For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
Merry Christmas
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God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
There is nothing I enjoy more than music that points to the Savior.
In the past weeks, I have enjoyed finding new artists to share with you. Each day the songs I posted were on my mind reminding me of the reason for the season. But then things changed as problems on top of problems occurred. At first, it didn’t faze my joy. But then yesterday…
Everything I touched went wrong. Have you ever had one of those days? I tried baking bread. The dough didn’t rise. I tried making divinity candy. The thermometer went haywire. The first batch of sugar and water turned to rock candy. The second batch was too syrupy. Then, I tried making pralines. That didn’t turn out right either. My daughter said she didn’t care what the candy looked like, it was still good to her! I disagreed. I like pretty candy.
Just before I fell into the “depths of despair,” Paul’s words suddenly came to mind. “We are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). I remembered the post, Joy to the World. Moment of truth! I always have a choice whether to give in to my emotions or reach for higher ground. So, I took a deep breath and made a decision. I would not allow my circumstances or the enemy to steal my joy and peace. I stepped out of the kitchen and began thanking the Lord for everything in my life. And do you know what happened? That’s right. My joy returned, and peace flooded my soul once more.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. Psalm 16:9
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
Through the Prince of Peace, we have rest!
History
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen was first published in 1833. Although the author is unknown, it is believed to be one of the oldest carols. It appeared in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (1843). Listen to the 1917 Edison record recording here.
Favorite Line
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray
I confess I enjoy the 1917 Edison recording, but Keith and Kristyn Getty makes the Irish in me stand up and shout, “Yes!”
Joy to the World!
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
There is a joy that bubbles inside me with the mention of His name and the thought of Bethlehem. The Lord is come! Oh, the unspeakable joy! I guess that’s why I love this song.
History
With Psalm 98 in mind, Isaac Watts wrote Joy to the World and published it in 1719. Astonishingly, the hymn refers to Christ’s second coming and not His birth.
Favorite Line
Let earth receive her King
O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
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.
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. Psalm 98
Gail Johnson 