Worship Devotional LIII
Originally posted to the Facebook group on 12/19/2020.
Worship Devotional for 12/20/20
~ Christmas ~
Things may look a little different this year with all the craziness of the current events and the trembling and raging of the nations we have been experiencing. But one thing that hasn't changed and will never change is the love and faithfulness of our God. He is faithful to fulfill His promises! We know this because He proved it when He sent His Son into the world, fulfilling His promises given through His prophets and offering an eternal hope to sinful men if they would repent and believe in His name. The good news of Christ's coming is what we believe and declare during the Christmas season. This week we are reflecting on this and praising God for His faithfulness with Christmas hymns. May we find the peace and strength and rest and hope and resolve that we need to live fully for the glory of God in these times.
John 3:16:
"For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."
Hebrews 13:8:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Here are the songs:
1) Silent Night
This famous carol was written by Joseph Mohr and composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in the early 1800s. It highlights the serenity and stillness of that night, even though the most important birth in history was taking place. As the lyrics remind us of the signs and events of that night — a Child being born of a virgin, the angels visiting the shepherds, and the appearance of the star — they call us to praise the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
2) O Holy Night
This hymn came a little later in the mid-1800s, written originally by Placide Cappeau, composed by Adolphe Charles Adam, and translated soon after by John Sullivan Dwight. Verse and chorus 1 are about how the birth of Jesus on that holy (consecrated or set apart for God) night brought hope to a weary and broken world; verse and chorus 2 are about how His light leads us to consider the meaning of His birth just as the light of the star led the wise men — how the King of kings came as the Son of Man to bear our weaknesses because He was born with human flesh; and verse and chorus 3 are about the love and peace He taught to His followers — along with His power to break chains and set free those who are oppressed — and His kingship which brings true and everlasting freedom. Through a powerful melody we ascribe power and glory to Christ our Lord.
3) O Come All Ye Faithful
Written by John Francis Wade in the 1700s, this Christmas hymn invites all those who have faith in Jesus to come with joy and adoration to sing praise to His name. The two chorus's at the end of the song transition from singing to each other to singing to God, declaring that He alone is worthy of praise and that we will give Him all the glory.
4) Joy To The World
Lastly, we have a very well-known hymn that was written by Isaac Watts in the early 1700s. Watts is one of the most famous and prolific hymn writers over the centuries. He was actually a contemporary song writer in his day, but today His songs are known to us as classic hymns. Joy To The World is actually based on Psalm 98 — which speaks of the Lord coming to the world and being received with joy — from a New Testament perspective. This song was not originally meant to be a Christmas carol, but rather is about Jesus' second coming in the future. We sing this song during the Christmas season, however, to remind us that the Lord who fulfilled His word and to us before will come to us again, bringing ultimate salvation and restoration. As we look back and remember His birth, we are reminded now to look ahead to His ultimate reign, which will be fully established when He comes again.
Scripture references:
Psalms 96, 98
Isaiah 7:13-14, 9:1-7, 60:1-6, 61
Micah 5:2-4
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Luke 1:1-2:40
John 3:13-21
Hebrews 13:1-21
Merry Christmas everyone!