Light Of The World (Sing Hallelujah) Devotional
Isaiah 60:19-20 - "The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end."
Last Updated: April 18, 2024
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Our world, entangled in the chains of sin, desperately yearned for salvation. Humanity's endeavors, despite their nobility and fervor, could never bridge the chasm separating us from the divine. Yet, in His boundless love and wisdom, God orchestrated the greatest rescue mission ever known. As expressed in Phil Wickham's song "Behold," the Savior's arrival from heaven's glory to the cradle of Bethlehem is both unexpected and unparalleled. "Behold the King has come, divinity incarnate Creator of the world, breathing our air..." 1. A Divine Descent: The first verse encapsulates the magnitude of Jesus' coming. The King, the Creator, choosing to breathe our air, dwell among us, and shine His light in our midst is a profound mystery. This divine descent wasn't marked by royal fanfare but was wrapped in the humility of a baby's birth. It was a clear testament that God's ways are beyond human comprehension. 2. The Price of Love: "Behold the Father's love, beyond all comprehension He gave His only Son to die in our place..." The Father's love is profound and beyond our grasp. A love so great that He sacrificed His only Son to redeem us. Our salvation required more than just divine visitation; it demanded divine substitution. Jesus was not only born to teach, heal, and guide but, most importantly, to sacrifice Himself on the cross. His birth was a divine promise, and His death was the fulfillment of that promise. 3. The Joy of Christmas: "O Holy Night..." brings us to the reverential heart of Christmas. It invites us to drop to our knees in awe, echoing the melodies of angelic hosts, proclaiming the divinity of that sacred night. It isn't just about festive lights, joyful carols, or exchanging gifts. It's about pausing and realizing the immense depth of God's love, demonstrated in the birth and sacrifice of Jesus. 4. Eternal Worship: "Come let us adore Him..." beckons every heart to continuous worship. To adore Jesus is not just a seasonal act but an eternal commitment. Recognizing His worthiness and surrendering in adoration isn't merely a response to a song but should be the posture of our hearts each day. Today, as you ponder on the poignant themes of "Behold," allow your heart to be stirred afresh. The Savior's story isn't just a historical narrative but a living testament of God's unfailing love. In every circumstance, whether in moments of joy or amidst life's storms, let the truth of Jesus' sacrificial love anchor your soul. His coming wasn't just to illuminate a single night in Bethlehem but to brighten every facet of our lives. So, as you navigate your daily journey, may the chorus of "Behold" resonate within - driving you to ceaseless worship, profound gratitude, and unwavering faith. Let the wonder of Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection redefine your perspective, prompting you to live a life that continually beholds and magnifies the Savior.John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
The weaving together of the timeless carol "O Come O Come Emmanuel" and the modern worship anthem "Even So Come" takes us on a journey through history – from the expectant waiting of God's people for the coming Messiah to the present-day church's eager anticipation of His return. 1. Israel's Captivity and Our Exile: The initial verses of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" echo the deep yearning of the Israelites in exile, awaiting their promised deliverer. This sentiment parallels our own spiritual exile. While we're not in Babylon, we often find ourselves ensnared by sin, longing for true freedom. But just as God promised a Savior to Israel, He promises us salvation and deliverance through Christ. 2. The Dayspring and the Dawning Hope: The call for the 'Dayspring' to come is a beckoning for light to pierce the profound darkness that the world was entrenched in. Today, as we navigate through a world often marked by despair, uncertainty, and shadows, the advent of Christ offers a beacon of hope. He is the light that dispels gloom, renews our spirit, and guides us on our path. 3. Waiting with Purpose: The bridges of the song remind us that waiting isn't a passive activity. As believers, we actively wait with purpose and hope. This waiting isn't rooted in uncertainty but is anchored in the firm promise of God. We anticipate not just Christ's return, but the full realization of His Kingdom here on earth. 4. The Desire of Nations: The call for the 'Desire of nations' to come is powerful. Jesus isn't just the hope of a select few but of all people. He brings unity, mending the divisions, ending strife, and establishing peace. He's the embodiment of heaven's peace that our world desperately needs. 5. A Church in Expectation: As the carol transitions to "Even So Come", we're shifted from the historical anticipation of Christ's first coming to the present longing for His second coming. Just as a bride eagerly awaits her groom, the Church stands ready, with hearts full of hope, longing for the King's return. 6. The Assurance of His Return: The song culminates in a profound truth that ties both the past and present together. Whether it was the Israelites in exile or believers today, the refrain remains the same - Emmanuel, God with us, shall come. Drawing from the key scripture in Titus, we're reminded that our hope isn't just wishful thinking but a confident expectation. Jesus, our great God and Savior, has already come once, bringing salvation, and He will come again, ushering in a new era of eternal peace and joy. As we reflect on these songs and immerse ourselves in worship, let's allow our hearts to be filled with a renewed sense of hope. A hope that acknowledges the darkness but chooses to focus on the light. A hope that eagerly waits, knowing that our Savior, the Light of the World, has come and will surely come again. Today, let's join our voices with believers across ages, cultures, and circumstances and proclaim with joyous hope: "O come, O come Emmanuel. Even so come, Lord Jesus come."Titus 2:13 - "Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
The heartbeat of the Christmas story is encapsulated in a name - Immanuel. God, the Creator of the universe, choosing to dwell among us, to become one of us. The song Sing We The Song Of Emmanuel by Keith Getty, Stuart Townend, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa beautifully captures this awe-inspiring mystery. "Sing we the song of Emmanuel This the Christ who was long foretold..." 1. Anticipation Fulfilled: Long before the star shone over Bethlehem, the world was pregnant with anticipation. Prophets spoke, people waited, and in the hush of a silent night, the promise was fulfilled. In the humble setting of a manger, the eternal God made His entrance, weaving divinity with humanity. 2. Majesty in Humility: The dichotomy is striking. The song depicts a King without a crown or throne. The invincible God, appearing vulnerable as an infant. This paradox underscores the vastness of God's love and the lengths He'd go to reconcile humanity to Himself. "Maker of Mary, now Mary's son..." It's a love story that defies logic, beckoning our hearts to respond with gratitude and wonder. 3. Proclaiming the Good News: The song doesn't let us remain silent. The joyous news of Jesus' birth is to be spread far and wide. Every heart, whether burdened or rejoicing, needs to hear this message of hope. Jesus is the light that pierces our darkest nights, the hope that never disappoints. We are the bearers of this message, and our lives should resound with the glorious refrain: "Tell the world His name is Jesus." 4. A Universal Song: The repeated "Gloria, in excelsis Deo" underscores the universal nature of this good news. It's a song that transcends cultures, languages, and generations. Heaven and earth unite in this anthem of praise. Every heart, every tongue is invited to join this celestial chorus. As you reflect on the lyrics and our key scripture from Matthew, let the reality of God's presence fill your heart afresh. Jesus, Immanuel, is not just a historical figure but a living presence. He is God with us, not just in a manger two millennia ago, but today, in our everyday moments, challenges, and celebrations. As the festivities of the season unfold, take time to pause and ponder. Let the depth of God's love, demonstrated in the coming of Jesus, permeate every aspect of your life. And as you grasp the wonder of Immanuel, let it propel you to proclaim, to share this joyous news with others. In a world riddled with uncertainties, the song of Emmanuel rings true, bringing hope, peace, and unparalleled joy. So, with hearts full and voices raised, sing we the song of Emmanuel, celebrating the God who is ever and always with us.Matthew 1:23 - "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."