Life Matters - Christmas 2022

‘Twas sundown in Israel, and in the stillness of night,
The stars were a’twinkling, giving out their faint light,
When a notable star shone out from the rest,
Moved across the night sky, from the east to the west.
Wise men from the east, traveled far through the night,
With wonder they followed, that star shining bright.
In the hills of Judea, shepherds tended their flocks,
The sheep contentedly rested, shepherds carefully watched,
For danger always lurking, in the dark of night,
Whether wolf or whatever, they put danger to flight.
The shepherds cared for the sheep, in shifts guarded the flock,
Lest a predator approach, hid by hill or by rock.
The sheep bedded down, now peacefully slept,
Trusting the shepherds, through the darkness of night.

‘Twas darkness over all, when light pierced the night,
The angel of the Lord, came with glorious light,
To the hills of Judea, to these shepherds drew near,
Saying—“Fear not”—speaking peace to their fear.
“I bring you good tidings of great joy,” he said unto them,
And he spake of a baby, born in Bethlehem.
Suddenly, there appeared in the sky, a heavenly host,
Angels singing glory to God, hope for the lost.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
Goodwill to men,” they sang with angelic grace.
Then the angels withdrew, left these men with their thoughts,
With understanding of Scripture, God was opening their hearts.
Went searching for this baby, goodwill from above,
Announced by angels, who sang of heavenly love.

Night lights in the sky, shone on hills as of old,
The shepherds found the baby, as God had foretold,
Wrapped in swaddling clothes, in a manger was laid.
Birthed in Bethlehem, as the angel had said,
No soft downy bed, in a stable was born,
The virgin Mary his mother, yet God’s only Son.
From the world’s foundation, this day was appointed,
For this child to be born, as the prophets had spoken.
The shepherds worshipped, when the Holy baby they found,
In a stable near the Inn, barn animals gathered ‘round.
The star from the east, stood still in the night,
The wise men had followed, the rays of its light,
To the place where he lay, their hearts all a’stir,
They worshipped, gave gifts, of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

‘Twas a new dawn in the world, because this baby so precious,
Was foretold by God, through the prophets and Moses,
He’s Messiah, our Savior, Redeemer and friend,
Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,
The Way, the Truth, the Life, our sure foundation,
Good Shepherd, Cornerstone, our Sanctification.
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace,
A man of sorrows, He’s acquainted with grief,
The Word was made flesh, as God sent us His Word,
Jesus, Immanuel, He’s the Light of the world.
He died on the cross, atoning sacrifice for our sin,
He arose from the grave, now we can live cleansed,
He ascended – sent down, His Spirit from above,
Now for Christmas, as always, Jesus shows us God’s Love.