Do you have a trusted friend on whom you can always count to cover for you when you need it? The people of Israel needed help as they faced some giant enemy nations in battle. That help is also there for us, and beginning Sunday, January 1, we will look at a beautiful song written about it. Read or listen to the message at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
Scripture: Psalm 115
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
All you Israelites, trust in the Lord — he is their help and shield. House of Aaron, trust in the Lord — he is their help and shield. You who fear him, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield.
The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the Lord— small and great alike.
May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind. It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence; it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore.
Praise the Lord.
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon The Hand That Holds Me delivered on Christian Crusaders April 29, 2007 by Rev. Kramer:
Life has its question marks and scary moments that can cause us anxiety and make us feel insecure. However, we have a wonderful Shepherd who laid down his life for you, rose again, and lives to walk with you. He knows you and wants to hold you close in all circumstances. He promises that no one and nothing will snatch you from his nail-pierced, loving, strong hands.
Let Us Hear From You
Christian Crusaders receives several letters a month from listeners across the country. These letters are often sent to thank Christian Crusaders or to comment on a sermon that particularly touched them. Sometimes we receive prayer requests. Listeners have even sent postcards from their vacations! A handwritten note is much appreciated; don’t hesitate to put your thoughts down on paper and mail it our way.
On the Light Side
Jenny was taking an afternoon nap on New Year’s Eve before the festivities. After she woke up, she confided to her husband Max, “I just dreamed you gave me a diamond ring for a New Year’s present. What do you think it all means?”
“Aha, you’ll know tonight,” answered Max smiling broadly.
At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max approached Jenny and handed her a small package. Delighted and excited she opened it quickly. There in her hand rested a book entitled: The Meaning of Dreams.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Awakened to the Message of Christmas
What does the message of Christmas mean to you? It is just the story of a baby who was born in crude circumstances, or more than that? As we celebrate the holiday with our families, may our eyes be opened to the true meaning of Christmas.
Scripture: Luke 2:1-7:36-42
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
John 10:2-13
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Why Did He Come? delivered on Christian Crusaders December 18, 2005.
Christmas can be such a fun time! You meet Christ through the words of the Prophets who wrote, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The angels talk about Him and say, “He will save his people from their sins.” Jesus himself says, “I came to seek and to save that which is lost.” I pray this message may become very personal for each one of us, for then it is Christmas.
The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Carols
Silent Night
When this beloved hymn was written by two humble church leaders for their own mountain village parishioners, little did they realize how universal its influence would eventually be.
Joseph Mohr, assistant priest in the Church of St. Nicholas in the region of Tyrol, high in the beautiful Alps, and Franz Gruber, the village schoolmaster and church organist, had often talked about the fact that the perfect Christmas hymn had never been written. So Father Mohr had this goal in mind when he received word that the church organ would not function. He decided that he must write his own Christmas hymn immediately in order to have music for the special Christmas Eve mass. He did not want to disappoint his faithful flock. Upon completing the text, he took his words to Franz Gruber, who exclaimed when he saw them, “Friend Mohr, you have found it – the right song – God be praised!”
Soon Gruber completed his task of composing an appropriate tune for the new text. His simple but beautiful music blended perfectly with the spirit of Father Mohr’s words. The carol was completed in time for the Christmas Eve mass, and Father Mohr and Franz Gruber sang their new hymn to the accompaniment of Gruber’s guitar. The hymn made a deep impact upon the parishioners even as it has on succeeding generations.
Scripture: Luke 2:1-7:36-42
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
John 10:2-13
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Why Did He Come? delivered on Christian Crusaders December 18, 2005.
Christmas can be such a fun time! You meet Christ through the words of the Prophets who wrote, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The angels talk about Him and say, “He will save his people from their sins.” Jesus himself says, “I came to seek and to save that which is lost.” I pray this message may become very personal for each one of us, for then it is Christmas.
The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Carols
Silent Night
When this beloved hymn was written by two humble church leaders for their own mountain village parishioners, little did they realize how universal its influence would eventually be.
Joseph Mohr, assistant priest in the Church of St. Nicholas in the region of Tyrol, high in the beautiful Alps, and Franz Gruber, the village schoolmaster and church organist, had often talked about the fact that the perfect Christmas hymn had never been written. So Father Mohr had this goal in mind when he received word that the church organ would not function. He decided that he must write his own Christmas hymn immediately in order to have music for the special Christmas Eve mass. He did not want to disappoint his faithful flock. Upon completing the text, he took his words to Franz Gruber, who exclaimed when he saw them, “Friend Mohr, you have found it – the right song – God be praised!”
Soon Gruber completed his task of composing an appropriate tune for the new text. His simple but beautiful music blended perfectly with the spirit of Father Mohr’s words. The carol was completed in time for the Christmas Eve mass, and Father Mohr and Franz Gruber sang their new hymn to the accompaniment of Gruber’s guitar. The hymn made a deep impact upon the parishioners even as it has on succeeding generations.
When the organ repairman came to the little village church, he was impressed by a copy of the Christmas carol and decided to spread it all around the region of Tyrol. Today it is sung in all major languages of the world and is a favorite wherever songs of the Christmas message are enjoyed.
(Taken from “Amazing Grace” by Kenneth W. Osbeck.)
Christmas Greetings
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11. The staff of Christian Crusaders wishes all our listeners and supporters a blessed Christmas. May the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus fill your heart and home as you open your soul to the love of our Lord, the Christ Jesus. We pray your life will be filled with peace, prosperity, and God’s richest blessings in the coming year.
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11. The staff of Christian Crusaders wishes all our listeners and supporters a blessed Christmas. May the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus fill your heart and home as you open your soul to the love of our Lord, the Christ Jesus. We pray your life will be filled with peace, prosperity, and God’s richest blessings in the coming year.
On the Light Side
Actual children's versions of Christmas Carols
“. . . sleep in heavenly peas”
“Joy to the world, the Savior rains”
“This is he whom Sears of old . . .”
“Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plane”
“While shepherds washed their socks by night”
Actual children's versions of Christmas Carols
“. . . sleep in heavenly peas”
“Joy to the world, the Savior rains”
“This is he whom Sears of old . . .”
“Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plane”
“While shepherds washed their socks by night”
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
I Will Return
In 1942, General Douglas MacArthur told the Filipino people that he would return. His promise was met in 1945 when he presented himself to them as victor over the Japanese army. Our Lord Jesus likewise promised his disciples that he would return. We will discuss the fulfillment of that promise in our sermon this week.
Scripture: Matthew 24:36 - 42
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Watch! Be Ready! delivered on Christian Crusaders November 30, 2008.
Advent is going to be a busy season, as it is every year. Take the Bible, read the Gospels carefully, and meditate on what Jesus Christ has done. Take it seriously when the Savior tells you that you haven’t let the Holy Spirit work in your life. Listen once more to his words when he says, “Watch! I am coming again.” Don’t be so concerned about when he will come. Instead, be more concerned about the reality that Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem’s manger and died on Calvary’s cross, is coming again.
Great Gift Ideas
Still searching for the perfect holiday gift for a friend or loved one? They might enjoy a copy of Rev. Larsen’s book, “You’ll Be Surprised . . . What the Lord Can Do.” This book is filled with great anecdotes and advice on Christian living by our radio speaker of almost fifty years. It is an economical choice, too, available for a suggested donation of any amount.
Or how about a custom set of sermons on CD? Simply use our online search tool to select several of your favorite sermons from as far back as 1999 and give them as a packaged gift set. You could choose several sermons on one topic, or Rev. Larsen’s Christmas sermon from each year. This would make a great introduction to our ministry for your friend or loved one and a unique gift as well.
The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Carols
Go Tell It on the Mountain
For many people, another Christmas season is merely a rerun of the trivial and the sentimental. But for the devoted Christian, Christmas is much more than a once a year celebration. It is a fresh awareness that a Deliverer was sent from the ivory palaces of heaven to become personally involved in the redemption and affairs of the human race. The impact of this realization becomes a strong motivation to share the good news with needy and desperate people who need to know that there is an Emmanuel available who can meet their every need. Men everywhere must hear these glad tidings if they are to benefit from them. With absolute charity they must hear the message, “Here is your God!”
Negro spirituals had their roots in the late 18th and early 19th century camp meetings throughout the South as well as in the active evangelical ministry carried on among the black people during this time. However, few of their traditional songs were collected or published prior to about 1840. The stanzas for “Go Tell It on the Mountain” were written by John W. Work, Jr. He and his brother, Frederick J. Work, were early leaders in arranging and promoting the cause of Negro spirituals. This song was first published in Folk Songs of the American Negro in 1907. These traditional spirituals have since become an important part of the American folk and sacred music heritage and are greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all of God’s people.
Scripture: Matthew 24:36 - 42
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Watch! Be Ready! delivered on Christian Crusaders November 30, 2008.
Advent is going to be a busy season, as it is every year. Take the Bible, read the Gospels carefully, and meditate on what Jesus Christ has done. Take it seriously when the Savior tells you that you haven’t let the Holy Spirit work in your life. Listen once more to his words when he says, “Watch! I am coming again.” Don’t be so concerned about when he will come. Instead, be more concerned about the reality that Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem’s manger and died on Calvary’s cross, is coming again.
Great Gift Ideas
Still searching for the perfect holiday gift for a friend or loved one? They might enjoy a copy of Rev. Larsen’s book, “You’ll Be Surprised . . . What the Lord Can Do.” This book is filled with great anecdotes and advice on Christian living by our radio speaker of almost fifty years. It is an economical choice, too, available for a suggested donation of any amount.
Or how about a custom set of sermons on CD? Simply use our online search tool to select several of your favorite sermons from as far back as 1999 and give them as a packaged gift set. You could choose several sermons on one topic, or Rev. Larsen’s Christmas sermon from each year. This would make a great introduction to our ministry for your friend or loved one and a unique gift as well.
The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Carols
Go Tell It on the Mountain
For many people, another Christmas season is merely a rerun of the trivial and the sentimental. But for the devoted Christian, Christmas is much more than a once a year celebration. It is a fresh awareness that a Deliverer was sent from the ivory palaces of heaven to become personally involved in the redemption and affairs of the human race. The impact of this realization becomes a strong motivation to share the good news with needy and desperate people who need to know that there is an Emmanuel available who can meet their every need. Men everywhere must hear these glad tidings if they are to benefit from them. With absolute charity they must hear the message, “Here is your God!”
Negro spirituals had their roots in the late 18th and early 19th century camp meetings throughout the South as well as in the active evangelical ministry carried on among the black people during this time. However, few of their traditional songs were collected or published prior to about 1840. The stanzas for “Go Tell It on the Mountain” were written by John W. Work, Jr. He and his brother, Frederick J. Work, were early leaders in arranging and promoting the cause of Negro spirituals. This song was first published in Folk Songs of the American Negro in 1907. These traditional spirituals have since become an important part of the American folk and sacred music heritage and are greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all of God’s people.
Taken from “Amazing Grace” by Kenneth W. Osbeck.
On the Light Side
It was the Sunday after Christmas at St. Paul’s Church. Rev. Barker was looking at the nativity scene prior to packing away the figures when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the scene.
Immediately, Rev. Barker turned toward the office in order to call the police. However, just before he called, he saw little Harry pulling a red wagon with the figure of the little infant, Jesus.
Rev. Barker walked up to Harry and said, “Harry, where did you get the little infant?”
Harry replied honestly, “'I took him from the church, Rev. Barker.”
“And why did you take him?”
With a sheepish smile, Harry said, “Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it.”
Friday, December 9, 2011
Take the Mystery Out of Christmas and What Do You Have?
We remember national leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King with a holiday in their honor. Christmas is another of those occasions when we close our businesses, schools, and post offices. However, Jesus was more than just another great leader. His birth is surrounded with mystery, and we will talk about it in this week’s sermon.
Scripture: Luke 1:26-31
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
”I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Matthew 1:18-24
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”– which means, “God with us.”
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Don't Stop at the Crib delivered on Christian Crusaders December 20, 2009.
Television brings some terrible things into our homes on a daily basis. We see the results of the drug culture. We learn about a mother who decides to kill herself and her two small children. The depravity of man is all around us. Many of us live on into our 80s and some into their 90s. Often we spend those last days in a home for the aged. Does that thought make you afraid? In the middle of all this, Jesus says to us, “Don’t be afraid. I will take care of you. I will take care of your loved one. I will not remove these tedious days, but I will be with you.” That is the Christmas gospel. It comes from the lips of that little child who was born in Bethlehem’s manger. And so we can join with the angels of old and say, “Glory be to God in the highest.” Our life may not be exactly what we want on this earth, but it can be mighty good for we have a Savior who walks with us.
Christmas Sermons on CD
It's not too late to order a last-minute gift – copies of Christian Crusaders’ gift set of Christmas sermons are still available! This audio CD set of sermons based on Isaiah 9:6 is available for a gift of any amount. Call 1-888-My Faith or visit ChristianCrusa-ders.org to order. It might be a meaningful gift for a faraway friend, a next-door neighbor, or someone from your church who is lonely around the holidays.
The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Carols
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
This hymn was written by Emily Elliott to teach children the truths of the advent and nativity seasons. Emily’s life was filled with benevolent activities in rescue missions and in the work of the Sunday school movement of that time. She wrote the text for the children of her father’s church, St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Brighton, England.
The clear message of each verse is accentuated by the use of contrasting sentences, each beginning with the word, “but.” Then in the fifth stanza, the contrast is reversed with the rejoicing at Christ’s return and the prospects of being at his side throughout eternity. The refrain after each verse effectively personalizes the truth presented. This fine hymn has proved to be an inspiration not only to children but to adults as well, during the Christmas season and throughout the entire year.
Taken from “Amazing Grace” by Kenneth W. Osbeck.
On the Light Side
Jack was coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door, as he always is, to shake hands. The preacher grabbed Jack by the hand and pulled him aside. “You need to join the Army of the Lord!”
Jack replied, “I’m already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor.”
Pastor questioned, “How come I don’t see you except at Christmas and Easter?”
He whispered back, “I’m in the secret service.”
Scripture: Luke 1:26-31
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”
”I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
Matthew 1:18-24
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”– which means, “God with us.”
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Don't Stop at the Crib delivered on Christian Crusaders December 20, 2009.
Television brings some terrible things into our homes on a daily basis. We see the results of the drug culture. We learn about a mother who decides to kill herself and her two small children. The depravity of man is all around us. Many of us live on into our 80s and some into their 90s. Often we spend those last days in a home for the aged. Does that thought make you afraid? In the middle of all this, Jesus says to us, “Don’t be afraid. I will take care of you. I will take care of your loved one. I will not remove these tedious days, but I will be with you.” That is the Christmas gospel. It comes from the lips of that little child who was born in Bethlehem’s manger. And so we can join with the angels of old and say, “Glory be to God in the highest.” Our life may not be exactly what we want on this earth, but it can be mighty good for we have a Savior who walks with us.
Christmas Sermons on CD
It's not too late to order a last-minute gift – copies of Christian Crusaders’ gift set of Christmas sermons are still available! This audio CD set of sermons based on Isaiah 9:6 is available for a gift of any amount. Call 1-888-My Faith or visit ChristianCrusa-ders.org to order. It might be a meaningful gift for a faraway friend, a next-door neighbor, or someone from your church who is lonely around the holidays.
The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Carols
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
This hymn was written by Emily Elliott to teach children the truths of the advent and nativity seasons. Emily’s life was filled with benevolent activities in rescue missions and in the work of the Sunday school movement of that time. She wrote the text for the children of her father’s church, St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Brighton, England.
The clear message of each verse is accentuated by the use of contrasting sentences, each beginning with the word, “but.” Then in the fifth stanza, the contrast is reversed with the rejoicing at Christ’s return and the prospects of being at his side throughout eternity. The refrain after each verse effectively personalizes the truth presented. This fine hymn has proved to be an inspiration not only to children but to adults as well, during the Christmas season and throughout the entire year.
Taken from “Amazing Grace” by Kenneth W. Osbeck.
On the Light Side
Jack was coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door, as he always is, to shake hands. The preacher grabbed Jack by the hand and pulled him aside. “You need to join the Army of the Lord!”
Jack replied, “I’m already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor.”
Pastor questioned, “How come I don’t see you except at Christmas and Easter?”
He whispered back, “I’m in the secret service.”
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