And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know you seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you (Matthew 28:4-7 KJV).
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21 KJV).
While searching for the words of a song to go along with the Christmas story, I came across the beautiful words of another. “How Sweet the Name of Jesus” is not a carol, but it explains why we celebrate the birth of Christ.
Let me introduce you to the author.
When you hear the name John Newton, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I think of three things. Slave trader, abolitionist, and“Amazing Grace.” When I searched his name, I found the following:
He was a pirate.
He was pressed into the Navy.
He was flogged for his poor conduct.
He was given to a slave trader’s wife.
If not for other slaves feeding and clothing him, he could have perished.
He dealt in the slave trade.
He repented on a ship one night during a storm.
He became an abolitionist.
He wrote 281 hymns.
When I look at that list, I think of the above verse. “For he shall save his people from their sins.” One can clearly see God’s grace in Newton’s life. Let’s take a look at what the man thought about God’s grace and the gift of His Son.
How Sweet the Name of Jesus
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear,
And drives away his fear.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5).
It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
’Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary rest,
And to the weary rest.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).
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).
Dear name! the rock on which I build,
My shield and hiding place;
My never-failing treasure, filled
With boundless grace!
With boundless grace!
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower (Psalm 18:2).
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (Romans 5:20).
Jesus, my Shepherd, Brother, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring,
Accept the praise I bring.
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).
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6).
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).
How Sweet the Name of Jesus | John Newton | Public Domain
How do you like the words to the song? Do they remind you of Christ’s birth? His gift of Salvation? What names would you add? What scripture?
To learn more about John Newton, visit:
museumofthebible.org
pbs.org
1517.org
christianhistoryinstitute.org
cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk
On Amazon: Out of the Depths, The Autobiography of John Newton
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven (Psalm 148:13).
Who is the psalmist speaking to in the above verse? Let’s read Psalm 148 for the answer!
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.
Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.
He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.
I think that covers all creation!
Thomas Ken 1637-1711
Thomas Ken was a man of courage, standing up for what was right, no matter the consequences. Hymnary.org has an author page dedicated to him. It is well worth the read. Read the story here.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Thomas Ken | Public Domain
This song has been on a loop inside my heart for the past week. I pray you will join me in giving thanks and praising “Him from whom ALL blessings flow” as we celebrate with our families and friends!
YOU are one of those blessings. You have encouraged me this year, and it is because of YOU and the Lord that I didn’t quit. Thank you for sticking with me during my crazy summer. I thank the Lord for YOU.
Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!
Gail
Gail Johnson 