The Baby in the Manger was the Creator of Music

 

The Baby in the Manger was the Creator of Music

St. John 1:10 “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.”

       S we reflect on Christmas, we should be reminded that the baby in the manger was the creator of the world and all that is in it. The author, owner and creator of music came to this earth and dwelt among men and women.

       Think about it, the creator of music lived on this earth. We do not know how often He musiced, but we do know that He sang a hymn with His disciples  (Matthew 26:30) before he we went into the Mount of Olives to pray.

       The creator of music lived on this earth almost unnoticed by the world. Yesterday we talked about the birth of Christ in an insignificant little town in Judah. Today we are considering the almost unnoticed Christ. If the creator of music went almost unnoticed by the world, what makes we who are Chief musicians think that the world will notice us? Most of us will never be the slightest bit famous or of any concern to the world. We will work hard in an insignificant place of ministry unnoticed by the world.

       We need to understand that our reward is “out of this world”. Most of us will never be rich and famous in this life. However, as His ministers, Christian musicians are laying up treasures in heaven.

Wise Men Came to Worship Christ

 

Wise Men Came to Worship Christ  

Matthew 2:1-2 states, “Now when Jesus was born on Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king,  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.”

       We do not know when the kings came to Jerusalem, or when they appeared at Joseph and Mary’s home.  It is generally believed that it was about a year after ??Christ’s birth.  There is much conjecture about just who these Eastern Magi were.  Many believe that they were astrologers and or philosophers.  There is some possibility that they were Jews of mixed descent who lived in distant lands and were knowledgeable of the Messianic prophesies in the Jewish Scrolls.  If so, then they would have believed that the time of Christ’s coming was at hand.

       Since they followed Christ’s  star, there possible were astrologers among them –and thus the statement “We have followed his star”.  However, the thing that really mattered was that they traveled all those miles to worship Christ.  They believed that he was the “king” so they diligently sought after Him.  They believed that they would indeed find the Christ child.  Even more importantly it sees that they believed that He was the Messiah and that He was  worthy of their worship.

       Hebrews 11:6 states, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  Wise men and women still seek Him.  In their seeking it is still necessary for them to believe, like the wise men who sought after Christ; and they must believe , not only that he is, but that he will reward those who seek him with salvation.

Song of the Day “We Three Kings” by John H. Hopkins

Thought for the Day

Although many of my generation believe that seeking after Christ is a waste of time since they do not believe that He is truly God, I want to go on record as one “Baby Boomer” that is a seeker after Christ.

 

Shepherds Heard the Message First

 

Shepherds Heard the Message First  

Luke 2:8-9, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”

       Can you imagine what it was like for the shepherds to be startled by an angel surrounded with the glory of the Lord shining all around the camp site?  We sometimes chuckle when children and willing adults present a Christmas pageant at our local church.  They all look startled when the angel, dressed in a white sheet, appears suddenly—if and when the designated deacon remembers to turn on the spotlight.

       It may be a bit amusing to us, but I assure you it wasn’t to those shepherds that night when they were visited by an angel.  Think of it—they saw the glory of the Lord.  Then the Bible account states that “suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God…”  I believe that I would have fainted dead away at the sight of the first angel let alone a whole bunch of them is bright shining light.

       Wow, those humble shepherds were blessed and honored by being the ones who received direct notification of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. God didn’t send His angel to the “big boys’ down at the synagogue, bit instead He chose men that were not important to most people.   If you, like me, are a “nobody” in this world, take time right now to praise God that He cares about “little people”!  Someone has said that common people must be special to God since He made so many of us.    

Prayer for the Day

I want to thank You Lord for being the living Christ.  Thank You for being the God who “is” and not merely one who “was”.   Thank you for making it possible for a Kansas farmer like me to come to a saving and sanctifying knowledge of You.  Thank you that You suffered without the gate to sanctify your people (Hebrews 13:12).  Thank You for Your great love and sacrifice in coming to dwell on earth and to dwell in my heart.  Amen.

No Room for Jesus

 

No Room for Jesus   

St. Luke2:7 states, And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

       Can you imagine that there was actually no room for the Son of God in the inn in Bethlehem?  Many times we as musicians have a hard time understanding why bad things happen to good people.  Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus were certainly good people.  Why did God the Father let Jesus, His only begotten son, be born in a cattle shelter which was perhaps a cave?  From our very finite understanding it would seem that there could have been at least a tiny room that no one was using.

       However God the Father let His only son be born in obscurity and humility.  On this blessed day of days, we should remember that, regardless of our circumstances, most of us were not born in a place of humility like Jesus.

       Jesus didn’t let his surroundings and his humble birth ever affect His ministry.  Likewise, His earthly parents did not let the humility of the circumstances of Christ’s birth affect their vision of who Jesus was and their role in the accomplishment of the will of God.  Thank God for Mary and Joseph who did not let their situation deter them from obeying God that wonderful night long ago in Bethlehem.

 Christmas Prayer

I thank you heavenly Father for sending your son to be born in a manger.  Thank You Jesus , that although you were very God,  You were willing to leave the portals of heaven and come to earth to be born, and to live, suffer, and die for my sins.  Lord, please help me to have a thankful heart for Your coming to earth and for caring for my soul.  Thank you for fulfilling the Father’s plan of salvation that included a sinner like me. 

       Lord Jesus, today we celebrate Your birth, help us to look into our hearts and be sure that there is nothing there that would displease You.  Lord, this is a blessed Christmas day because you are with us and that you dwell in our hearts.  These things I pray in your matchless and wonderful name.  Amen.

Song for the Day “It Came upon a Midnight Clear” by Edmund H. Sears

Thought for the Day It would be a good thing to spend this day being thankful for what we have rather than wishing that we had more.

Prayer for the Day

Lord, I want to tell You that I love and trust You right now on December 24th.  I know that You will never fail me or lead me astray.  Give me the courage and strength to keep on my journey of musicing for You.  I believe that You have placed me exactly where I am “for such a time as this”.  Please guide my musical ministry and help me to reach out to Your strong arms for protection.  Please guide me through the journey of life no matter where You lead me.  Lord, like Joseph I am willing to publicly go on record that I trust your will and your path for me for the rest of my life.  I love You Lord.  Please help me to keep ministering musically for Your Glory. These things I bring to You because are worthy of all my feeble trust.  Amen.

The Long Journey to Bethlehem

 

The Long Journey to Bethlehem

Luke 2:4-5 states, “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David :) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”

       The long trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem by Joseph and Mary was a journey of faith.  Caesar Augustus had decreed that all the people should be registered or “taxed”.  Joseph’s journey with Mary was not merely an act of obedience to Caesar Augustus, but also to God.  As we discussed yesterday, the angel had assured Joseph that he should not be afraid to accept Mary as his espoused wife. 

       Now Mary and Joseph are on their journey toward Bethlehem the day before the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Joseph is not ashamed of Mary because he trusts he trusts God.  He is willing to sign the tax register and publicly accept Mary as his espoused wife—going on record for all eternity that he trusts and believes God.

       On the day before Christmas are you among the Christian musicians that trust God?  Are you willing to trust God with your life, your career, your future, and your music ministry?  Trust comes with implicit faith in god that He will guide you and protect you for the rest of your life.  Joseph’s implicit faith that the angel of God had told him the truth enabled him to take the long journey of faith to Bethlehem that day.  It will be by faith alone that you will enter the New Year knowing in your heart that God is saying to you “be not afraid”.

Song for the Day “O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Phillips Brooks 

Thought for the Day

It is one thing to say that we trust God with the “Journey” but it is another thing to start walking!

 

Prayer for the Day

Lord, I thank You for Your faithfulness to me during this busy, busy season.  Thank You for helping me to feed your people with my little musical lunch.  Lord, it may have been small, but I gave it all to You.  Help me to remember that it was my responsibility to give 100%, and it was Your pleasure to feed the hungry people with my meager lunch.  Help me to keep believing your Word that encourages me that I am doing the will of the Father.  These things I am praying in your name.  Amen.

Joseph Was Truly Blessed

 

Joseph Was Truly Blessed

St Matthew 1:20 states, “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”

       Joseph was in terrible mental anguish.  If he put Mary away publicly, the Jews would probably stone her to death.  So, he was contemplating putting her away privately.  He certainly needed to hear from God.  So, God sent his angel to assure Joseph that God was going to take care of Mary and himself. 

       Did you ever think of what would have happened if Joseph had failed God at this crucial time in the history of mankind?  What would have happened to Mary?   What would have happened to the baby Jesus who was not yet born of the virgin Mary?

       It is easy for us to postulate that God would not have let anything happen to the Baby Jesus, but it took the obedience of both Mary and Joseph for God to complete His perfect will.  If Joseph had not had a choice, I do not believe that his choice would have been recorded in the Holy Writ.

       Compared to Joseph’s choice, many of our choices in life seem somewhat insignificant.  At this time of Christmas, it behooves all Christian musicians to remember that our choices, no matter how small they seem, do matter.  If God could trust Joseph to make the right choice, surely He will help us to make right choices during this Christmas season.  Joseph was truly blessed because God could trust him to make the right decision.

       I know from experience that it is about this time in December that musicians go into depression.  We wish that our Christmas presentations would have been performed more accurately.  We can think of a thousand and one things that we could have done more efficiently.  However the Presentations are over and we are left with the “Christmas program blues”.  Look up! I believe God’s angel is saying to you “do not be afraid.  God has accepted your musical offering.”  It isn’t the grandness of our musical offerings that matter but it is the fact that we have given Him the best offering that we were capable of giving and that we offered it as an offering “in righteousness”.

Mary Was Truly Blessed

 

Mary Was Truly Blessed   

St Luke 1:28 states, “And the angel came unto her, and said, hail, thou art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”

       Yesterday we talked about God preparing the way for Jesus’ coming by a man who was not afraid to proclaim the message of Christ.  Today we are going to consider the virgin Mary who was not afraid to obey the angel of God who came to give her the assurance that the Lord was going to be with her and had chosen her to help prepare the way of Christ to bring salvation to sinful men and women in this sin cursed world.

What would have happened if she had been afraid to obey god?  God had planned that she should be blessed above all women.  However, she had to be obedient to the will of God in order to help fulfill the promise of god to all people.  The fulfillment of the gift of God through Christ Jesus was contingent on her obedience to God’s mysterious and wonderful plan.

       Chief musician you have been chosen to tell the wonderful story of Christ’s coming once again to earth to save sinful men and women.  Only eternity will reveal how important your obedience is to God’s strategic plan for bringing hope and salvation to post-modern and post post-modern men  and women who hear you and those who music with you during  this season.

Song for the Day “Good Christian me Rejoice”  Latin Carol, 16th Century, translated by John Neale

Thought for the Day

Mary was truly blessed above all women to be chosen to bear the Christ Child.  She was blessed because God knew that she would be obedient to the will of God.  She was also blessed because she was obedient to God’s will.        

Prayer for the Day 

I want to thank you Lord for placing all those music ministers out there in your kingdom to minister musically to those who experience the musicing of my choir and orchestra this Christmas.  May the words, melodies, and harmonies, that they produce bring honor to your matchless name.  Lord, help all those who are out there musicing for You this Christmas season to not become weary in well doing.  Help us all to be faithful to the task of telling the good news of Christ’s coming to those who attend worship services and sacred music productions this Christmas.  These things I am praying in your name.  Amen.

 

God Uses Holy Men and Women at Christmas

God Uses Holy Men and Women at Christmas  

Malachi 3:1 states, “Behold I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.”

       Have you ever thought about the fact that God used a man to help prepare the way for His Son’s coming to dwell with us?  Why would god need john the Baptist to help prepare the people for Christ’s coming?

       John was “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Luke 3:4).  His message was, “there cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.  I indeed baptize you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (St Mark 1:7-8).  The prophet Malachi stated, “He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer an offering in righteousness (Malachi #:2-4).

       If we as Christian musicians have any hope of offering the lord musical offerings in “righteousness”, we must have our hearts purified by the cleansing baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus is coming again and we as Christian musicians are called to help prepare this world to be ready spiritually for His coming.  God has, in his great wisdom, chosen us to go to a high mountain and tell the good news of Christ’s coming to save sinful men and women.

       It is the Christmas season any we will have the opportunity of give God a musical offering in righteousness and at the time minister to some folks that we may not see again until Easter Sunday morning.  We need to make sure that we are filled with god’s Spirit as we minister musically during this Christmas season.    

Wise Men on a Journey of Faith

 

 

Wise Men on a Journey of Faith

Matthew 2:1-2 states, “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, 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.”

       These men who were kings came from the east to worship Christ.  Before Christ was born in Bethlehem, these Gentile kings started their very long journey from the east.  They weren’t Jews, but somehow they knew about the ancient scrolls that contained prophesies of the birth of a Jewish king.  Somehow they must have read the Isaiah scroll that stated, “Arise shine for thy light has come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.  For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.  And the Gentiles shall come to the light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:1-3).

       These Eastern kings understood the meaning of this passage from the Isaiah scroll in with a different understanding based upon their knowledge of the study of the stars.  Somehow when Christ’s star appeared in the heavens at night it sparked faith in them to seek out the Christ child and worship Him.

       If God can who spoke worlds into existence can call Gentile kings from the east to come to worship Christ, He can cause those in the community around your church to come to your Christmas presentation.  He can make it possible for them to hear the clear message that Christ came to earth to save sinful men and women from their sins.  Chief musician do not get discouraged.  It is your job to preach Christ crucified with your Christmas presentation and it is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict men and women of their sin.  So, go tell it on the mountain top.  Tell them that Christ was born to forgive them of their sins.   You must take courage because you have a great job to do this Christmas season.

Prayer for the Day 

I thank you Lord for sending the wise men to seek and worship You long ago.  Help me to be a wise man and seek you today and throughout this Christmas season.  Help me to truly worship you during this Christmas season.  May I never lose the wonder of your journey to earth to save my soul from the fires of hell.  Thank you that you came all the way from heaven to find me and give me life everlasting.  These things I pray.  Amen.  

Song for the Day “Wonderful Story of Love” by J.M. Driver     

Thought for the Day

It is no joke that wise men still seek Christ.  Are you a seeker after God?

God Really Is With Us

 

God Really Is With Us

Isaiah 7:14 states, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and thou shall call his name Immanuel.”

       St. Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah’s prophesy and further explains that Emmanuel means “God with us”.  To a people long ago who were in great darkness, God promised to send His son to be with us!  It was a long time after Isaiah’s prophesy before Christ was born, but god always keeps His promises

       Christian musician be sure to remind everyone who takes part in your Christmas musical ministry that Christ’s coming to earth in space and time was a fulfillment of God’s promise to mankind that God really would come to earth to dwell with us.  Although you, as a music minister, may believe that all those who minister musically with you know all about the story of Christ’s coming to earth—tell them again! 

       I get blessed just thinking about the fact that God was and is with us.  We are not alone on this earth.  We may not be able to see Him, but we can experience His presence very, very near us at this time of Christmas.  Christ came to abide with us—not just visit us.  He came to tabernacle with his children.  Be sure to invite all who minister with you to experience Christ in a special way as they music unto Hi.   That will make their musicing real and very special this Christmas season.