Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

December 3, 2024November 22, 2024 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

The Christmas song “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” gives the reason, the story, of the birth of Jesus Christ, and the future of his saints.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of ev’ry nation, joy of every longing heart.

Joy to those who long to see Thee Day-spring from on high, appear.
Come, Thou promised Rod of Jesse, of Thy birth, we long to hear!
O’er the hills the angels singing news, glad tidings of a birth; “Go to Him your praises bringing Christ the Lord has come to earth!”

Come to earth to taste our sadness, He whose glories knew no end. By His life He brings us gladness, Our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend. Leaving riches without number, born within a cattle stall; this the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all.

Born Thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. by Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by Thine all-sufficient merit raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Come, Thou whom the prophets promised. Thou of whom the canters sing; Come, Emmanuel, God be with us. Thou our Prophet, Priest, and King. Jesus, Thou are all perfection, Thou whose fellowship we crave; Thou the Life and Resurrection, Come redeem us from the grave.

Come, Thou King, receive Thy kingdom; With the angels, split the skies! Come with shouts and trumpets sounding, Bid Thy slumb’ring children rise! Gather in Thine arms so tender Sinners saved through grace alone; Lead us though Thy gates of splendor Unto our eternal home.

Any questions?

Songwriters: Words: Charles Wesley, 1744 (Verses 1 & 4) Mark Hunt, 1978 (Verses 2 & 3) Ann Aschauer 2022 (Verses 5 & 6)

The Little Drummer Boy

December 7, 2021December 6, 2021 / Mark Brady / 2 Comments

“Pa-rum-pa-pum-pum! That line has become synonymous with the Christmas season as part of the beloved carol “The Little Drummer Boy.” The song is believed to have been written by Katherine K. Davis, and it was first recorded in 1951. The lyrics are in the first person, and the speaker is a little drummer boy at the manger scene who had nothing to give baby Jesus but his drum solo. The song is sweet, reverent, and imaginative, but, no, the little drummer boy is not in the Bible.”
Source: gotquestions.org

This Christmas song was not one of my favorites, at all. That is, until I heard a version of it by, “White Heart”. I found the song dull and boring before, but not anymore.

A few days have gone by since that Facebook post, but then yesterday, as April and I were out running errands and a particular Christmas song came on the radio, it dawned on me, I haven’t paused yet to reflect the true meaning of Christmas. I haven’t stopped long enough to prepare my heart to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Back to the little drummer boy; whether just a made up story or not, taking time to give Jesus what you have is a valuable lesson to reflect on. He had nothing to give, but his talent of playing drums. If it was true, I can see him standing there in perfect single formation, playing that drum with all of his heart! Playing an anthem fit for a king, and in this case the King of Kings.

Life Is No Game

September 8, 2020September 8, 2020 / Mark Brady / Leave a comment

A man was walking through an art museum, when he suddenly stopped. In front of him was a painting that portrayed two individuals playing the game of chess. The man, being a chess champion was intrigued, and studied the piece of art with intense focus. The title of the painting was “Checkmate”. In the game of chess that means the king is about to be overcome, and there is nothing he can do about it. “Checkmate”, is a word that indicates or announces, you’re done. It’s over. It may even invoke fear.

Do you feel as though someone, or circumstances has recently said, “Checkmate” to you? Is your heart being gripped by fear? I was watching the news the other day, and heard how many people are still unemployed, and are being threatened of losing their dwelling place, and worst yet, are hunger challenged. I don’t like to see anyone suffer, and if it hurts me I know it must hurt God. Yes, God has emotions. Where do you think we got ours as we are created in his image.

There is truth in saying that “some” people create their own problem(s) by how they live, or by what they do with their money, but now is not the time to give a lecture when they are already on their knees. We can only hope they dislike their circumstances so much they make drastic change as soon as they can. In other words, they find a glimmer of hope, and they hang on to that hope, because truth is, there may not be anything else to hold on to. The kind of hope that can eliminate fear. The kind of hope that can only be found in Jesus who is the King of Kings!

The chess expert in the museum cried out,

“This painting is incorrectly titled!”

The museum curator came rushing over to see why the man was making such an outrageous claim. “Sir, why do you claim it is titled wrong?” asked the curator. “Because I have looked at every possibility, and the king has one more move that will cause his opponent to be checkmated!” The piece of art is now in a private collection.

You see, when you place your hope, your trust and faith in the King, you don’t ever have to worry about it being over, for the King of Kings always has one more move.