Seven Songs Of Christmas: "Joseph's Song"

I first heard this one several years ago, it is still a very moving song to me.

How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be?

Lord, I know He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love

 

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, how can I raise a king?

He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be?

 

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, how can I raise a king?

How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be? How could it be?

                                        -Michael J. Card

 

Seven Songs Of Christmas: "For Unto Us A Child Is Born"

Along with the "Hallelujah Chorus", I think this is my favorite song from Handel's Messiah. This choir sings it so perfectly...


"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:5)

Seven Songs Of Christmas: "O Come, Emmanuel"

I must include an instrumental Christmas song. Normally I'm not a huge fan of minor key music...but this one is played SO beautifully. What's not to love?

 

Oh, Come, Oh, Come Emmanuel Translated: John Neal, 1818-66

 

 

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

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Shall come to you, O Israel!

 

Oh, come, our Wisdom from on high, 
Who ordered all things mightily; 
To us the path of knowledge show, 
and teach us in her ways to go.

 
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Shall come to you, O Israel!

 

Oh, come, oh, come, our Lord of might, 
Who to your tribes on Sinai's height 
In ancient times gave holy law, 
In cloud and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Shall come to you, O Israel!

 

Oh, come O Rod of Jesse's stem, 
From ev'ry foe deliver them 
That trust your mighty pow'r to save; 
Bring them in vict'ry through the grave. 

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Shall come to you, O Israel!

 

Oh, come, O Key of David, come, 
And open wide our heav'nly home; 
Make safe the way that leads on high, 
And close the path to misery. 

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Shall come to you, O Israel!

 

Oh, come, our Dayspring from on high, 
And cheer us by your drawing nigh, 
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, 
And death's dark shadows put to flight.

 
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Shall come to you, O Israel!

 

Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind 
In one the hearts of all mankind; 
Oh, bid our sad divisions cease, 
And be yourself our King of Peace. 

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Seven Songs Of Christmas: "Son Of God"

Words don't describe how impressed and blessed I was when I first heard this song. Just make sure you listen to it with earphones...

Son of God, Purest light
Lord on high, Is here tonight
Stamping through, This sacred sky
Suddenly Our eyes behold
Heaven's perfect Plan unfold
Son of God

Son of God, Love divine
Timeless one, Steps in to die
Who could dream Of such a thing
With us now The King of Kings
Man and angels Bow and sing
Singing Hallelujah Hallelujah

We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
We're singing
Gloria, Hallelujah
We're singing Gloria

 Our God is with us
Emmanuel
Our God is with us
(We're
Singing Hallelujah)
Singing Gloria

Seven Songs Of Christmas: "Do You Have Room?"

I don't necessarily support the singers or the one who wrote the song, but I love the music and lyrics of this one.

 

Do You Have Room?

They journeyed far, a weary pair;

They sought for shelter from the cold night air.

Some place where she could lay her head,

Where she could give her Babe a quiet bed.

 

Was there no room? No corner there?

In all the town a spot someone could spare?

Was there no soul come to their aid?

A stable bare was where the family stayed.

Do you have room for the Savior? And do you seek Him anew?

Have you a place for the One who lived and died for you?

Are you as humble as a shepherd boy, or as wise as men of old?

Would you have come that night? Would you have sought the light?

Do you have room?

A star arose, a wondrous light,

A sign from God – this was the holy night,

And yet so few would go to see

The Babe who came to rescue you and me.

This Child divine is now a King.

The gift of life to all the world He brings,

And all mankind He saves from doom,

But on that night, for Him, there was no room.

Do you have room for the Savior? And do you seek Him anew?

Have you a place for the One who lived and died for you?

Are you as humble as a shepherd boy, or as wise as men of old?

Would you have come that night? Would you have sought the light?

Do you have room?

 

Will you come tonight? Will you seek the light?

Do you have room?

 

© S. Edwards 2004

 

 

Seven Songs Of Christmas: "Breath Of Heaven"

This song was introduced to me by a daughter a few years ago as being one of her favorites. It's definitely one of mine now, too. I was all by myself when I listened to this the other day so I let the tears flow...Yes, it's that's beautiful-especially with the clips from "The Nativity" movie.

I have traveled many moonless nights

Cold and weary with a babe inside

And I wonder what I've done

Holy Father, You have come

And chosen me now to carry Your Son

 

I am waiting in a silent prayer

I am frightened by the load I bear

In a world as cold as stone

Must I walk this path alone?

Be with me now, be with me now

 

Breath of Heaven, hold me together

Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness

Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy

Breath of Heaven

 

Do you wonder as you watch my face

If a wiser one should have had my place?

But I offer all I am

For the mercy of Your plan

Help me be strong, help me be, help me

 

Breath of Heaven, hold me together

Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness

Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy

Breath of Heaven, hold me together

Be forever near me, breath of Heaven

 Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness

Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy

Breath of Heaven, Breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven

                                           -C. Eaton/A. Grant

 

Seven Songs Of Christmas: "The Wexford Carol"

I have been blessed with listening to Christmas music this season, some of which I had never heard. Over the next seven days I would like to post them here for you, in the order of which I found them.

This first one is "The Wexford Carol" or "Good People All, This Christmas-Time", a traditional Irish Christmas carol originating from County Wexford and dating to the 12th century.
(This might not work for some of you. In that case, just go here.)

Here are the lyrics, for those who like to follow along.

Good people all, this Christmas time,

Consider well and bear in mind

What our good God for us has done

In sending his beloved son

With Mary holy we should pray,

To God with love this Christmas Day

In Bethlehem upon that morn,

There was a blessed Messiah born

The night before that happy tide

The noble Virgin and her guide

Were long time seeking up and down

To find a lodging in the town

But mark right well what came to pass

From every door repelled, alas

As was foretold, their refuge all

Was but a humble ox's stall

Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep

Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep

To whom God's angel did appear

Which put the shepherds in great fear

Arise and go, the angels said

To Bethlehem, be not afraid

For there you'll find, this happy morn

A princely babe, sweet Jesus, born

With thankful heart and joyful mind

The shepherds went the babe to find

And as God's angel had foretold

They did our Saviour Christ behold

Within a manger he was laid

And by his side a virgin maid

Attending on the Lord of Life

Who came on earth to end all strife

There were three wise men from afar

Directed by a glorious star

And on they wandered night and day

Until they came where Jesus lay

And when they came unto that place

Where our beloved Messiah lay

They humbly cast them at his feet

With gifts of gold and incense sweet.

 

God Of Heaven

Words and Music by Heather Sorenson

 

Great Creator, Master of all nature.
Who gives birth to snow from heaven,
Holds the waves at ocean's edge,
Gives the orders to the morning,
Shows each dawn its place to shine?

God of Heaven, God of all the earth and sky.

God of Ages, God who wrote the Book of Time.
Sovereign Ruler, Alpha and Omega.
Saints before, He's guided safely.
History's pages signed by Him.
Author of our days and hours; 
Things to come are held secure.
God of Ages, Alpha and Omega.

God of Power!  God who breaks the darkness.
Righteous Warrior, Champion of His children,
Goes before us into battle;
Good and evil bow to Him,
Those in bondage freed forever,
Victories won at  His command!

God who heals us, God who gives us peace and hope.
God who listens, Carries all our fragile
Dreams and heartaches, wins and failures;
Binds the broken; hides the weak.
New beginnings freely offered;
Who can make us whole again?
God who heals us, God of Power,
God of Ages, God of Heaven,
God of all the earth and sky.

O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 136:26)

How Beautiful Your Songs Of Praise

A beautiful song to listen to...


 ...while you browse through these photos of beautiful birds and blooms we saw on our recent anniversary trip.

 

 

 

Psalm 139

Here is some music (It Is Well With My Soul) to listen to as you read Psalm 139 below it.



1O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me.
² Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, 
   Thou understandest my thought afar off.
³ Thou compassest my path and my lying down,
   and art acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ For there is not a word in my tongue, 
  but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether.
⁵ Thou hast beset me behind and before,
  and laid Thine hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
  it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
⁷ Whither shall I go from Thy spirit?
  or whither shall I flee from Thy presence?
⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, Thou art there:
  if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there.
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning,
  and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
¹⁰ Even there shall Thy hand lead me,
   and Thy right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me;
    even the night shall be light about me.
¹² Yea, the darkness hideth not from Thee;
    but the night shineth as the day: the darkness
    and the light are both alike to Thee.
¹³ For Thou hast possessed my reins:
   Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
¹⁴ I will praise thee;
   for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
   marvellous are Thy works;
   and that my soul knoweth right well.
¹⁵ My substance was not hid from Thee,
   when I was made in secret,
   and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
¹⁶ Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect;
   and in Thy book all my members were written,
   which in continuance were fashioned,
   when as yet there was none of them.
¹⁷ How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God!
   how great is the sum of them!
¹⁸ If I should count them, they are more in number
   than the sand: when I awake, I am still with Thee.
¹⁹ Surely Thou wilt slay the wicked, O God:
   depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
²⁰ For they speak against Thee wickedly,
   and Thine enemies take Thy name in vain.
²¹ Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate Thee?
   and am not I grieved with those
   that rise up against Thee?
²² I hate them with perfect hatred:
   I count them mine enemies.
²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart:
   try me, and know my thoughts:
²⁴ And see if there be any wicked way in me,
   and lead me in the way everlasting.

Still, My Soul Be Still

I heard this song recently and it was a great blessing to me, I pray it blesses you, too.



STILL, MY SOUL BE STILL
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow,
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow.

God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken,
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone.

Still, my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows,
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows.

Still, my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning,
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise
As stars appear when day is dimming.

Keith and Kristyn Getty
Copyright (c) 2008 Thankyou Music

In Moments Like These

Every life, now and then, has moments of heartache. Of grief. Of pain. Of concern.

In moments like these, one can only ache and cry out to the Lord...

I cried out to You, O Lord;
And to the Lord I made supplication.

(Psalm 30:8)

 

My Favorite Christmas Songs

I love Christmas carols! There are my oldie-goldie favorites of "What Child Is This?", "I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem" but my current new ones (although they've been around for several years) are "Mary, Did You Know?", "Joseph's Song" and "Breath Of Heaven". (I do not necessarily endorse all of the singers.)

I should put these in a playlist so that they'll automatically play for you here while you read this, but for now just click on each of the above titles for it to open up in another window while you look at these photos that I have made (or will make) into Christmas cards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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)

Wings Of The Dawn

This song has been such a blessing to me for

the past several months as I have heard it

once in awhile on AbidingRadio.com.

I was thrilled to finally come across it online to be able to post it here.

Both the music and lyrics (from Psalm 139) are beyond beautiful. You can hear it below...

                                                       

Oh Lord, You have searched me and known me,

You know when I sit and when I rise,

Where can I go from Your Spirit, Where can I go from Your presence?

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there Your hand will guide me,

Your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say surely darkness will hide me,

and the light be dark around me,

Not even dark is dark to You,

night will shine like the day.

(photo: D.Bodlien)

And if I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there Your hand will guide me,

Your right hand will hold me fast.

So I'll praise You, praise You,

 praise You, Lord.

Father, I praise You, praise You,

 praise You, Lord.

You created me within,

You knit me in my mother's womb,

I praise You for I am fearfully made,

Your works are wonderful!              

And if I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.

                                                                             -Linda A. Spencer