'Tis the day after Christmas and all through the house … is a mess, and, we didn't even have Christmas here!

Everywhere I look I see signs of love … let me explain!

The mess in the kitchen reminds me of all the food I cooked over the past few days to share with children and grandchildren and friends. The dirty dishes, empty trays, and leftovers remind me of the love we shared sitting at a table enjoying the seasonal delicacies.

The mess in the living room reminds me of the gifts I wrapped … scraps of wrapping paper, scotch tape, gift tags, scissors, bags of ribbon, empty rolls of paper. What a delight! I look at them and can envision the looks on the children's faces as they opened their gifts and jumped up to throw their arms around us with hugs and kisses. "Thank you, Nana! Thank you, Papa!"

The mess in the bathroom reminds me of our hurried frenzy to get ready and on the road so we could spend every minute possible with our family. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are special to this family because of exactly that … family!

The mess in the bedroom reminds me that I've gained weight and can't comfortably wear what I'd planned. Oops, that's not one of the better memories, except that it's a sign of being blessed when I consider our friends and ministry partners overseas who live with so little. It's humbling to even consider why God chose to allow us the privilege of living in these United States—a country of abundant blessing!

The mess in the hallway reminds me of how tired we are after two full days of travel and family and friends and food and fellowship and fun. We came through the door late last night, kicked off our shoes, dropped our coats on the nearest chair and came in to sit down with a bowl of popcorn (like we really needed it!!!) and a movie one of the kids bought for us. While enjoying each other in the quietness of our home, we realized how blessed we are!

Yes, love messes. But there's nothing better than love messes. They're what makes family so worth it all. And, it gives me an excuse not to clean it up since every thing out of place is a reminder of the love we share this Christmas.

Maybe I'll just let the love messes linger one more day!

©Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

"Silent Night" has become an anchor for Christmas celebrations throughout the world. Its lullaby-like melody and simple message of heavenly peace can be heard from small town street corners in mid-America to magnificent cathedrals in Europe and from outdoor candlelight concerts in Australia to palm thatched huts in northern Peru. "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!" can easily be called the world's best-loved Christmas carol. It has been translated into nearly 300 languages and dialects. Its message of heavenly peace sets the theme for Christmas celebrations around the globe.

Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face.
With the dawn of redeeming grace.
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!

Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend thy light
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is here,
Jesus the Savior is here!

[Alternate Verses]

Silent night, holiest night!
Darkness flies, all is light!
Shepherds hear the angels sing;
"Alleluia! Hail the King!
Jesus, the Savior is here,
Jesus, the Savior is here."

Holy light, perfect light,
Christ of God, Oh, how bright
Doth Thy Spirit shine always!
Healing, blessing man each day
With Thy heavenly love,
With Thy heavenly love.

Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend your light
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!

There was really nothing "silent" about this night. There was hustle and bustle in the heavenlies when this miracle Christ-child was born, the baby who, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, gave us the greatest gift possible. On that memorable night, every bit of busy-ness was directly related to the birth of the Savior.

It was indeed a holy night, but silent? It is doubtful. The skies were ablaze with angelic beings praising and glorifying God for the event they had just witnessed; the manger where He lay was noisome with the animals that more than likely recognized the awesomeness of the visitor to their humble stable.

Take a deep breath, sit down and relax, and spend that much needed time in reflection of who the "Reason" for the season truly is, what He has done for you, Make one more list before you leave your house or office today . . . count your blessings . . . and begin to Praise the Lord for the work He has done in you, for you, through you this past year. Then give a gift to a friend . . . tell them about the precious King of Kings and Lord of Lords that you serve with joy and gladness. Give them a gift that will last forever . . . give them the gift of eternal life by introducing them to the "Reason for the Season"!

Father, my heart cannot be silent any longer! Glory to God! Your Gift of Love wrapped in flesh that memorable night is cause for JOY! Your Gift of Love so freely given, so fully sufficient, so awesomely presented to this world still brings me to my knees in awe and thankfulness! Your Gift of Love so perfectly planned fulfilled every purpose You had in mind, bringing glory to Your Sovereign Reign over all! Lord, the song may use the word "silent", but if I am silent I fear that even the rocks would cry out in my stead . . . may it never be so! I give You glory and honor for that night not so silent when Salvation touched this earth conquering death, hell, and the grave! Silent? Never! I'll shout it from the rooftops . . . Jesus Christ is Lord of All! Alleluia to the King! Amen and Amen!

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)

Probably one of the first songs little children are taught during this season is "Away in a Manger". I can remember as a little girl singing this with my class in front of the entire church, each of us stepping out of the choir to say our verse while we recited the entire account of the birth of the Lord Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. It was something we looked forward to each year, singing the sweet lullaby about Baby Jesus and saying our memory verses.

Although some believe this carol was penned by Martin Luther, German religious reformer and author of a number of beautiful hymns, it is almost certainly of late 19th century American origin. Verses 1 and 2 appeared anonymously in Little Children's Book for Schools and Families, by J. C. File, Philadelphia, 1885, and verse 3 is by John Thomas McFarland (1851-1913). The tune most used is the 'Cradle song' by American Gospel song writer W. J. Kirkpatrick (1838-21).

Away In a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes.
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray!
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

While the song, unlike so many we've highlighted these past few days, does not convey the Gospel in song, it tells of the tender newborn Christ-Child who has captured the love and adoration of generations of children and adults alike. Not because He was a baby born in unfortunate circumstances, but because this Child was God in the flesh come to redeem mankind from the curse of sin and death!

The mere mention of His name, the name of Jesus, works to tenderize even the hardest heart during this season. While we could list the pro's and con's of celebrating Christmas in December or celebrating it at all, the fact remains that during this time of year we are given a freedom to share the blessed truth of our Savior's birth with most anyone and they are more apt to be open to listen!

Let's take advantage of this season. There are so many ways you can express your love and adoration of this Christ-Child by sharing His life and death and everlasting reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. Don't be timid! Teach the children the name of Jesus – use simple little songs like "Away in a Manger" and then teach them Who they're singing about. Recount the last two lines of the last verse . . . "Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there." What better way you yourself to be "fit for heaven" than to share the WHOLE story of Jesus and His love. What better way to fit others for heaven than to share openly about the Jesus who they see lying in a manger.

Father, help me to seek out opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ, no longer a baby in a manger, but King and Lord over all creation! Show me ways to use this season to an advantage, more openly proclaiming the love of God and more boldly sharing the Reason for this season. Father, every time I hear a Christmas song, help me remember that it is an invitation from You to speak into the lives of those around me. Father, teach me to be bold and to not hide my love for You regardless of where I am or what I'm doing. If I'm in the store, at work, at home, at a party or get-together . . . wherever it may be, help me to tell the Good News, that You might be glorified! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

". . .and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him." (Acts 28:30-31)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

The world of blogs has opened up a whole new dimension of learning for me. Since my sphere of influence is mainly among true believers, it's interesting to me to read others' opinions of what is happening around the world from a not-so-conservative point of view. This morning, I happened upon one such blog. At the risk of appearing to endorse the author (which I do NOT), I want to share some of what she wrote and make some comments.

The title of the blog in question is, "Why Rick Warren is a Problem: Gee, Can't We All Be Friends?" written by the author of "Lingual Tremors". I found the blog because the words "missionary outreach" were picked up by my daily Google search. Sadly, it had nothing to do with a missionary outreach. I was, of course, also interested to see what was being said about Rick Warren of Saddleback Church. So, I took the plunge and read it.

The blog discusses the announcement that Rick Warren would be speaking at the inauguration in January. The author of this blog, very obviously a nominal (in name only) Christian, labels Warren as an anti-gay/lesbian, anti-abortion conservative pastor of a mega-church. Let me quote a paragraph from the blog…

Rick Warren's Saddleback Church is highly contentious in the progressive Christian community.  His stance on homosexuality, on women, on conception are based on a debatable biblical literalism that more progressive churches eschew.  He has deep connections to the "ex-gay" movement.  His deeply conservative theology compares homosexuality to pedophilia, for example.  He publicly attacks theology of the social gospel, the idea of faith through good works, something Warren calls "Marxism in Christian clothing."  In short, Warren doesn't represent anything like the mainline Christianity that I practice.  And so in Warren, we have the typical problem with Evangelicals:  he is primarily interested in salvation.  He is primarily interested in a literal interpretation of the Bible, yet one that chooses selectively what to follow.  And, although in more recent years he has been involved in missionary outreach, his mission work follows his conservative agenda.  Let's put it this way:  his AIDS ministry in Africa isn't about the gay community. [Lingual Tremors]

Regardless of this particular blogger's comments on "mainline Christianity" she practices, and regardless of my opinion of Warren and his "purpose", the deeper point in this quote is that BHO seems to have set himself up as some kind of peace-maker between conservative evangelicals and the liberals by using Warren. Who is compromising more? Warren for aligning himself with the most liberal administration shrouded in lies, deceit, and cover-up ever to take over the reins of this nation? Or, BHO who based his whole campaign on inclusivity rather than exclusivity?

What I see is more deception … someone wanting to appease both sides of the Christian issues. Two years from now (or three or four … or possibly less than one), BHO will make use of his choice of Warren to gain the trust of the evangelical Christian population, luring them into his snare. Sadly, many will buy into it … more sadly, many already have!

As a conservative evangelical Christian, I feel warned in my spirit—warned not to accept any attempt to lull the true Body of Christ into a vulnerable stupor thinking BHO isn't all that bad. I feel warned to be alert, to stay on my spiritual toes, so to speak, and to be very watchful and aware of the turn of the tide. The signs are all around us … things are changing; the world is aligning itself and fulfilling prophecy one minute detail at a time. Everything the prophets of old foretold as led by the Spirit of God when they penned their words on those ancient scrolls is coming to pass right before our eyes. Sadly, however, too many conservative evangelical Christian eyes are blinded to that fact and are willing to consider BHO as a good choice for the future of this nation.

It's time to wake up, to open our eyes, and to stand firmly fixed on the infallible Word of God and its literal interpretation. God is not a God that would give us His Word as a simple framework for some unachievable ideal, but He gave us His Word in the person of Jesus Christ (the LIVING Word) as an example of righteousness, holiness, and a lifestyle pleasing to the Father. That's the Christianity I practice—it's the Christianity any true believer will practice. We have the Word of God to use as our "Plumb Line" for life, very clear and concise guidelines that keep us on the straight and narrow path. Once the Word of God is interpreted through liberal, self-serving, self-pleasing, self-consuming motives, it becomes powerless.

Personally, I feel bad that Warren has allowed himself to be played by the BHO administration, being set up as a false icon of peace, a clay link between the true Body of Christ and the anti-Christ agenda of the liberal population. He's being used. But more than that, he is being promoted as a true representative of the true Body of Christ which, sadly, he is not. His participation in the inauguration as a means to bring together this country on spiritual grounds is nothing more than a smokescreen. I pray true believers will see through it and not get caught up in BHO's liberal, anti-Christ agenda.

___________
© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15)

During this season, more than all others, the "Reason" can be hard to focus on for even those with the strongest faith. Television floods our homes with commercialized Christmas advertisements and programming. Radio fills the airwaves with seasonal songs, many of which fail to even mention the "Reason for the season". Workplaces are full of hustle and bustle trying to get ahead so everyone can take a few days off without the business losing money. Parties, pageants, cantatas, plays, programs, shopping, wrapping, planning, cooking, baking, greeting . . . and the list goes on. Time is soon snuffed out and there is none left to devote quality time with the "Reason" for the season.

Although rarely recognized as a seasonal song, "We Are the Reason" shares a message pointing to the REASON for this season, a reason for hope, a reason for life, a reason for love!

We Are the Reason
by David Meece

As little children we would dream of Christmas morn
And all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find, but we never realized
A baby boy, one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our life

Chorus
We are the reason that He gave His life
We are the reason Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by, we learned more of our gifts
And giving of ourselves and what they mean
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung dying in the rain
Because of love, because of love
Because of love

Chorus

Every time I see the cross
I'm reminded that He gave His life
For you and me...

Chorus

We are the reason but
He is the reason we live

There was hustle and bustle in the heavenlies when this miracle Christ-child was born, the baby who, through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, gave us the greatest gift of our life. On that memorable night, every bit of busy-ness was directly related to the birth of the Savior. It was indeed a holy night, but silent? It is doubtful. The skies were ablaze with angelic beings praising and glorifying God for the event they had just witnessed; the manger where He lay was noisome with the animals that more than likely recognized the awesomeness of the visitor to their humble stable.

Take a deep breath, sit down and relax, and spend that much needed time in reflection of who the "Reason" for the season truly is, what He has done for you. Make one more list . . . count your blessings . . . and begin to Praise the Lord for the work He has done in you, for you, through you this past year. Then give a gift to a friend; tell them about the precious King of kings and Lord of lords that you serve with joy and gladness. Give them a gift that will last forever—give them the gift of eternal life by introducing them to the "Reason for the Season"!

Lord, as I consider all that fills every moment of every day, I am alarmingly aware that I often get caught up in the busyness of my days without focusing on the Reason for this and every season. Lord, You are the REASON for my hope …the REASON for this season and EVERY season. Help me to keep my focus on the Word made flesh on that celebrated day so many years ago. I love You Lord! May I never forget Your love toward me through the person of Jesus Christ! Amen and Amen!

"On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord." (John 12:12-13)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

Emmanuel . . . God with us! The history of this Christmas hymn is rich with meaning as you will see in the original translation. Each verse of this poetic masterpiece praises the coming of the Savior by a different name: Emmanuel, Branch of Jesse, Day-Spring, Key of David, Lord of Might, Wisdom, and Desire of Nations!

O COME, O COME EMMANUEL

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

O EMMANUEL, God with us, Our King and Lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Saviour: COME to save us, O Lord our God. Amen.

Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Branch of Jesse's Tree
Free them from Satan's tyranny
That trust thy mighty power to save,
And give them Victory o'er the grave. Refrain

O ROOT OF JESSE, which stands for an ensign of the people, before whom the kings keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: COME, to deliver us, and tarry not. Amen.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night
And pierce the clouds and bring us light! Refrain

O DAWN OF THE EAST, brightness of light eternal, and Sun of Justice: COME, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery. Refrain

O KEY OF DAVID, and Scepter of the House of Israel, who opens and no man shuts, who shuts and no man opens: COME, and bring forth the captive from his prison, he who sits in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of Might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud, and majesty, and awe. Refrain

O LORD AND RULER of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: COME, and redeem us with outstretched arms. Amen.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
And order all things, far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go. Refrain

O WISDOM, who came from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end and ordering all things mightily and sweetly: COME, and teach us the way of prudence. Amen.

O come, Desire of Nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace. Refrain

O KING OF THE GENTILES and their desired One, the Cornerstone that makes both one: COME, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the earth. Amen.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

We can't begin to celebrate His birth unless we celebrate Who He is. Yes, He was a babe in a manger, but He's more than that . . . He's Emmanuel, God with us. Yes, He's a precious child born in a stable and laid in a manger, but He's the "promised" one to rule from the Root of Jesse. Yes, He's a newborn child, but He's the Light eternally dispelling the darkness. Yes, He was born in Bethlehem, but He's the Ruler over all. Yes, He's born from David's lineage, but He is the One promised to sit enthroned on the praises of Israel. Yes, He was an innocent and helpless baby, but He's the Lord of Might. Yes, He was born and robed in flesh, but He is Wisdom from on high, a lamp to our feet and a light on our path. And, yes, He was a precious child, but He's the Desire of the Nations, bringing together in Him all people and making them one.

Rejoice! God with us ~ Emmanuel ~ has come to deliver mankind whom He formed from the dust of the earth! Has He delivered you? Have you been set free? Has that tiny babe in the manger become your Emmanuel? If not, today is the day of salvation. Make Him your Emmanuel and let His Name that is above all names be exalted in your life from this day forward.

Father, there is so much in my heart right now. I am amazed so often when I consider how a simple babe lying in a manger can affect the history of mankind so profoundly! I confess that Jesus, my Emmanuel, is my ONLY way of salvation. Emmanuel . . . God is with me because of the finished work of Calvary. I stand in awe of You, my precious Lord, amen and amen!

"For a child is born to us, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

© Jan Ross
All Rights reserved

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:10-11)

The Magi followed the Star to meet the Christ Child face to face and worship Him. Interestingly, the song we would attribute to these "wise men" is based on a lot of assumption which has dramatized the visit of the Magi to honor the Son of God. However, the song itself gives us some food for thought as we consider its context.

"Who really were the three kings? Some people call them Magi, or Wise Men, or even astrologers. The American Rev. John Henry Hopkins who wrote this carol in 1857 doesn't exactly let us in on the mystery. His greatest explanation is of a more poetic nature in his beautiful description of that "Star of Wonder," guiding us "to the perfect light," one of the great symbols of Christianity. Since his time, many scholars have delved into the controversial identity of these three men named Melchior, Kaspar, and Balthazar but the popularity and message of his carol has remained constant for over a hundred years."

We Three Kings

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts, we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

Chorus
Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,
Gold we bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign. Chorus

Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worship Him, God on high. Chorus

Myrrh is mine; It's bitter perfume;
Breathes a life of gathering gloom.
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. Chorus

Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and sacrifice.
Alleluia, Alleluia;
Earth to the heavens replies. Chorus

Aside from the dramatized visit of the Magi from the east, let us consider the words of the chorus that are rich with meaning:

Oh, star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

There are far too many "Stars" to be followed today . . . some follow movie stars, some follow sports stars, some even follow "religious" stars! Which "Star" are you following? Are you following the Star of Christ . . . or are you following the Star of Christmas? There's a world of difference between the two.

The "Star of Christ" will lead you to Him, just as it led shepherds and Magi to the place where they could meet Him face to face. The "Star of Christ" is found in the heart of God who is full of Grace toward us who desire a greater measure of Him! The "Star of Christ" is found in the one whose heart is fixed on spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the earth, proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace goodwill toward men!"

But, we need to beware of the trap laid by the enemy to lure this world into following the "Star of Christmas"! The "Star of Christmas" has its focus on just that— Christmas . . . the stores, the shopping, gift-giving, parties, pageants, cantatas, the hustle and bustle, the busy-ness, all that would rob us of our joy.

When the Magi saw the star, they were filled with "exceeding great joy". If we're not filled with "exceeding great joy" today, then we're probably guilty of following the "Star of Christmas" rather than the "Star of Christ".

The child of God will celebrate the birth, death and resurrection of Christ every day of their life, regardless of the "season", regardless of the "holiday". Celebration of Him should be a lifestyle.

Examine your heart today and ask yourself, "Am I following the Star of Christ or the Star of Christmas?" If you are truly honest with yourself, you may be shocked at your answer.

Father, forgive me for allowing myself to be a victim of the enemy's scheme to take the focus off of You and to put it on everything else. Lord, I want to be single-minded when it comes to my relationship with You. Help me follow the Star of Christ, the only Star that will lead me to where I can worship You face to face. I love you Lord! Thank you for reminding me that You are the only Star that I worship and adore. Amen!

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)

© 2008 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ."  (John 1:17)

From the manger to the cross, His glory was revealed to all who would receive Him. The same is true today . . . to all those who would receive Him His glory is revealed!

Jewish custom said there had to be two witnesses to establish the genuineness of a given testimony. The presence of grace and truth witness together that Jesus is the light of the world, the Savior, the Son of God. It has been said that truth without grace is cruel, and grace without truth is irresponsible. But when grace and truth come together, the heart of God is made known. The heart of God is present in Jesus—and that is the salvation of the world.

This tiny Child who lay so innocently in His mother's arms had left His heavenly estate to take on a mantle of flesh and become the tangible evidence of Grace and Truth, the witnesses of God's unfathomable love.

Grace . . . that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness; good will, loving-kindness, favor, benefit and bounty.

Truth . . . personal excellence free from pretense, affection, simulation, falsehood and deceit.

All praise and glory belongs to our Father for sending Grace and Truth in the form of His Son to bring redemption to mankind. His whole life, from the manger to the cross, became a picture of the purest form of Grace and Truth.

As we allow a greater measure of Grace and Truth to be birthed in our hearts day after day, all will know that He is alive in us as His glory is revealed through us!

The Baby of Bethlehem
http://newhopemusic.com/songs.a-g/baby.mj.mid

Anointed One, Messiah, Lord
Savior, Christ, Good News, Great Joy
Eternal God, now dwelling with man
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem
Immanuel, the Holy Son
Shepherd, Ruler, Mighty One
Descended to Earth, according to plan
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem

Bridge

With angels we sing Your glory
With shepherds we give God praise
With wisemen we come before You
To worship You all our days!

The Word, now flesh, in Him is life
One and Only, shining Light
Full grace and truth, we now understand
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Wonderful Couns'lor, King of Kings
No end there will be to Your increase
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem. Bridge

Alpha and Omega, Master and Friend
All in all, Forgiver of sin
Creator, Designer, Beginning and End
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem
All glory, honor, blessing and strength
Wisdom, power, mercy and grace
Past, present and future contained in His hands
The Baby of Bethlehem, the Baby of Bethlehem
 The Baby of Bethlehem

Father, the more I seek You, the more evidence I see of Grace and Truth growing within me. Lord, regardless of the cost to me personally, I want to be a vessel through which Your glory is revealed to mankind. Shine on, Light of the World . . . in me, through me, inspite of me! Amen!

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King."  (Psalm 98:4-6)

It is so easy to take the old Christmas songs for granted, thinking they're out-dated or old-fashioned! Nothing could be further from the truth! Today's carol, "Joy to the World" was actually written to a musical score entitled "Antioch", named after the city of Antioch where believers were first called Christians (see Acts 11:26).

Go back and read Today's Verse and find the heart of the Psalmist in the words to this song.

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
Let earth receive her King,
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns:
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sin and sorrow grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground:
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness
And wonders of his love.

According to many historical hymnists, of all the sacred carols, "Joy to the World" is perhaps the most positive and uplifting declaration of the message of Christmas although there is no mention of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the manger or the wise men. While the initial verse announces that "The Lord is come," it is the only one that is related to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The other verses could easily be appropriate for any season of the year.

One other noteworthy fact is the composer of the tune is generally attributed to Lowell Mason, however, it was his practice to remain anonymous and not take claim to the musical composition. The humility of the composer coupled with the inspiration of the author made for a powerful proclamation of praise to the One who "rules the world with truth and grace"!

The second verse reminds me of Jesus entering into Jerusalem on a donkey while the people are crying, "Hosanna!" The Pharisees challenged Him to rebuke His disciples; His response was, "I tell you," replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." (Luke 19:40)

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns:
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy.

Will you join the centuries of men, women, and children in proclaiming, "Joy to the Word! The Lord is come!" If we don't the "fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains", will cry out in our stead! Joy to the world!

Father, You are worthy of all our worship . . . as we sing the carols of the season, help us to remember that we should proclaim Your praise every day of the year, not just during this season. Father, help us to rejoice always for the coming of our Lord, for His birth, His life, His victory over death, hell, and the grave. Father, there are no words to express the overwhelming joy I feel right now – evening the midst of all my circumstances – knowing that you "came to make your blessings flow far as the curse is found". Amen and Amen!

"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."  (Galatians 3:13-14)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved