Articles with the Tag Christmas

How Many Kings

Faith, Hope, Joy, Life, Uncategorized
Published on
An ornate gold throne with red velvet.

My clock radio awakened me with a song I’d never heard before: “How Many Kings.” I laid still, mesmerized by the words.

Once I began working on my computer that morning, I found the link to the original video performed by Downhere. As I watched the lead singer pour out his heart, he became lost in the words just as I had. The rest of the day I kept singing the song, because it brought me straight to the manger. The baby lying there reminded me of all Jesus had given up to make sure I could receive God’s precious gift of salvation.

You may already be familiar with this song, but I want to present these words in black and white and give you a moment to once again ponder the significance of the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ.


Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe, after all we’ve projected

A child in a manger?

Lowly and small, the weakest of all

Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother’s shawl

Just a child

Is this who we’ve waited for?

 

‘Cause how many kings step down from their thrones

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

And how many gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that is torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

 

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior

All that we have, whether costly or meek

Because we believe

Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure

And myrrh for the cross He will suffer

Do you believe?

Is this who we’ve waited for?

 

How many kings step down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

And how many gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that is torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only one did that for me

 

Oh, all for me, oh

All for me, all for you

All for me, all for you

 

Nothing but this song is on my heart to give you today. May your personal celebration of Jesus Christ take on greater meaning as you ponder all He did for you.

For today in the city of David

There has been born for you

A Savior, who is Christ, the Lord.

And this will be a sign for you: 

you will find a baby wrapped in cloths,

and lying in a manger.  (Luke 2:11-12)

A Christmas Letter to Jesus

Connections, Faith, Joy, Life
Published on
A christmas letter to jesus.

Jesus, when You were born, You weren’t just baby Jesus. You were so much more.

The prophet Isaiah announced: A Child will be born to us. A Son will be given to us. And His Name—Your name—will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Who You are is revealed in these four names. Together they represent the Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. You are everything this world needs. Everything we need.

Guiding Name – You are our Wonderful Counselor who will walk with us through all decisions. You say to each of us, “Child, I will guide you. I will put thoughts in your mind and hope in your heart for your future.”

Powerful Name – You, Jesus, are Mighty God. All power rests in You. You say to us, “I am in your heart. Don’t struggle to make progress in your life and overcome weakness. Let My power fully operate. I will overcome your weaknesses and give you courage to walk forward in confidence because you’re filled with My power.”

Timeless Name – You are our Eternal Father. You are not bound by time or space. You lead us step by step, and our true destination is eternal life in heaven where You are. We will live in timelessness with You because there is no end. We will live fully in Your presence, and You will fill us with Your joy.

Comforting Name – You are the Prince of Peace. We, your children, long for peace. We look around and see only chaos and destruction. Yet, when You left this earth to return to Your Father in heaven, You told us, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not like the world gives to you. Don’t let your hearts be downcast, and don’t be afraid.” Your comforting peace in our hearts will enable us to live in this world. When others notice peace in the midst of our painful, troublesome, or hopeless circumstances, may they see You in us.

Jesus, we love You. We long to be with You today. But until that day comes, we want to listen for Your voice in our everyday lives, and be faithful to represent “You” to everyone we meet.

We remember the story of that night long ago when You were born to bring us new life, inner peace, and hope of eternity. Help us live as changed people who are following Your steps. And one day, our last step will lead us to You.

*Some reflections and prayers from Gail’s journal (reworded to apply to all of us).
Based on Isaiah 9:6.