CHRISTMAS REMEMBERING

The carols of Christmas have been around for ages and no one can improve on them or their message.  They are the time-honored classics that we sing in church and as we go carolling.  We hear them in our cars, in the mall and in from our homes.  They are the songs that bring tears to our eyes, because we can recall singing them with our parents or grandparents or dear friends.  They stir our hearts because they remind us of the true Christmas meaning.  Can you imagine hearing the host of angels in the sky singing, “Gloria, Gloria in Excelsis Deo!”  (which means “in exaltation of God.”)?  I can.  Just read these beautiful words…from the song   Angels, From the Realm of Glory

Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.

Refrain

Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Shepherds, in the field abiding,
Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant light:

Refrain

Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen His natal star.

Refrain

Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear.

Refrain

Sinners, wrung with true repentance,
Doomed for guilt to endless pains,
Justice now revokes the sentence,
Mercy calls you; break your chains.

Refrain

Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:

Refrain

All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’eternal Three in ONE

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I love how each verse talks about a different group of people…Angels, Shepherds, Sages (Wise Men), Saints, Sinners, Us, All creation.  Is anyone exempt from this most marvelous gift?  No…it is for everyone!  He came for everyone!

Thinking of these songs reminds me of the wonderful years we had together at Southside Baptist Church when we performed a Christmas Pageant which included  a huge Living Christmas Tree.  I was the drama director for the program, working with Tina. These are some pics of our children when they were a part of it…such beautiful memories.

Adam and Carrie…Alex and Ben…A King’s Court…Ian, Elizabeth,and Hannah…Tara and Lori…Mom and Danielle (as homeless family)…

I have hundreds more…we did it for many years.  Looking at these pics, it brings a prayer to my heart.  “I pray that my children always remember the foundation they were given in church.  May they always hold Christmas and its true meaning close to their hearts.  And, may they always be bold to share the wonderful story with others.”  Amen

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!