And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 NKJV
The First Noel is a traditional English carol likely dating from the 14th century. Now that is a long time ago! The version we sing today, stems from a revision done in 1823 by Davies Gilbert and William Sandys. But no matter who wrote the words, the beauty of this special song shines brightly, not only in the East, but also in the hearts of all who have followed the star and found the Lord Jesus for themselves. I hope you will be blessed by our little team of volunteers, who came out Sunday, and then again on Wednesday night to sing at several different facilities around our community. We have one more to sing for tonight, so please pray that our voices hold out!!
I love both singing the hymns as well as the stories behind them, and had always believed ,” Be Thou My Vision” an 8th century hymn attributed to Saint Patrick to be the oldest. So this even more ancient song, released by Keith and Kristyn Getty with J.J. Heller took me quite by surprise. Dating from the 5th century this is stunning both in its words as well as the old French melody that is paired with them. Though they share this as part of a Christmas collection, I am not sure that was the original intent of the author. I am simply in awe to think that these poignant lyrics have come down to us from 16 centuries past. I pray you will be blessed to take a few quiet moments to listen, this Sunday.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46 KJV
When Francis Havergal wrote these lines, they were not a hymn, but a poem, which she composed most likely during her time of severe illness. The melody we sing was composed two years later by James Mountain. Her lines, “Every joy or trial, falleth from above.” were an expression of her entire confidence, that whatever the outcome of her illness would be, that her life was fully in the hands of God. God Himself, is that merchant in today’s verse. He searched for and found us, then He went and sold all that he had to purchase us with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Now, Jesus gives this peace with God as the Pearl of Great Price to “Those who trust Him wholly and find Him wholly true.” I pray that you will be blessed as you consider the words, no matter your circumstances. May you each have a blessed Thanksgiving tomorrow and rest in God’s peace that was purchased for us with such a great price.
Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace Over all victorious in its bright increase Perfect yet it floweth fuller every day Perfect yet it growth deeper all the way
Stayed upon Jehovah Hearts are fully blest Finding as He promised Perfect peace and rest
Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand Never foe can follow - Never traitor stand Not a surge of worry - Not a shade of care Not a blast of hurry touch the Spirit there
Every joy or trial falleth from above Traced upon our dial by the sun of love We who trust Him fully all for us to do They who trust Him fully find Him fully true
Francis Havergal lyrics - 1874 - James Mountain music
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