Carols - O Come All Ye Faithful
There is hope in Christ, so come let us adore Him
December 8 - 15
We will examine this weeks carol in two distinct parts. The first part is found in verses 2 and 4 of the carol and deals with the eternal nature of Jesus as God and the historical fact of His appearing in the flesh.
Verse 2
Highest, most holy, Light of light eternal,
Born of a virgin, A mortal he comes;
Son of the Father, Now in flesh appearing!
Verse 4
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given!
Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing!
~ O Come All Ye Faithful
As I read these verses I think about the first verses in the books of John and 1 John. These verses discuss the eternal and powerful nature of Jesus as well as His nature as a man. He is "light of light eternal, Son of God" and when born He was also "in flesh appearing." Hear the words of John:
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:14
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Knowing that the Lord powerful and eternal came to redeem that which was lost, is a thought too beautiful to imagine. Romans 5:8 says, "God demonstrates His own love for us in this, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." In order for Him to die, He had to come to His own and take on the nature of that which was created through, by and for Him (see Col 1:15-18). This brings us to the second theme within this Carol, which is the only appropriate response to what He has done; praise and adoration of our Savior and Lord.
Verse 1
Oh, come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant!
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, Born the king of angels:
Verse 3
Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, In the highest:
~ O Come All Ye Faithful
What will your response be this Christmas season to God now in flesh appearing? Tell us about your response to what Christ has done.
This carol series has challenged me to pay attention to the weary world and the brokenness that is so evident in those around us. As I have opened my eyes, I have seen many people respond and open up to their brokenness during this time of heightened emotions.
ReplyDeleteThe responses that I have shared are as follows:
1. Enter into the pain and sorrow with the person who is hurting. "weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn."
2. Remind them the Jesus says, "come to me all you who are weary and heavy ladened and I will give you rest..." Matthew 11:28-30
Has anyone else had an experience with someone who needs the love and grace of our Lord and Savior this Christmas season?