Last year, I mentioned the tradition of the advent wreath that my family does every year. Please join us in our celebration this year as I post the thoughts, scriptures and songs that make up our worship this holiday season.Week 2: The Bethlehem Candle
In many ways, Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth was a lot like my hometown. It was small, fairly unknown, and only had one hotel (there was no room for them in THE inn!). To me, it is just another example of how God can use even the most unlikely of things to bring glory to Himself. From the shepherd boy who killed a giant with a single stone, to the young and insignificant woman who brought forth the Messiah, God has allowed the weakest of us to accomplish His purposes. Take some time this season to reflect on how utterly incapable we humans are, and on the overwhelming grace of God which allows us to reflect His glory and righteousness. “ But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2
Verses to read: Luke 2:1-7
O Little Town of Bethlehem
By Phillips Brooks
By Phillips Brooks
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortal sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And peace to men on earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven
No ear may hear His coming
But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive Him, still
The dear Christ enters in
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortal sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And peace to men on earth
How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven
No ear may hear His coming
But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive Him, still
The dear Christ enters in
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel
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