Intensity


Intensity

Light is unique in many ways. We perceive it in a spectrum of what we might call its strength.
Physicists would call this variable amount of light emitted or transmitted, the light’s “intensity.”

Darkness, on the other hand, does not exist as a “thing” or condition. Darkness is simply the
absence of light.

The Bible uses these images when describing spiritual life, as well. He is Light, and He is life.
Where are you walking?

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Deconstructed Christmas Carols-Part III


By C. Sampson
The fun continues with our take on O Little Town of Bethlehem. One more still to come-stay tuned!

O Little Town of Bethlehem
 
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.


Bethlehem, just a small town where nothing exciting ever happens. Looking at you, no one would anticipate the miracle you would be involved in. As your residents slept, the Light of the world entered into the darkness and made visible the invisible God. This event brought fulfillment to those who had faithfully waited for the Savior and give them courage that they were not alone.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals 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!


Jesus was born that night. And, though men may have been sleeping, the angels were well aware of what had occurred. The heavens erupted with praises to God, acknowledging the miracle that had been witnessed. There was a joyous time of celebration and excitement now that peace has been made available to man.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv’n;
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.


The gift of God’s own Son came without earthly fanfare. God chose to use humble people of low status rather than the grandeur of royalty or the accessibility of modern times to send the Savior. Though difficult to comprehend, especially while stuck in the depth of our rebellion to God, those who are willing to humble themselves before God, accept the reality of His coming and submit to His authority will be welcomed in to His family.

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!


A prayer: Jesus, we believe in You. We ask that you reach out to us and enter our lives. Take away our sin and be Lord of all we are. We have heard the story, the gospel, of Your good news. You came to save us from ourselves and reconcile us to God the Father. We receive that gift of redemption and desire you to be our God and be here with us that we would know true peace.

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