Emmanuel

Emmanuel

Emmanuel

I love Christmas. Family gatherings, children's Christmas programs, shopping, Christmas parties, remembering Christmas' past and those loved ones who are no longer with us. Christmas memories take me back to an uncomplicated, happy time, before so much life happened. One of my favorite memories is singing Christmas hymns at church. If I had to pick an all time favorite hymn as a child, I would have to say "Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," an old time hymn from the 1940s (and of course, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer")! There are so many incredible hymns that may seem "old-fashioned" or "outdated," but as I sing those same hymns as an adult, with a greater understanding of the words that are strung together and the One they are so powerfully written about, I am humbled and amazed. When I sing those hymns today, I'm reminded of Who Christmas is about and the simplicity of a season that can so easily be overcrowded by busy holiday to-do lists. Today, I encourage you to think back on some "old" Christmas hymns, maybe one you can remember your grandmother always singing or one you remember singing as a child; search it on YouTube, and see the words with fresh eyes and then sing along, because you know you want to. J Oh, today's favorite is "Emmanuel." Translation "God is with us." Can you even imagine? GOD with US. God, the creator and sustainer of all things, the KING of Kings, the Great I AM humbled Himself and came to earth to dwell among us -- His people! Crazy! I can hardly wrap my mind around such a profound truth. And everyone knows "O Holy Night." Hillsong has a great version on YouTube, too. The line "Long lay the world in sin and error pining 'til He appeared and the soul felt its worth, the thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices." Wow. That's what I want to consume my heart and mind, not only on Christmas, but year round! Are any of you weary? Well, because of what happened on that very first Christmas over 2,000 years ago, we have an invitation to rejoice and have hope again. What are your favorite hymns??   I love Christmas. Family gatherings, children's Christmas programs, shopping, Christmas parties, remembering Christmas' past and those loved ones who are no longer with us. Christmas memories take me back to an uncomplicated, happy time, before so much life happened. One of my favorite memories is singing Christmas hymns at church. If I had to pick an all time favorite hymn as a child, I would have to say "Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," an old time hymn from the 1940s (and of course, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer")!