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We Three Kings

/ Gail Johnson / 6 Comments

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Matthew 2:1

The Lord said, “But wisdom is justified of her children.” Today, I want to share with you another favorite hymn and the lessons I’ve learned from their story.

They left all to find Him.

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew 2:2

Nothing wrong with having possessions but, He must come first.

They shared the good news while on their journey.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. Matthew 2:3-8

I want to share the good news with everyone I meet. So many are hurting who need to hear the Hope of Salvation.

They went where they were led and never gave up!

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. Matthew 2:9

In this life, we will have heartaches. Let us remember Who is waiting at the end of this journey!

They brought their best and laid it at the newborn King’s feet.

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

At the closing of each year, I question if I have given my best. He truly deserves my best!

They worshiped.

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24

I love to worship Him! Adore. Nothing between. No secrets. Honesty, openness, and willingness. True love.

They listened.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. Matthew 2:12

Lord, fine tune my ears!

History:
Words and Music 1857 John H. Hopkins Jr.

Favorite Line:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Sounds through the earth and skies.

Angels, from the Realms of Glory

/ Gail Johnson / 1 Comment

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isaiah 11:1

I enjoy the Christmas play. The excitement. The last minute costume changes. The music. The hushed wonder. The laughter and the tears. For who can watch a reenactment of the Christ child and not remember the reason why He came?

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. Isaiah 11:2-5

History
Words- 1816 James Montgomery
Music- 1867 Henry T. Smart

Favorite line
Gather all the nations to Him; ev’ry knee shall then bow down.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

/ Gail Johnson / 1 Comment

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

Without a kinsman redeemer. Lost. Without hope. No way out. Until the cry of a newborn proclaimed Deliverance. Salvation has come! The cries for redemption became shouts of exaltation.

The angels proclaimed the wondrous news. The shepherds came to see. Kings laid gifts at His feet. Simeon gave thanks. And Anna declared Him to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. The Consolation of Israel… the world.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel is a prayer for redemption. Yet the chorus is a declaration of God’s faithfulness. He will not leave us in our troubles, but in His time, He shall bring us out. Tis the reason to rejoice!

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:4-7

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:14

History:
Translator John Mason Neale (1851)
Tune VENI EMMANUEL (Chant)

Favorite line:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!