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On December 24th, 1816 a newly ordained Catholic priest took a 20 minute walk to a nearby town that proved to be a very productive walk. No one is really sure what thoughts were going through the head of Josef Mohr but what came out through his pen is considered to be one of the greatest Christmas hymns ever written. On that walk Josef wrote a poem he called “Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!” or better known to us as Silent Night. The music for this peace would come about 3 years later from Franz Gruber, who was the organist for the church where Mohr served as an associate. The inspiration for the song is unquestionable as I can envision a young man walking slowly through the Austrian countryside thinking back to a night that would change the world.
However, the words chosen to begin the song would show Mr. Mohr’s lack of understanding of what must have taken place that night. I have been blessed to be at my wife’s side as she gave birth to all three of our children, and I have also heard stories from other men who have received great pains from their wives as they were giving birth. Based on my humble experiences I can assure you that modern childbirth is no “silent” thing! I am equally convinced that as Mary gave birth to Jesus in a less than sanitary environment, with much less modern medical technology, and with no paid professionals on hand to aide in the delivery, that there is very little chance that this night would be “silent.” I can also state with confidence that this night was full of busy travelers, all trying to find the 1st century version of Motel 6 where they’ll “leave the light on for you.” There would have been merchants out in full swing trying to sell the “warmest, softest, most enjoyable blankets in Bethlehem.” There would have been “camel station” attendants ready to bring out a fresh pale of water. There would have been “donkey travel plazas” with the best rates on straw for miles. I am sure every hustler and gimmick in town was geared up for all of the tax day weary travelers! This would not have been a very silent night at all!
However, “holy night” certainly applies and for this choice in words Mr. Mohr gets a “job well done” sticker! With the first, fresh cry of a babies voice came the most holy event the world had ever known. On this “holy night” life on Earth and in Heaven would change for all of eternity; on this “holy night” Heaven came down to the stench of animals far worse than those surrounding the baby in those stalls; on this “holy night” all of creation was put on notice that “Christ the Savior is born!”; and on this “holy night” the sacrifice for all of my sins began to walk and talk among those He would save. PRAISE GOD FOR THIS “HOLY NIGHT!”
…because He still lives,JasonComments (0) 16.12.2008. 08:51
One word makes a difference
“Yesterday, December 7th, 1941- a day which will live in HISTORY.” Wait a minute, that’s not what he said! We all know that President Franklin Roosevelt said, “a day which will live in infamy” as he addressed a joint session of congress the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Well, the story goes that Roosevelt was supposed to say “history” and he scratched it out and wrote in “infamy.” I am sure the change was for dramatic effect. He wanted something that would strike a chord with the men he would be asking for the authority to go to war. It was changed to better define what the President was trying to say. O, history would remember the events of that day, and so leaving the word “history” would have been accurate. But it is the word “infamy” that best describes the events that took place on the 7th of December, in 1941. With the changing of a word President Roosevelt forever embedded in our minds that famous line and its meaning. The word “infamy” means “an evil or criminal act that is publically known.” You see the word is more powerful than “history” and because of that change there would be no doubt that his words would stand “in history.”Sometimes a change in our words can make all the difference. Let me give you some times when words can make a huge impact. 1. A word of encouragement in a time of failure.2. A word of comfort in a time of grief.3. A word of direction in a time of confusion.4. A word of praise in a time of despair.5. A word of strength in a time of weakness.If we are willing and ready to change our words in these critical times our effect on those we love will be immeasurable. Be ready to change your words for the best impact for God’s church.…because He still lives,JasonComments (0) 06.12.2008. 12:21
Marines, Always Faithful
On November 10th our nation celebrated the 233rd birthday of the United States Marine Corps. They were first formed by the Continental Congress to provide security aboard the Navy’s ships. Though this group would be disbanded after the war they were reformed in 1798. From that time forward the Marine Corps has always been, as any Marine would proudly tell you, “the first ones in and the last ones to leave.” “From the halls of Montezuma; to the shores of Tripoli,” the U. S. Marines have been in engaged in every war and conflict our government has deemed necessary. Marines share a great heritage that binds them together and it is articulated very simply by their official motto, “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful).
On November 12th, we as a congregation said, “goodbye” to one of our very own Marines. As those who attended the services for Gerald Castle know, I got a little choked up trying to do his funeral. Now, usually I have no problems being long-winded (NO AMENS), but I just could not finish all that I wanted to say about Gerald. When it was finished I had a lot of people telling me that what I said was perfect and I guess the Lord didn’t want me to keep babbling on and mess it up. But I have one regret about something I left unsaid at the funeral. One statement that is the slogan for Gerald Castle’s life, whether to his wife, his children, his country, or to the Lord’s church, that statement is, “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful).Thank God for men and women who are “always faithful.”…because Christ is “always faithful”, Jason
Comments (0) 13.11.2008. 08:27