HymnSite.com's Suggested Hymns
"Pray Humbly"
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| Scripture | Theme | Hymns | ||
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| Zephaniah 3:14-20 | From punishment to pardon; from oppression to honor. |
165: Hallelujah!
What a Savior 203: Hail to the Lord's Anointed 600: Wonderful Words of Life |
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| Isaiah 12:2-6 | God, our strength and our salvation | 110: A Mighty Fortress
Is Our God 247: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright 662: Stand Up and Bless the Lord |
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| Philippians 4:4-7 | Rejoice in the Lord always! | 89: Joyful, Joyful,
We Adore Thee 160: Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart 229: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly 715: Rejoice, the Lord Is King |
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| Luke 3:7-18 | John's message of good news and repentance | 355: Depth of
Mercy 539: O Spirit of the Living God |
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Featured Hymn
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Music: Harmonia Sacra; arr. from G.F. Handel
Tune: CHRISTMAS
Meter: CM
"The story of Christmas" is not just one story. We have the story of Mary, who had the surprise of her life when an angel told her that she would bear a child by the Spirit of God. We have the story of Joseph, who heard the same thing, but from a very different perspective. We have the stories of the visit with Elizabeth, the journey to Bethlehem, the visit of the Magi, and more.
This week's featured hymn was written by Nahum Tate (1652-1715), a contemporary of Isaac Watts. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks is probably Tate's only hymn that is still in general use, but the reason for its continuing popularity is clear. It captures the story of shepherds who received the good news of the Savior's birth on the very first Christmas night. These shepherds, none of whom are named, were terrified of the angels. But the angel comforted them and gave them "glad tidings of great joy." But that was not all. The angel described a sign by which the shepherds would recognize the promised child. They went, they saw, they rejoiced.
How often does God make His word known to us today? Every day. We can read and know and accept the messages given to Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, the magi, and the shepherds. What will we do with that message each day? Will we hear and follow just as the shepherds did?
Read the words of this hymn, accept them as a challenge to believe God's message for you, and act on that message. Like the shepherds, you will be filled with great joy.
| 1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground; the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around, and glory shone around. |
2. "Fear not!" said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind. "Glad tidings of great joy I bring to all of humankind, to all of humankind." |
| 3. "To you, in David's town, this day is born of David's line a Savior, who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be the sign, and this shall be the sign:" |
4. "The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed, all meanly wrapped in swathing bands, and in a manger laid, and in a manger laid." |
| 5. Thus spake the seraph and forthwith appeared a shining throng of angels praising God on high, who thus addressed their song, who thus addressed their song: |
6. "All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; good will henceforth from heaven to earth begin and never cease, begin and never cease!" |
May hear the word of the Lord and experience the joy of the shepherds every day.
God bless you--
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| Passages suggested are from The Revised Common Lectionary: Consultation on Common Texts (Abingdon Press, 1992) copyright © by the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), P.O. Box 340003, Room 381, Nashville TN 37203-0003. Reprinted with permission of CCT. |