Worship Devotional LI
Originally posted to the Facebook group on 12/5/2020.
Worship Devotional for 12/6/20
Welcome to the first of three weeks of singing Christmas songs! This week we are singing about the need, the desire, and the anticipation for the One to come who would save us from evil, deliver us from our enemies, restore peace and joy to our desperate hearts, and reign forever as our Lord and King. We are singing about the good news of the arrival of the promised Messiah, the long-awaited Savior, bringing truth and love and life and light and joy and hope for all mankind. Let us rejoice this week as we enter the Christmas season in the hope we have in Christ and in the wonderful things our Father in heaven has accomplished. He has fulfilled His promises, proven His great faithfulness, and put His steadfast and eternal love on display for all to see. Hallelujah! Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Praise His name Emmanuel — God is with us!
Here are the songs:
During the Christmas (or "noel") season, we remember the birth of Christ and the story of His first coming. This song brings us again into that place of reflection and remembrance of the coming of Jesus to save us from our sin, suffer in our place, bring light and resurrection and life to humanity, and reign forevermore in glory.
2) O Come O Come Emmanuel by John Mason Neale
This hymn reflects the cry of longing of the prophets who predicted the coming of Christ from long ago. It is a call to rejoice and praise the name of the One who heard the cries of His people and came to save them. As we reflect back on that first arrival, let us also look forward to the second coming with the same anticipation for the fulfillment of all things. As we pray for Him to come again quickly to deliver and fulfill and reign, let us remember that He is faithful and be encouraged that He has come before. Rejoice in the name of Emmanuel, for our God is with us! The Dawn from on high, the Root of Jesse, the Desire of nations has come to save us, and He will come again to take us home.
Matthew 1:21-23:
"[An angel of the Lord said to Joseph:] 'She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.' Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God is with us.'"
Isaiah 7:13-14:
"Isaiah said, 'Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God? Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel."
3) Joy Has Dawned by Stuart Townend
This modern-day hymn is full of deep theological references that help us to stand more in awe and wonder at the meaning of our Christmas celebration. The Son of God humbled Himself and came to earth as a man. The Lord of glory lay in a manger, because there was no room for Him at the inn. Though the circumstance were humble, glory abounded as light and hope and love and peace and joy dawned upon the world.
Isaiah 9:2-5:
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. You have enlarged the nation and increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before You as they rejoice at harvest time and as they rejoice when dividing spoils. For You have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as You did on the day of Midian. For the trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire."
4) He Shall Reign Forevermore by Chris Tomlin
Isaiah 9:6-7:
"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this."
Scriptures:
Isaiah 7:13-14, 9:1-7, 11:1-5, 60:1-6
Haggai 2:6-9
Matthew 1:18-24, 2:1-12
Luke 1:1-2:40