Sounds of Christmas

 

SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS

(new rhymes written to Christmas carols)

Carolers harmonizing

of Christ's birth they're now telling

with dear, old Yuletide hymns

about the newborn king.

Take a minute to treasure

these familiar carols treasured

with a current day twist -

perhaps with brother and sis.

- - -

O little town of Bethlehem

where Jesus Christ was born

now celebrated Christmas morn

with pretty papers torn.

Gifts given and received,

some for you and for me

bring much delight to all tonight

around the Christmas lights.

Good friends and kin will gather

on Christmas Day with others

sharing and making memories

to last throughout the years.

Let's not forget the reason

we celebrate this season.

It's more than in receiving,

it's found in believing.

God's gift to us is Jesus,

His promise when we trust

and believe in His sacrifice

upon the cruel cross.

He died for your sin and mine

once-for-all for all time

and now lives with God in heaven,

our new home when we're born again.

Believe and receive God's gift

then live a life of trust.

He’ll remain faithful

whenever we might call.

For it's in prayer God hears us

as we live in faith and trust.

God has a purpose and a plan

for all men and women.

Let's not forget the reason

we celebrate this season.

Christmas is God's Son's birthday,

a day when God made a way

bringing peace on earth and joy

to men, women, girls, and boys.

Simply in Jesus Christ believe

and God's beloved gift receive.

- - -

While shepherds watched their flocks by night

God's glory shone all around.

The night sky filled with heavenly light,

when the angel chorus came down

and God's glory shone all around.

Shepherds saw the newborn baby there

who lay sleeping in the manger.

They all were filled with awe and wonder

as they stood around the manger

as God's glory shone all around.

This Good News was shared with all in town

while God's glory shone all around.

Pass on the Good News you have heard

found recorded in God's Word

then God's glory will shine all around.

- - -

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

glory to the newborn king.

King Jesus has come to save us

when we believe and learn to trust.

Trust and hope for each new day

as we journey on our way.

Trust that God knows what is best.

Hope as we face each new test.

Help is as close as a prayer

as we learn that Jesus cares.

- - -

Silent Night, Holy Night,

all is calm, all is right.

Angel choirs sing "do not fear”

when before shepherds they appeared.

Christ the Savior is born.

Christ the Savior is born.

Silent Night, Holy Night,

all is calm, all is right.

There's a baby in a manger bed

for there's no room in the inn instead.

Christ the Savior is born.

Christ the Savior is born.

Silent Night, Holy Night,

all is calm, all is right.

Shepherds hurriedly entered in

come to worship their newborn king.

Christ the Savor is born.

Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night,

all is calm, all is right.

Shepherds told all what they had seen.

Jesus Christ God's Son now reigns.

Christ the Savior is born.

Christ the Savior is born.

- - -

Away in the Manger no crib for a bed

in a stable where barn animals were fed

a new-born baby would lay down his sweet head.

Luke tells us this story, in the Bible it's read.

Jesus Christ was born there that day in the hay.

Now we honor His birthday on Christmas Day.

Giving gifts we remember the gift gave that day -

Jesus came to bring peace, in our hearts to stay.

- - -

Joy to the World the Lord is come

and carols now are sung.

Let every nation

and all generations

remember now to sing

sweet anthems to the King

giving glory and honor to Him.

Christ is the Lord this Christmas Day.

Let us worship and pray

a prayer of thanksgiving

with joyful singing

that Jesus Christ was born

this blessed Christmas morn

giving glory and honor to Him.

- - -

The First Noel was Christmas Day

in a stable where oxen and donkeys stayed

when angels sang, then shepherds ran

to see what the angels had proclaimed.

They found it was just as they were told

and left with a testimony bold.

Today we celebrate Jesus birth

when Jesus was born upon the earth.

We read about it in Matthew and Luke

where it's been recorded for all who look.

Because someone told us about the Lord

they too have a testimony bold.

Our own testimony should most gladly proclaim

to all that the Lord to earth once came.

Born in a manger then died on the cross,

came to save us all because we are lost.

May our own testimony most gladly proclaim

the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ's holy name.

- - -

Three Wise men and possibly more

following a bright shining star

up and down through deserts and towns

seeking a king newborn.

O King Jesus He's our light

He will guide us through the night

always with us

always for us

everything will turn out right.

Our light is Jesus Christ the Lord.

He is with us forevermore.

Through valleys and mountains,

with a solution -

He is Emmanuel.

O King Jesus He's our light

He will guide us through the night

always with us

always for us

everything will turn out right.

- - -

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

when angel hosts appeared.

Singing to shepherds “peace on earth,”

with all their heavenly worth.

With wonder the shepherds entered in

that stable there by the inn.

It was just as they had been told

that night out in the cold.

Wonderful news for all was heard

when shepherds everyone told.

Good news now written in God's Word

for everyone is stored.

Matthew and Luke is where you'll find

this story from God so kind.

Christmas is more than receiving gifts

it's knowing about God's gift.

God's gift is Jesus Christ, His Son,

sent to this earth to be born.

Was born to give us eternal life

and give us peace in strife.

Simply believe in God's gift to all

when in prayer you call.

Just pray “Dear Heavenly Father”

and God the Father will hear.

- - -

Angels from the Realms of Glory

with good news for every nation.

Came to earth to tell the story

of peace on earth, good will to men.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,

God with us, Emmanuel.

God with us through difficulties,

trials, troubles, uncertainties.

Yes, God with us He has promised

promising peace to all of us.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,

God with us, Emmanuel.

Peace comes down from God the Father

helps us cope whate'vr the matter.

Peace despite anxieties.

Peace with us through emergencies.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,

God with us, Emmanuel.

Peace comes down from God our Counselor.

He's known as the Prince of Peace.

Peace from the Everlasting Father.

Our Mighty God gives us peace.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel,

God with us, Emmanuel.

- - -

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

they're ringing peace to all today

for Jesus Christ has come to save us

when we believe and simply trust.

We need not fear but only trust

for Christ has come to save us

to right the wrongs, to heal the harms

and give us peace whatev’r alarms.

Peace was the anthem of that day

when Jesus Christ came down to stay.

Peace still today for you and me

when we trust the Lord and believe.

- - -

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

when the Lord came down

to be born in a manger here.

Angels announced His birth

to shepherds on earth

with singing and much fanfare.

What wonderful news, Lord Jesus,

when you came down to earth for us.

For us you have come

to a lowly home

being born in a stable there.

And it was for us you were crucified

on the cruel cross you died.

What wonderful news, Lord Jesus,

when you came down to earth for us.

That's not the end of the story

for up from the grave You arose, glory!

and now lives in heaven waiting for us

when we believe and trust.

What wonderful news Lord Jesus,

when you came down to earth for us.

- - -

God Rest You Merry Gentlemen

and women and children

for you can find rest, joy, and peace

in this world of unease.

For Jesus Christ was born this day

now known as Christmas Day

bringing peace to all who believe

when you receive.

Bringing peace to all who believe.

- - -

There's a Song in the Air

so let this be our prayer

to praise the Lord today

and to thank Him always.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for coming that glad day

and thank you for coming into my heart to stay.

Now let this be our song

each and every day long

may our words and our deeds

all be joyful indeed.

Giving thanks to our heavenly Father in heav’n

who now waits to hear from us with arms wide open.

- - -

O Come, All Ye Faithful, joyful and triumphant,

come receive blessings with other Christians.

O come all, o come all, with joyful voices.

Forget about your worries.

Come praise God, give Him glory.

Come hear the Christmas story -

Jesus is born.

- - -

Angels we have heard on high

when they came down from the sky

to announce the Savior's birth

to mankind upon the earth.

Sing gloria, sing gloria, sing gloria, (whole note on sing)

to God in the highest.

Sing gloria, sing gloria, sing gloria,

to God in the highest.

Let's join in and sing this song

to the Lord upon His throne.

Sing it loud and sing it from

a thankful heart the whole day long.

Sing gloria, sing gloria, sing gloria,

to God in the highest.

Sing gloria, sing gloria, sing gloria,

to God in the highest.

- - -

What child is this who came so we

could have new life eternally?

What child could save us from our sins

and give us new life within?

This, this is God's own Son

named Jesus Christ, the Holy One.

This, this is our Savior

who came for young and old.

What child is this who would give His life

upon the cross as a gift?

A gift to mankind to believe

then pray to God to receive.

This, this is God's own Son

named Jesus Christ, the Holy One.

This, this is our Savior

who came for young and old.

Receive forgiveness for all our sins

and help each day as we begin

to live our life of Christlikeness

with much love, joy, peace, and rest.

This, this is God's own Son

named Jesus Christ, the Holy One.

This, this is our Savior

who came for young and old.

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS

 

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS

With each Christmas card I write

I’m thankful for you in my life.

You have been a welcome gift

sent from God to lift my spirits

for God knew

and sent you

as a blessing...continually making.

With each ornament received and hung on the tree,

each year you make for me a special memory.

Rather it’s purchased or stitched with yarn

each ornament contains a yarn -

a dear story.

A new memory.

A blessing...it’s making.

With each picture received

it’s hard to believe

how much your kids have grown.

Wasn’t it yesterday they were born?

Soon they’ll be on their own.

How quickly the years have flown.

A blessing...surely making.

With each cookie baked

and decorated,

recalling childhood memories,

and making someone new memories,

each year when gladly shared -

trees, angels, snowflakes, bears.

A blessing...in the making.

With each gathering at this time of year

with friends or family who are dear

we welcome more blessings

discovered in receiving

another year of blessings

from God who’s ever giving.

A blessing...ever making.

With each Christmas carol heard

we’re reminded of the Lord

who was born one appointed day

in a town far, far away

yet lives within our hearts

and will never depart.

An eternal blessing...forever making.

With each twinkling light

I’m blessed tonight

with memories

of you and me.

Just wanted you to know

wherever you go

a blessing...you’ll be making.

God’s blessings to you and yours

at Christmas time and all year through.

I wish you health,

but above all else -

peace and joy within,

more than anything.

Until we meet again

these blessings to you I send.

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health

and that all may go well with you,

even as your soul is getting along well.

III John 2

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

OBEDIENCE

 

OBEDIENCE

Not much is recorded in the Bible about Joseph,

Jesus' stepfather, other than he loved his wife

and he was quick to be obedient to his God

who spoke to him in dreams through an angel of the Lord.

Just as Mary was chosen to be Jesus' mother,

Joseph was also chosen to be his earthly father.

Was Joseph chosen because God knew he would be obedient

to follow God's instructions whenever and wherever sent?

We do know Joseph was quick to obey

as we read he got up right away

to do what the angel had said

through a dream as he slept on his bed.

Not just once but four or more times.

Joseph obeyed time-after-time.

Willingly, with a heart of faith,

in whatever challenges he faced.

We don't know if Joseph ever questioned God

perhaps thinking the request was too hard.

It seems as if Joseph had learned to trust God

and was willing to embark with a “yes, Lord” nod.

Surely it must have been difficult to move

but Joseph's willing obedience proved

that he knew God's plan was best

as he set out on each new quest.

Joseph, a man of few words,

yet chosen by holy God

perhaps for his willing obedience,

in turn changing the world's essence.

For this obedient man

played a part for all humans

passed down to countless generations

in the Christmas story rendition.

* * * * *

Have you ever felt nudged in your spirit by God

to do something contrary, a bit hard?

Was it something easy to obey?

Or did you grudgingly obey?

Will generations be affected by

whatever it is you were asked to try?

Perhaps you need to pray that your testimony will be bold

for there are millions all over the earth waiting to be told.

Your legacy that you pass down may be

obedience that others will see

that may change the course of a nation

now and through future generations.

Here are a few verses signifying Joseph's obedience:

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife...”

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:20, 24

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.

“Get up,” he said,“Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt...”

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt...

Matthew 2:13-14

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt

and said,

“Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel...”

So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.

Matthew 2:19-21

Having been warned in a dream,

he withdrew to the district of Galilee,

and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth.

Matthew 2:22b-23

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.

Luke 2:39

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation will commend your works to another;

they will tell of your mighty acts.

They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,

and I will mediate on your wonderful works.

They will tell of the power of your awesome works,

and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness

and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

All you have made will praise you, O Lord; your saints will extol you.

They will tell of the glory of your kingdom

and speak of your might,

so that all men may know your mighty acts

and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and your dominion endures through all generations.

The Lord is faithful to all his promises

and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord upholds all those who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways

and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord is near to all who call on him,

to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;

he hears their cry and saves them.

The Lord watches over all who love him,

but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.

Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 145:3-21

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT

 

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT

On that special day that the promised Messiah (baby Jesus) was born,

Joseph and Mary had previously arrived in Bethlehem.

Due to emperor's decree, with taxpayers the town was crowded,

so all the inns or dwellings or places to stay overnight were filled.

The only place lodging was available

for them to spend the night was in a stable.

It came to pass while they were there

in the stable that animals shared

that baby Jesus was born.

His crib was a manger loaned.

Borrowed from animals so kind

that they used to eat and dine.

Meanwhile shepherds around the firelight

keeping watch over their sheep that cold, dark night

saw an angel appear in bright light.

They were afraid when they saw that sight.

“Do not be afraid,” the angel said,

I'm bringing tidings of joy, instead.

“Today your Savior has been born.

His name is Jesus Christ the Lord."

You'll find the baby in a manger.

Shepherds, go now, don't be a stranger.

Then many more angels appeared praising God.

Singing, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.”

Which means “Glory to God in the Highest.”

For with God you will find peace, joy, and rest.

After the angels returned to heaven,

the shepherds said to one another, “Men,

let us go and see what the angel told us,”

for they knew in these words they could surely trust.

The shepherds did not wait, with much haste they hurried.

Just as the angel said, they found baby Jesus.

They told others what they had seen and heard

and today that news is passed down to us.

The shepherds gave testimony of God's good news.

Good news now available to me and you.

Wise men had heard about a new king's birth.

They began their search for Him on the earth.

Led by a bright shining star

they traveled day and night from afar.

Persistent in their quest to meet this king,

they plodded along with gifts to bring.

Herod, the king, didn't like this new news borne

and asked, “Where was this new King to be born?”

His council advised, “Bethlehem, for certain,

according to what the prophet had written.”

Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem to find the child.

Atop of humped camels they rode mile after mile.

The brightest star guided them on their way

until it stopped over the place where Jesus stayed.

They found the young child-King with Mary, His mother,

and at once fell down to worship Him, Jesus, the Savior.

Gifts were given to the young King.

Treasures that the wise men did bring.

Gold and frankincense and myrrh were presented to the Lord.

Causing us to ask, “What can I bring Him, my God and Lord?”

“What shall I bring to the Lord, the God of heaven,

when I come to worship Him?” Micah (6:6) had spoken.

A question at Christmas to ask ourselves: “What can I bring?

What would He desire from me, He who has everything?”

* * * * *

What can you and I bring

to Him who owns everything?

First of all, our commitment of faith

when we accept His amazing grace.

Also, our daily surrender to God to transform our mindset

into His image – for our good and His glory; His best.

These are gifts God desires - our heart foremost,

and to allow God's Word to be our guidepost.

Everyday is Christmas in our heart

when Jesus Christ is a part

of our daily thoughts,

actions, and words.

The prophet Micah states: act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.

Three acts of heart-felt obedience that will magnify

Christ as Lord of your life; displaying Christmas in your heart

each day of the year. Let's keep Christmas' joy and peace in our hearts.

With what shall I come before the Lord

and bow down before the exalted God?...

He has showed me, O man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:6, 8

Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!

Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

Isaiah 1:17

An upright man gives thought to his ways.

Proverbs 21:29

Each one should test his own actions.

Galatians 6:4

Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

May the words of my mouth

and the mediation of my heart

be pleasing in your sight,

O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

PROPHESY

 

PROPHESY

God shared with the prophets of old

the greatest story ever told

now recorded within the pages of scripture.

It's the most wonderful news ever captured.

When humanity was at its worst

God promised to lift the curse

due to willfulness

and waywardness.

God reassured them with a plan,

a baby would be born to a virgin.

This plan promised forgiveness and eternal salvation.

Never before offered in the history of civilization.

Years and years passed before this promise was realized.

This promise still holds true today for us to recognize.

The promise of a savior who would save us from our sins.

The promise of forgiveness and a new way of life begin.

Compare the scriptures below from the new and old testaments

which verify the promise of God's gift to us, a covenant.

As we've learned, the shepherds became the first eye witnesses

as they verified the promise made when they saw baby Jesus.

God's Son, Jesus came to earth, born as a baby,

which we celebrate each December yearly.

A holy day now known the world around as Christmas,

remembering God's gift to us - who is Jesus.

* * * * *

Christmas is much more than decorations with merriment

when celebrating with family and friends met.

The true meaning of Christmas isn't about receiving presents.

The true meaning is found in seeking and finding Christ's presence.

God's presence is as close as a prayer away

when you simply confess in your heart and pray

through receiving God's gift of salvation

which is forgiveness of sins or pardon.

God with us, Immanuel, will abide in your heart

as He promised and He'll never, never depart.

Right now, today, receive His gift of salvation. It's free. No pretense.

It's the best present you'll ever receive, assurance of God's presence.

New Testament

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel - which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:22-23

Old Testament

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

New Testament

"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied,

"for this is what the prophet has written:

'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Matthew 2:5-6

Old Testament

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

though you are small among the clans of Judah,

out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Micah 5:2

He will stand and shepherd his flock

in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they will live securely,

for then his greatness

will reach to the ends of the earth.

And he will be their peace.

Micah 5:4-5

New Testament

She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

You will be with child

and give birth to a son,

and you are to give him the name Jesus.

Luke 1:31

He was named Jesus,

the name the angel had given him

before he had been conceived.

Luke 2:21

Old Testament

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

New Testament

Does not the Scripture say

that the Christ will come from David's family

and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?

John 7:42

Today in the town of David a Savior

has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.

JOY

 

JOY

What joy

that day

when angels sang

sweet anthems.

Songs of jubilation

and glad exultation

with much rejoicing

came down from heaven.

That day when angels came to earth

to announce the Savior’s birth

delightful music filled the air,

heavenly music they did share.

Singing for all they were worth

with jubilation and mirth

filled the shepherd's ears

sung loud and clear.

A song never before heard

was sung to the shepherd’s herd,

but still rings true today

lighting our weary way.

A melody singing glory

bringing God praise and glory.

This song of joy and rejoicing

gives glory to God in heaven.

Angels we have heard on high

sweetly singing o’er the plains

and the mountains in reply

echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

* * * * *

As the angels promised

we can find peace and rest

with joy and gladness

when we simply trust.

The angel’s joy is found

in Christ and can abound

in you when you believe

and in prayer receive.

You’ll be glad

you did

believe

and receive.

Do it now.

This is how:

Dear Jesus, I believe you came to earth to die for my sins.

Please forgive me and help me to live a new life within. Amen.

Give God glory

in melody

or thankful delight

each day and night.

Joy is yours!

God has in store

so much more

than you can wish for.

And if you're weighed down with worry,

stop, and start giving God glory.

Joy will abound

when worry is gone.

You'll find constant worry

is Satan's territory

and robs us of joy.

God's plan abounds with joy.

So with a joyful heart

give God glory, just start.

You'll see life differently

when joy replaces worry.

Sing for joy to God our strength.

Psalm 81:1

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

Glory to God in the highest

and on earth peace to men.

Luke 2:14

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

God's Gift to Us - Christmas

is available via Amazon.