Hear the Voice of My Beloved

Okay, so this is not a Christmas song, nor even a hymn, strictly speaking. But the scripture reading for today in the Catholic liturgy was from Song of Solomon and it reminded me of this beautiful song. It's one of my very favorite songs of all time, especially as sung by Cynthia Clawson (see link to the video, below). I meant to post it several weeks ago, then I forgot and couldn't remember which song it was I intended to post -- until today when I was reminded of it. So I'm posting it today, lest I forget again.

* Maranatha * is an Aramaic expression usually translated as "Come, Lord" and associated with the second coming of Christ.

1

Hear the voice of my Beloved

Gently call at close of day.

Come, my love, oh come and meet me

Rise, oh rise, and come away.

2

Winter's dark will soon be over

And the rains are nearly done.

Flowers bloom and trees are budding;

Time for singing has begun.

3

I have waited through the shadows

For my Lord to call for me.

Now the morning breaks eternal;

In His light, His face I see.

Now the morning breaks eternal

And at last His face I see.

4

When you see the fig tree budding,

You will know the summer's near.

When you hear the words Iv'e spoken,

You will know my coming's near.

Keep on listening my beloved,

For my coming's very near.

Songwriters: Bill Gaither, Gloria L Gaither, Ron Griffin.

Please take a listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-FGjI4WVG4

Song of Solomon 2:8-14

The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills.

My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.

My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

This Advent/Christmas hymn is from the 16th century, its authorship unknown. The tune and harmonies commonly used today were composed by Michael Praetorius in 1609. The original lyrics were written in German, and were translated by Theodore Baker in 1894 into the text most well known to English speakers today:

Lo, how a rose e'er blooming,

From tender stem hath sprung.

Of Jesse's lineage coming,

As men of old have sung;

It came, a flow'ret bright,

Amid the cold of winter,

When half spent was the night.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it,

The Rose I have in mind,

With Mary we behold it,

The virgin mother kind;

To show God's love aright,

She bore to men a Savior,

When half spent was the night.

* * *

The tradition of Christ being born at midnight has no scriptural basis, per se. There are indications that the birth took place at night. Luke 2:8-9 "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them" announcing the birth of the savior. But the exact timing of the midnight hour is of less literal than spiritual importance. The darkest hour of the night, particularly when associated with the winter solstice, is the moment when the light begins to return and banish the darkness.

The theme of darkness vs light -- and the symbolism of Christ as light -- permeates the scriptures:

Isaiah 9:2 

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."

John 1:4-5 

"In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."

John 12:46 

"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."

John 8:12 

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

* * *

The symbolism of the Rose is up for debate. Various passages of scripture have been cited as likely sources for the analogy.

Solomon 2:1 

"I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley." This reference evokes some Catholic sources who claim that the focus of the hymn was originally upon Mary, the "mystical rose".

Isaiah 11:1 

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots." 

Isaiah 35:1 

"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." 

This seems to be a more solid Biblical basis for the imagery in the hymn. 

* * *

In any case, it is a most beautiful song, and one of my favorites. 

In the Bleak Midwinter

 1

In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan,

Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone.

Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,

In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

2

Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;

Heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.

In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

3

Enough for him whom cherubim worship night and day,

A breastful of milk and a mangerful of hay;

Enough for him whom angels fall down before,

The ox and ass and camel which adore.

4

Angels and archangels may have gathered there,

Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;

But only his mother, in her maiden bliss,

Worshiped the Beloved with a kiss.

5

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb,

If I were a wise man I would do my part.

Yet what I can I give him, give my heart.

Christina Rossetti

Bible scholars now believe Jesus was born in the spring, not in midwinter. Well, the Bible never said the birth took place in winter, anyway. It wasn't until the Catholic church co-opted the pagan celebrations of winter solstice that the Christmas observance was scheduled for midwinter. Winter solstice has been ritually observed by practically every culture and every religion throughout recorded human history.

The crux of the lyric, of course, is the last line. A more modern rendition of the song lyric paraphrases slightly --

Yet what can I give him? Give him my heart.

Luke 2

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In

"I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In" is an ancient English Christmas carol. The earliest printed version of the song is from the 17th century. Its authorship is unknown.

The modern lyrics are from an 1833 version by the English lawyer and antiquarian William Sandys, and consist of nine verses.

As with most folk music, the song touches on its subject without a great deal of concern for historic detail or accuracy. Its aim is to convey the story in a way that is simple and memorable. This carol conveys the major elements of the story of the birth of Christ: Bethlehem; the holy family Joseph, Mary, and the baby; the appearance of the angels. The three ships are thought to possibly be a reference to the three Wise Men, specifically the camels on which they rode -- often called "ships of the desert." 

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

I saw three ships come sailing in

On Christmas day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three

On Christmas day, on Christmas day?

And what was in those ships all three

On Christmas day in the morning?

Our Saviour Christ and his lady

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

Our Saviour Christ and his lady

On Christmas day in the morning.

Pray whither sailed those ships all three

On Christmas day, on Christmas day?

Pray whither sailed those ships all three

On Christmas day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

O they sailed into Bethlehem

On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

And all the bells on earth shall ring

On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the angels in heaven shall sing

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

And all the angels in heaven shall sing

On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the souls on earth shall sing

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

And all the souls on earth shall sing

On Christmas day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice amain

On Christmas day, on Christmas day;

Then let us all rejoice amain

On Christmas day in the morning.

Luke 2

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Matthew 2

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Will the Circle Be Unbroken? (The original version)

 1 

There are loved ones in the glory

Whose dear forms you often miss,

When you close your earthly story

Will you join them in their bliss?

2 

In the joyous days of childhood,

Oft they told of wondrous love,

Pointed to the dying Savior,

Now they dwell with Him above.

3 

You remember songs of heaven

Which you sang with childish voice,

Do you love the hymns they taught you,

Or are songs of earth your choice?

4 

You can picture happy gath’rings

Round the fireside long ago,

And you think of tearful partings,

When they left you here below.

5 

One by one their seats were emptied,

One by one they went away,

Now the family is parted,

Will it be complete one day?

Refrain:

Will the circle be unbroken

by and by, yes, by and by?

In a better home awaiting

in the sky, in the sky?

Author: Ada R. Habershon

Be Still, My Soul

1

 Be still my soul the Lord is on thy side

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain

Leave to thy God to order and provide

In every change He faithful will remain

Be still my soul thy best, thy heavenly friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end

2

Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as He has the past

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake

All now mysterious shall be bright at last

Be still, my soul, the waves and winds still know

His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below

3

Be still, my soul, the hour is hast'ning on 

When we shall be forever with the Lord,

When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored. 

Be still, my soul, when change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Katharina Von Schlegel (translated by Jane Borthwick)

This hymn is usually set to the music of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, an absolutely beautiful harmonic setting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmNXeReZqAg

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Matthew 8:23 

And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Whispering Hope

1

Soft as the voice of an angel,

Breathing a lesson unheard,

Hope with a gentle persuasion

Whispers her comforting word:

Wait till the darkness is over,

Wait till the tempest is done,

Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,

After the shower is gone.

2

If, in the dusk of the twilight,

Dim be the region afar,

Will not the deepening darkness

Brighten the glimmering star?

Then when the night is upon us,

Why should the heart sink away?

When the dark midnight is over,

Watch for the breaking of day.

3

Hope, as an anchor so steadfast,

Rends the dark veil for the soul,

Whither the Master has entered,

Robbing the grave of its goal;

Come then, oh, come, glad fruition,

Come to my sad weary heart;

Come, O Thou blest hope of glory,

Never, oh, never depart.

Refrain:

Whispering hope, oh, how welcome thy voice,

Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.

Author: Alice Hawthorne (1868)

Romans 15:13

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 8:24-25

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Romans 5:1- 5

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Acts 2:25-26

For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

1 Corinthians 15:54-55

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

I Jumped Through the Last Hoop

 

Finally

*Currently only available in paperback. Still working on the Kindle version.*

FYI

West Bangor Congregational Church choir

  Sorry I'm so sporadic with these posts. I'm working on a couple of other projects (several, actually). One of those is to re-work this blog into a book. I tried it once but ran into a snag about copyright issues. So now I'm trying to put together a sort of daily devotional book using hymns/gospel songs and scriptures. I hope to be able to get it finished in such a way as to not violate any copyright laws. Wish me luck.

O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee

 

1

O Master, let me walk with Thee

  In lowly paths of service free;

Tell me Thy secret, help me bear

  The strain of toil, the fret of care.

2

Help me the slow of heart to move

  By some clear, winning word of love;

Teach me the wayward feet to stay,

  And guide them in the homeward way.

3

In hope that sends a shining ray

  Far down the future’s broad’ning way,

In peace that only Thou canst give,

  With Thee, O Master, let me live.

Lyrics:Washington Gladden (1836-1918)

Ephesians 5:1-2

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Psalm 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalm 26:1

Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

Psalm 26:3

For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

Psalm 26:11

But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

Psalm 89:15

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Colossians 2:6

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?

 

1 

Must Jesus bear the cross alone

And all the world go free?

No, there's a cross for ev'ry one,

And there's a cross for me.

2 

The consecrated cross I'll bear

Till death shall set me free,

And then go home my crown to wear,

For there's a crown for me.

3 

Upon the crystal pavement, down

At Jesus' pierced feet,

Joyful, I'll cast my golden crown

And His dear name repeat.

4 

O precious cross! O glorious crown!

O resurrection day!

Ye angels, from the stars come down

And bear my soul away.

Author: Thomas Shepherd

1 Peter 2:19-24

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Matthew 16:24-25

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Philippians 3:10-11

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Matthew 10:38

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 16:24

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Mark 8:34

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Mark 10:21

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Luke 9:23

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Luke 14:27

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Onward Christian Soldiers

1 

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before!

Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;

Forward into battle, see his banner go!

Refrain:

Onward, Christian soldiers,

marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus

going on before!

2 

At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;

On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!

Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;

Brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise! [Refrain]

3 

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;

Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod;

We are not divided; all one body we,

One in hope and doctrine, one in charity. [Refrain]

4 

Onward, then, ye people, join our happy throng,

Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song;

Glory, laud, and honor, unto Christ the King;

This thro' countless ages men and angels sing. [Refrain]

Author: S. Baring-Gould

1 Timothy 6:12

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Ephesians 6:10-17

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

2 Timothy 2:3-7

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

Have Thine Own Way

 

1 

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!

Thou art the potter, I am the clay.

Mold me and make me after thy will,

while I am waiting, yielded and still.

2 

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!

Search me and try me, Master today!

Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,

as in thy presence humbly I bow.

3 

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!

Wounded and weary, help me I pray!

Power, all power, surely is thine!

Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

4 

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!

Hold o'er my being absolute sway.

Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see

Christ only, always, living in me!

Author: Adelaide A. Pollard (1906)

Isaiah 64:8

But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Operator

Here's a gospel song (sort of) that's just for fun

You gotta listen to it to appreciate it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWyqx-ZOEyE

(Dove Brothers)

Operator . . . give me . . . information.

Information . . . give me . . . long distance.

Long distance . . . give me . . . Hea. . . ven.

Operator, information,

Give me Jesus on the line.

Operator, information

I'd like to speak to a friend of mine.

Prayer is the number and faith is the exchange,

Heaven is the city, Jesus is the name.

Now operator, information,

Give me Jesus on the line.

Operator, information,

Tell me why it’s taking so long;

Operator, information,

Don't try to tell me what number to call.

My mother used this number when I was very small,

And every time she dialed it she always got a call;

Oh operator, information,

Please give me Jesus on the line.

Operator, information,

Please help me if you can.

Operator, information,

Please connect me with the Man.

Don't worry about the money, I will pay the charge,

Just give me a private line I'm calling from the heart.

Operator, information,

Give me Jesus on the line.

Music and Lyrics by Reggie Calloway,

Belinda G. Lipscomb, Vincent L. Calloway

Psalm 116:1-2

I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

Salvation Has Been Brought Down

This song has to be listened to, to be fully appreciated. It's wonderful fun to sing.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=xfxF2i&v=830398572526531&rdid=17nmsRouVGKow26G

1

Jesus gave His life a ransom yonder on Calvary,

On Mount Calvary, cruel Calvary,

Paved the way by blood that we might win a bright shining crown;

Praise His (blessed) holy name, 

salvation has been brought down. (O glory!)

Chorus:

Praise the Lord, (blessed Lord), salvation has been brought down (from heaven),

Go and shout (go and shout), and tell it the world around, (Go preach it and) 

Tell it today (to people in sorrow),

Tell it today (and tell it tomorrow),

Preach the word of God that we might win a (shining) crown (in heaven);

Tell the lost (all the lost) salvation is full and free (to sinners),

Spread the news (blessed news) all over the land and sea, (Go teach it and)

Tell it afar (in every nation),

Tell it afar (all over creation),

Praise the Lord, (blessed Lord), salvation has been brought down!

2

All alone without a friend He suffered to pay it all,

Yes, He paid it all, Jesus paid it all;

In His blessed promises sweet victory can be found,

Praise His (blessed) holy name, salvation has been brought down. (O glory!) 

[Chorus]

3

There's a blessed home prepared way over in gloryland,

In bright gloryland, blessed gloryland;

I have trusted in His love and now I am heaven bound;

Praise His (blessed) holy name, salvation has been brought down. (O glory!)

[Chorus]

Words and music: Albert E. Brumley

Are You Ready?

 

1 

There's a great day coming,

A great day coming,

There's a great day coming by and by,

When the saints and the sinners shall

be parted right and left,

Are you ready for that day to come?

2 

There's a bright day coming,

A bright day coming,

There's a bright day coming by and by,

But its brightness shall only come

to them that love the Lord,

Are you ready for that day to come?

3 

There's a sad day coming,

A sad day coming,

There's a sad day coming by and by,

When the sinner shall hear His doom,

"Depart, I know ye not!"

Are you ready for that day to come?

Refrain:

Are you ready? Are you ready?

Are you ready for the judgment day?

Are you ready? Are you ready?

for the judgment day?

Author: Will L. Thompson

Matthew 25

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Count Your Blessings

 

1 

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

2 

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

3 

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings, money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

4 

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Refrain:

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your blessings, see what God hath done;

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Author: Johnson Oatman

John 1:16

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Ephesians 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Mark 10:21

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Luke 4:10

For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:

Whiter Than Snow

 
1

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole,

I want Thee forever to live in my soul;

Break down every idol, cast out every foe;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

REFRAIN:

Whiter than snow; yes, whiter than snow;

Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

2

Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain,

Apply Thine own blood and extract every stain;

To get this blest cleansing I all things forego;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

3

Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies,

And help me to make a complete sacrifice;

I give up myself and whatever I know;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

4

Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat;

I wait, blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet;

By faith, for my cleansing I see Thy blood flow;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

5

Lord Jesus, Thou see-est I patiently wait;

Come now, and within me a new heart create;

To those who have sought Thee Thou never saidst, No;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lyrics:James Nicholson 1828-1876

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

The Silver Star

 

The Church of Christ does not observe Christmas as a religious holiday because the only "holy day" authorized in the New Testament is the first day of the week (in my childhood often referred to as "the Lord's day"). The birth of Christ is part of  the New Testament narrative, so our church hymnals and songbooks did include songs usually associated with the traditional holiday, but we didn't usually sing them on or near the appropriate season. (However, we hardly ever sang them any other time, either.)

The original lyrics of this song have been somewhat edited in our Church of Christ songbooks, for specific points of doctrinal dissent. (*sigh*) I have noted those changes in the lyrics below. 

1 

On the brow of night there shines a silver star,

On the brow of night there shines a silver star,

And the wise men gaze on its heav’nly rays,

Till they find the King, whose throne they sought afar,

In the Babe of Bethlehem.

2 

’Tis the lamp of God high hanging in the air,

’Tis the lamp of God high hanging in the air,

And it guides our feet thro’ the royal street;

There is sweet soul-rest for those who seek it there,

From the Babe of Bethlehem.

3 

Bring your gifts of gold, of frankincense and myrrh, 

Bring your gifts of gold, of frankincense and myrrh,

For the King we own is on David’s throne; 

Let the holy Child* your best affections stir;

[*PRIEST AND KING]

’Tis the Babe of Bethlehem. 

Refrain

Silver star, holy light,

Shine afar, o’er the night,

Till the world shall come where the young Child lay*,

[*FROM ITS SIN-STAINED WAY]

And enter the gates of the newborn day.

Author: D. K. En

Tune: Horatio Richmond Palmer

Matthew 2

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.