in celebration of the Greatest Gift of all time. So lift up your voice and sing out His praiseIt's ChristmasBorn is the King, rejoice in the dayIt's Christmas Make a joyful soundIt's ChristmasLet His praise resoundIt's Christmas Goodwill to all the earthAnd peace divineAll of the earth rejoiceIt's Christmas timeIt's Christmas time Inspired by the song Born Is The King by Hillsong Worship. Original post featured on YouVersion.

Have you ever heard of a child excited when mom or dad told them what to do? Likely not. From our youth, the common response to being given some sort of responsibility is a negative one. We might whine, ask if we really have to or pout while carrying out the orders. The funny thing is that we don't change much as adults. We mutter when our boss gives us extra work. We complain about responsibilities on the home front. When a burden is placed on our shoulders, it's understandably difficult to view it as some kind of blessing. To accomplish the will of God, we're often saddled in much the same way. We are given something to do that is often difficult, called to bear a specific load for the sake of God's kingdom. That is where the beautiful response of Mary, the mother of Jesus, serves as a powerful example for us today. In the Christmas story, Mary is given a task that surpasses any burden we could possibly carry. In fact, the very idea of carrying a child of God was impossible to comprehend. Not only was she a virgin, but she was a poor, peasant virgin at that. What would people say when she answered that the father of her baby was God? She'd be labeled insane or perhaps far worse. The angel explained to Mary that she would bear the son of God and reminded her that “no word from God will ever fail.” Mary's immediate response have become some of the most revered words in the scriptures. Not only did Mary accept the tremendous, preposterous calling placed upon her, but she went on to delight in the responsibility! In what has become known as the Magnificat or Mary's Song, the mother of Jesus praises God for the opportunity given to her. May we be humbled this Christmas season at the incredible humility and joy of Mary's response. The calling of God is indeed a gift and we see a meaningful example of that in the story of Mary. Inspired by the song Breathe Of Heaven (Mary's Song) by Amy Grant. Original post featured on YouVersion.

Over the centuries, countless books and sermons have been written detailing various aspects of the Christmas story. The birth of Jesus brings meaning in so many ways, but one important understanding of the events can be found in the words of the angels to the shepherds on that glorious night. Glory to God. Peace on earth. These are the outcomes of the birth of Jesus. God receives praise and glory from those on heaven and earth for providing such an amazing gift. Creation receives the peace of God as Jesus, the very Prince of Peace, has now come to earth. These two outcomes point us to the very names for Jesus given by Isaiah in one of the most noted prophecies of the coming Savior.The very names of Jesus speak of both of these. They give praise to God and peace to men. The very presence and existence of Jesus as a human showcase a mighty God. Yet it also provides for us a wonderful counselor. Praise to God. Peace for men. To truly appreciate the Christmas season is to realize the meaning it provides in two directions: the glory and praise due to God for such an extravagant act of love and the rest and comfort we have through the gift of Jesus. May we reflect on both of these this holiday season and praise God from a place of true peace. Inspired by the song Hark The Herald Angels Sing by Jeremy Camp. Original post featured on YouVersion.

Sometimes, holidays can be really difficult. For some, the holidays are a painful reminders of loss. For some, schedules get really overwhelming. And some have really high expectations that Christmas will be the MOST wondrous day of the entire year. Sometimes, it feels like it would be really easy to become cynical and jaded about Christmas. But I know that even in our hectic culture and in every circumstance, we can still experience excitement that Christmas is just around the corner. Written around 1950, the song “Silver Bells” gives us a great opportunity to lean into the excitement of Christmas. The lyrics paint bright and joyful imagery that I love. “Children laughing. People passing, meeting smile after smile.” Jay Livingston, one of the co-writers of this song, was inspired by the bells rung by the Salvation Army volunteers “on every street corner” during the Christmas season. Those bells remind us to be generous. To be others-oriented. To count our blessings, whisper a prayer of gratitude, and share. Even though there isn't scripture cited in this song, it does capture that special feeling that I love around Christmas time. And it does remind me of a special scripture when I think about the lyrics. The "Silver Bells" in this song remind me of some other very special bells. In the 28th chapter of Exodus, we see God Himself giving detailed instructions about the design of the garments Aaron, the High Priest, was to wear when he went into God's presence in the Holy of Holies. The Lord directed that the hem of Aaron's robe have small bells sewn onto it, all the way around. Those bells would sound with every movement of the High Priest as he ministered in the presence of the Lord on behalf of the people. What a comforting sound that must have been for those standing anxiously in the outer courts of the Tabernacle. The sound of those bells sent a clear and reassuring message: “Your High Priest—your representative—is in the Father's presence ministering on your behalf. Because of the work he is doing there, you can experience forgiveness, wholeness and blessing. Everything is going to be all right.” Of course, that High Priest was a foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest who would one day come, not only to administer the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world but to also be that sacrifice. This year, let's let the bells of Christmas remind us that our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, lives in the presence of the Father. Hear those silver bells, smile, and know that everything is going to be all right. Jesus is our most special gift this season. And, in every circumstance, that is something we can all celebrate this Christmas! Based on the song Where I Find You by Kari Jobe. Original post by Kari Jobe featured on YouVersion. Hear Kari Jobe's "Where I Find You (Christmas Edition)" here.

It's ironic that December is always the busiest month of the year. There are gifts to be bought, trees to be trimmed, parties to be hosted and tables to be set. It seems there's never enough time to get it all done. What should be a joyful season of celebration becomes a stressful season full of unrealistic expectations and commercialism. Instead of making time for reflection, we fill our December with a string of to-do items and holiday functions, rarely even taking time to rest. Isn't that just like Satan? Robbing us of every spare minute we might have to realize the true meaning of Christmas? Yet, every year Christmas remains a call to stop, reflect, rest and stand in awe of the One it's all for. The world can get really still beneath the glow of tiny twinkling lights. And if we take the time to listen, we can hear His still, small voice telling us what it's all about. In the shadow of a steeple In a star that lights the way You will find Him in a manger The heart of Christmas has a name. He tells us to give. To laugh. To love. To remember. He calls us to marvel at the wonder that's wrapped up in a tiny newborn lying in a manger. Son of God, Son of Man. The greatest of gifts in human flesh. For you, for me, for all the world. Let's make it feel the way it used to Let's find that wonder of a child You can see the magic all around you Come on, and open up your eyes. Year after year, His message is the same: Come. Rest. Live. Love. Like a child. This Christmas, be still. Rest in His promises. Ready yourself for the New Year. Keep the ones you love close, and cherish every moment. Allow yourself to bask in the wonder of the season and experience it all through the eyes of His child. “And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'” (Matthew 18:2-4, ESV) Based on the song The Heart of Christmas by Matthew West. Original post by The Overflow featured on YouVersion.

Think of a story you were excited to tell someone recently. What was it about that story? Most of the time, we were moved in some way by an event or conversation and we just had to share with someone else. Think of the stories that have endured through the ages. They're the ones told from one generation to the next because they resonate with us in such deep, meaningful ways. They inspire us. They give us hope and strength. We see ourselves in them because they move us. From His birth to His death, the story of Jesus was one that compelled those around Him to retell their experiences with Him. The gospel story is often referred to as the “good news” but as Christians, we know that it is actually the best news. It is a story that moved those closest to it and continues to resonate with us today. The birth of Jesus is the beginning of the greatest story ever told. The song speaks with a sweet simplicity in the third stanza: “Down in a lowly manger The humble Christ was born And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn.” The wise men came to hear it and spread the word to foreign lands. The shepherds were so moved by what they witnessed that they ran and told everyone who would listen. The Gospel of Luke reads, “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:17-18) We can tell how much we are impacted by the Christmas story by how much we share the story. After all, we continue to share stories that have truly moved us day after day. Perhaps this season is about realizing once again the incredible story of the birth of Jesus in a fresh way – one that moves us to share with the same wonder and energy who were on the scene in those early days. It is this same Jesus who left His followers with the words, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) We are called to share the greatest story of all. This Christmas season, may you find yourself moved once more by the ultimate gift of love and share the joy with others. Inspired by the song Go Tell It On The Mountain by David Crowder Band. Original post featured on YouVersion.

To most people, the Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year. With all the twinkling lights strung up around town, all the evergreen trees dressed to the nines with tinsel and ornaments, cookies for days, and packages wrapped in pretty paper tied up with ribbons and bows! For many, their favorite part of the Christmas season is the music! There is something about hearing Bing Crosby or Amy Grant sing a timeless carol that just warms the heart! “It's the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you, “Be of good cheer!” It's the most wonderful time of the year. It's the hap-happiest season of all. There'll be much mistletoe-ing and hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near. It's the most wonderful time of the year!” However, For us, this song goes a layer deeper. I often find myself daydreaming about what it was like during the few weeks before Christ's Birth. What was it like back then? What were people thinking when they heard about the birth of a baby boy who had come to save the world? Were there preparations and celebrations? How did the people react when they heard the joyous news? This Christmas season, we want to invite you to REST. Whether that be once a day, finding a quiet corner to read about the expectant birth of our Savior (Matthew 1:18-25) (Luke 2:1-20), praying for those who don't yet know the real reason for the season, or simply taking time to truly see how this is the most wonderful time of the year! Inspired by the song It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year by City Harbor. Original post featured on YouVersion.

He was a carpenter. She was an ordinary girl. Confused and weary, they journeyed to Bethlehem. Silent night, holy night He was an inn keeper doing his job. There was no room, only a dirty stable. All is calm, all is bright Mary gave birth that night to a baby boy. Joseph held her hand. They wrapped him in cloth and placed him in a manger. Round yon virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Shepherds watched over their flocks by night. Angels appeared to them, secrets untold. Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Three wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Son of God, love's pure light It's a story we know all too well. And, frankly, if we had written it, it would have had a much different preface. Everyone was looking for a king, and they found a baby. He wasn't at all who they expected. The Savior of the world, born in a manger, in a stable in Bethlehem? Turned away from the inn and attended by lowly shepherds? Unexpected, indeed. But that's the beauty of the Gospel. God rescued all of mankind on His own terms, in His own time. He continues His reconciliation on earth in much the same way. Subtly, surprisingly, on His own terms, in His own time. The prophet Isaiah reminds us God doesn't operate like we do. Isaiah 55:9 says, “'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts'” (NLT). Two thousand years ago He came without much fanfare. And He still comes today in the still, silent night. Slowly. Quietly. Sometimes the best gifts come in the most unexpected ways. God desires to give His children good gifts. His ways are higher, His plans infinitely better. When life gets confusing, remember that the greatest story of all time began in a manger. Actually, that's where our story began, too. God gave us His greatest gift that first Christmas. With one baby's cry, the ordinary became extraordinary. History changed forever. A silent night, quite simply, became a holy night. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16, KJV) Inspired by the song Silent Night by Sanctus Real. Original post featured on YouVersion.

It seems the minute Halloween is over and kids are either bouncing off walls or groaning from sugar-induced stomachaches, retail stores rush into overhaul mode. Out goes decorative pumpkins, fall paper foliage, and other autumn-colored accents. In comes a blinding array of red and green product. Holiday music blares through speakers. Aisle shelves are suffocated by wrapping paper, decorations and batteries, flanked by brazen signs promising to beat competitors' prices. To some, it can be groan worthy. Seeing Christmas décor plastered all over stores brings with it a sense of doom. It's easy to envision long lines at the check out counter, unbearable traffic, the hassle of battling crowds for the perfect gift, and rising credit card bills. And it's just as easy to brush past the magic. The wonder. The joy. The miracle. The celebration. Let's not forgetIn the middle of the crazinessRemember thisJesus is the reasonFor this time of the year Every year we are warned against the sins of commercialism. We are told to stop focusing on presents, decorating, and spending money. Point taken. But it can be tempting to get distracted by the warnings ad nauseam and miss out on the joys of celebrating. Heaven and earth proclaimCome on, let's celebrateIt's Christmas Think about this. Jesus wasn't born in the best of circumstances. The political rule was like a dictatorship. Most people were struggling to get by financially. The folks who were waiting for Jesus expected nothing less than a Rambo-like warrior. So Jesus shows up in the midst of shaky times, deflating some expectations, and with barnyard animals and the stench of manure accompanying his teenage mom in labor. Not the best kind of set up for a promised Messiah. But wait. It's time to celebrate! Heaven rejoiced. Angels whooped and hollered, shouting out praises. The angel of the Lord appeared to unassuming shepherds and said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10 NLT). Good news and great joy! Then a host of other angels came on the scene and joined the festivities shouting, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth” (Luke 2:14 NLT). It was a time of worship. Praise. Thanksgiving. Celebration. So instead of feeling condemned, annoyed, or frustrated by overzealous retailers, mad shoppers, or Bah Humbug-ers, celebrate! Celebrate Christmas with a spirit of adoration and joy. Celebrate by stringing up twinkling lights on your front door. Celebrate by humming the tunes of Nat King Cole and “Silent Night.” Celebrate by giving to those in need. If you need to, dial back your trips to the mall and spending habits. And, of course, keep your perspective in check. But don't let the grumblings of commercialism keep you from celebrating the One who came to give you the greatest gift—eternal life. Inspired by the song It's Christmas by Mandisa. Original post featured on YouVersion.