is out there waiting for us
December 20, 2010 (Monday)
What is your favorite Christmas song? They come in many types and sizes. There are the happy jingles, like “Jingle Bells.” And the cute ditties like “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.” The sentimental favorites such as “White Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The majestic oratorio, Handel’s “Messiah.” The songs you may remember from a cantata or a musical. The fairly new one, “Mary, Did You Know?” has captured many hearts. And then the old standbys we sing from door to door when caroling or when we worship at church: “Silent Night, Holy Night,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and many others. Do you have a favorite?
At times we sing the carols without much thought about their meaning, but every one of them is full of theology and thoughts of encouragement and spiritual strength that can lift our spirits if we take the time to read the words slowly and carefully. For instance, here are the words of the final verse of “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear:”
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.
Honestly now, have you ever really noticed that this grand old Christmas song relays God’s promise of a glorious future? God always has something better waiting for us.
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See all the verses of “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” and links to other carols HERE.