The Christmas songs plays softly in the background while I do my preparations for Christmas. When I hear the song, I remember a post written a few years ago. I have edited it to share today …
I found myself wondering …. What will be the most frequently used words in the cards this year?
“Peace on earth, good will to men.â€
At the time of Jesus’ birth, these were the very words declared by the angels (found in Luke 2:14). They were referring to the fullness of blessing which the birth of our Savior would bring. Salvation. Well-being for His people. It was not just the absence of hostility or conflict.
“Then rang the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.”
Four centuries passed in which God was silent. Not a word. No prophecy given. The people had to be wondering, “Where is He?â€. Yet the psalmist tells us, “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.†(Psalm 121:4) Every minute He is awake and attentive to His people. His silence is not indicative of inactivity. There will be a day when He will right every wrong.
The Christmas bells will ring this year as they have every year since His birth. Here’s the thing …..
“And with our hearts we’ll hear them.”
There are truths that we will only be able to hear with our hearts. Perhaps that is why Jesus prayed for our “hearingâ€: “Then Jesus said, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.†(Mark 4:9). He knew our hearts and ears need to work in conjunction with one another.
“Open up your heart and hear them.”
May we open our hearts to Him. May we hear His words to us these days leading to His coming. “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord.†(Jeremiah 24:7).
May you bend in close to Him and hear Him for yourself!
Joanne, visiting from WWI (#8) – your post is perfect for me today. Blessings!
Susan, I am grateful it was. Hoping you had a joyous Christmas!
Such a great message. We really do hear from our hearts. So glad God made us that way. Joining from #threewordwednesday today. PS: My grandmother was “Mimi” to me!
Pam, may our hearts hear more clearly in 2016 is my prayer. I always enjoy knowing of the many “Mimi’s” out there 🙂
LOVE this song!! And it’s message! I even included it on my holiday play list I shared today in a post! ♥ And your blog redesign is LOVELY Joanne!! Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you, Heather. Hope you have a joyous Christmas & here’s to many blessings to come in 2016!
God has been showing me that my word for 2016 is to be listen, so your post was another confirmation.
I am so grateful God used this post to confirm your word to you, yet again. May 2016 be the year of leaning in & listening. Blessings to you!
We’ve been having advent devotions at church this month based on a different carol each week. This reminds me of those, and it encourages me well. Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
So grateful you were encouraged. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your growing family!