All Weekly Sharpening Posts

December 21, 2021

Do You Hear What I Hear?

My daughter, Maddie, made an awesome Christmas playlist last year that I’ve been listening to a lot lately.  It’s amazing how some of these songs can transport me back in time where I relive Christmas memories from my childhood.

Those moments are fun.

But what I really enjoy is when the lyrics of a Christmas hymn speak to my soul, and I’m overwhelmed by the love and magnitude of Christ coming into the world.  I’ve known and sung these songs since I was a child, but the beauty and power of the lyrics escaped me for most of my life.

There are many such lyrics tucked away in our favorite Christmas songs, but here are four examples that never cease to move me when I think about their significance and what they mean for our broken world so in need of a Savior.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled

It’s that last line that gets me every time.  God and sinners reconciled.  Four words that perfectly sum up the Gospel.

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, oh, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

I find it so powerful and profound that Jesus was “Lord at his birth.”  Even as a baby, he reigned supreme.

Joy to the World

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonder wonders of His love

The glories of His righteousness and the wonders of His love shine brighter than anything this world has to offer.  They are on full display in every nation of the world.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy

We have no reason to be dismayed when we remember that Jesus was born on Christmas day and saved us all from Satan’s power.  He has overcome the world!  And that’s wonderful news for all of us!

Merry Christmas, men!

I’ll be back in the New Year with upcoming opportunities for men.  It’s going to be a great 2022!