Many of the song writers of old seemed to have a common goal . . . share the full gospel in song, making known the love of God as evidenced by the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of His Son, Jesus the Christ. "Angels From the Realms of Glory" is another one such song, based on Luke 2:13-14:

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

As you read the words, you'll find the entirety of the gospel message in the few short verses with a common chorus that beckons us to "Come and worship." Will you join me today?

Angels From the Realms of Glory

Angels from the realms of glory,

Wing your flight over all the earth;

Ye who sang creation's story

Now proclaim the Messiah's birth.

Chorus: Come and worship, come and worship

Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Shepherds, in the field abiding,

Watching over your flocks by night,

God with us is now residing;

Yonder shines the infant light: Chorus

Sages, leave your contemplations,

Brighter visions beam afar;

Seek the great Desire of nations;

Ye have seen His natal star. Chorus

Saints, before the altar bending,

Watching long in hope and fear;

Suddenly the Lord, descending,

In His temple shall appear. Chorus

Though an infant now we view Him,

He shall fill His Father's throne,

Gather all nations to Him;

Every knee shall then bow down: Chorus

Writer James Montgomery was the son of Moravian missionaries; he was a devout Christian, and created nearly four hundred hymns while being an active participant in political and community affairs. On Christmas Eve in 1816, he printed the words to this carol in his newspaper, perhaps the most beautiful and least controversial "editorial opinion" he ever wrote. The poem was published in a collection three years later. It eventually was set to a melody by the blind publisher, composer and organist, Henry Smart, who dictated all his compositions to his daughter. Interestingly, shepherds tending flocks in the wintry hills of southern France had a custom of singing this song to one another on Christmas Eve.

Let's not wait till Christmas Eve to sing the words of this chorus; let's especially not wait till Christmas Eve to perform the words of the chorus. Let's "Come and worship Christ the King" daily, not only in song but in every aspect of our lives. May we ever continue to "seek the great Desire of nations", "watching long in hope and fear" till He "gather(s) all nations to Him" and "every knee shall bow down" in worship.

Father, what a glorious sight it must have been as the angels from glory proclaimed the birth of Your Only Begotten Son, beckoning all to come and worship! Lord, the words still ring true today as Your Spirit stirs in the heart of mankind beckoning us to "come and worship!" Glory to God in the highest! Amen and Amen!

© Jan Ross

All Rights Reserved

It is so easy to take the traditional Christmas songs for granted, thinking they're out-dated or old-fashioned. Nothing could be further from the truth. "Joy to the World" was actually written to a musical score entitled "Antioch", named after the city of Antioch where believers were first called Christians (see Acts 11:26).

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King." (Psalm 98:4-6)

Find the heart of the Psalmist in the words to this song.

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! The Lord is come:

Let earth receive her King,

Let every heart prepare him room,

And heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns:

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sin and sorrow grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground:

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of his righteousness

And wonders of his love.

According to many historical hymnists, of all the sacred carols, "Joy to the World" is perhaps the most positive and uplifting declaration of the message of Christmas although there is no mention of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the manger or the wise men. While the initial verse announces that "The Lord is come," it is the only one that is related to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The other verses could easily be appropriate for any season of the year.

One other noteworthy fact is that Lowell Mason is generally said to be the compose of the tune, however, it was his practice to remain anonymous and not take claim to the musical composition. The humility of the composer coupled with the inspiration of the author made for a powerful proclamation of praise to the One who "rules the world with truth and grace"!

The second verse reminds me of Jesus entering into Jerusalem on a donkey while the people are crying, "Hosanna!" The Pharisees challenged Him to rebuke His disciples; His response was, "I tell you," replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." (Luke 19:40)

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns:

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy.

Will you join the centuries of men, women, and children in proclaiming, "Joy to the Word! The Lord is come!" If we don't the "fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains", will cry out in our stead! Joy to the world!

Father, You alone are worthy of all our worship. As we sing the carols of the season, help us to remember that we should proclaim Your praise every day of the year, not just during this season! Father, there are no words to express the overwhelming joy I feel right now – evening the midst of all my circumstances – knowing that you "came to make your blessings flow far as the curse is found"! Flow like a river, Lord, throughout all the earth as Your people proclaim the glorious wonders of Your love! Amen and Amen!

© Jan Ross

All Rights Reserved

I remember as a child watching "The Lone Ranger". I will never forget the phrase that got its popularity from this program: "Who is that masked man?" Of course, we all knew who it was -- it was obvious in all he said and did. The mask couldn't hide who he really was.

About 2000 years ago One was born that was "masked" as well. His mask was human flesh. But when looking at His life, all He said and did, the mask could never hide His identity. He was God in flesh!

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

The writer of this hymn, J. Reading, did as the others; he wrote a song which contained the sound truth of the Gospel, proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord. Praise God for words which have survived the test of time and are still readily recognized today by people everywhere.

O Come All Ye Faithful

O come all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem

Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels,

Chorus: O come let us adore Him,

O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,

Christ, the Lord!

True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal,

Lo, he shuns not the Virgin's womb;

Son of the Father, begotten, not created.

Chorus

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest

Chorus

See how the shepherds, summoned to His cradle,

Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;

We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps

Chorus

Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger,

We would embrace Thee, with love and awe;

Who would not love Thee, loving us so dearly?

Chorus

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;

Jesus, to Thee be glory given;

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

Chorus

Do you know Who this "Masked Man" is? The One who was robed in flesh and dwelt among us? The One who took on the form of a man and became servant of all? Do you know Him? Do you REALLY know Him?

His name is Jesus, not only the "reason for the season", but the reason we have breath and life. "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"

Father, You are worthy of all our worship. As we sing the carols of the season, beckoning us to come and adore the "Reason" for the season, help us to always remember that it is that intimate and precious relationship with You that we value…far above gifts, beautiful lights, delicious food, and warm, friendly fellowship with family and loved ones. Father, use me as I lay my life before You once again in worship proclaiming "Christ, the Lord!" Amen!

© Jan Ross

All Rights Reserved

At the time of the Lord's birth, the Jewish world was looking for Him. Little girls dreamed of being the chosen one who would be God's appointed mother of the Messiah. The prophets, the seers and all were looking for something big to happen – the earth and the heavens were all pointing to a major event.

And then it happened . . . "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). He appeared clothed in flesh, and was found by angels and shepherds wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Was this a holy night? Was it a night divine? Of a certainty, there could be no other word to describe this night filled with the rejoicing in heaven and on earth at the news of the birth of the Saviour!

O Holy Night

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till He appeared and the soul felt His worth

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices

For yonder beams a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!

O night divine! O night when Christ was born!

O night divine! O night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming

Here came the wise men from the Orient land

The King of kings lay in lowly manger

In all our trials born to be our friend

He knows our need

To our weakness no stranger

Behold your King! before the lowly bend!

Behold your King! before Him bend!

Truly he taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus rise we

Let all within us praise His holy name

Christ is the Lord

Then ever, ever praise we

His pow'r and glory ever more proclaim

His pow'r and glory ever more proclaim

Look at the second verse of this age-old carol originally written as a poem by Placide Clappeau in 1847 and translated from French to English by John S. Dwight . . . "The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our Friend. He knows our need; to our weakness is no stranger. Behold your King, before Him lowly bend." Here the poet confronts us with the greatest irony of all . . . the King of Kings was born as an infant in a lowly manger in a stable with animals; He lived a life of poverty, faced scorn, and was crucified with thieves. Nevertheless, we bow before Him because He is the King of Kings.

This old Christmas song, like so many other traditional carols, seems to share the entire Gospel in a few short verses. The author very powerfully summed up the purpose of such a holy night in the third verse saying, "Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, And in His name all oppression shall cease." God taught us to love one another and to love even those who are unlovable, from those held in man's highest esteem to those in the lowliest positions. Even though we no longer have slavery in this country, we still have prejudice and persecution. We should demonstrate God's love to all of those around us. Like Jesus Christ, we must model love, humility, and a servant's heart.

Are we a model of Christ's love, humility and servant's heart? This is a question we should ask ourselves every day!

Love: Does His love flow through me to everyone with Him I come in contact each and every day?

Humility: Am I content with whatever circumstances I find myself in?

Servant's Heart: Do I live to give rather than live to receive?

May we all fall on our knees, behold our King, and praise His holy name forever while daily seeking to behold Him as we grow to become a model of Christ's love, humility, and servant's heart! What better way to share the Good News of today's verse . . . "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Father, I come before You, Lord, in adoration and worship, with praise in my heart for allowing me to comprehend just a little more fully the mission of that holy night—to set an example for my life in love, humility, and a servant's heart. Father, I long to have these words pierce my heart daily, challenging me to be all You have created me to be. Father, my heart, mind, and soul glorify You as I fall on my knees beholding my King! Thank You, Lord, for the gift of Your Son, my Lord and my Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen and Amen!

© Jan Ross

All Rights Reserved

Many of the old traditional Christmas carols have such depth and truth in the lyrics, many of them explaining in a few short words the Good News of the Gospel. In the lyrics of "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" Charles Wesley profoundly presented the awesome revelation of the Reason for this Season . . . the Son of Righteousness! Take a moment to read through the lyrics:

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The herald angels sing

Glory to the new-born King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!

Joyful, all ye nations rise,

Join the triumph of the skies;

With the angelic host proclaim

Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Hark! the herald angels sing

Glory to the new-born King!

Christ, by highest heaven adored;

Christ, the everlasting Lord;

Late in time behold him come,

Offspring of the Virgin's womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;

Hail the incarnate Deity,

Pleased as man with man to dwell;

Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing,

Glory to the new-born King!

Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings,

Risen with healing in His wings!

Mild he lays his glory by,

Born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth,

Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,

Glory to the new-born King!

It is interesting to note that during this season, people sing and speak of "Peace" when, in fact, there is no peace on this earth . . . no cease-fires, no halt to the threats of terrorism, no end to hatred and crime. But, as Wesley wrote, it's the Prince of Peace who came to bring us peace with God, hence the phrase, "God and sinners reconciled".

Mankind (our flesh, to be precise) is essentially at war against God; we are born of corruptible flesh, sinned against Him, broken His commandments, and made ourselves His enemies. That's why the Father sent His Son . . . to reconcile us to Him by paying the penalty for our sin and becoming the Sacrifice Lamb, shedding His pure and perfect blood so we can be made righteous in His righteousness. "We owed a debt we could not pay; He paid a debt He did not owe!"

Read carefully through the lyrics of this song once again and let them speak to you of the most precious Gift ever given mankind—the Godhead veiled in flesh, the Incarnate Deity, Jesus, our Emmanuel. This Christmas as we sing the traditional carols and hymns, let's not forget the words. Let's use the words to open the door to share with those who may not know Christ, the Everlasting Lord. Everywhere you go, proclaim His birth by simply sharing the words to this song. What greater gift could you give anyone?

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:13-14)

Father, as I reflect on this song I am so vividly reminded of Who You are and what You have done. Father, there are no words to express my gratitude . . . no expressions of praise adequate. Lord, I commit to You to share Your Good News with people everywhere in song, in word, and in deed. Lord, let my voice join with the angelic choirs proclaiming Who You are and what You have done. I love you, Jesus, my Emmanuel … amen and amen!

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

When I think of the Christmas story, I am overcome with amazement as I consider the mother holding her newborn Son. As a mother, I can appreciate her love for her newborn, but who can truly discern the mixture of emotions she must have felt? What did she know? How much did she really know? What was she thinking? How could she dare to think this tiny babe in her arms would actually save the world from their sins? Yes, she knew better than anyone that she was a virgin, witnessed the angel, and heard his voice speak to her of things too hard to comprehend. But, how could anyone take it all in?

The modern classic, "Mary Did You Know" by Mark Lowry and Buddy Green beckons us to peer into that tiny stable as "Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." Here was Jesus; "a tender brow prepared for thorns, a tiny heart whose love will save us" held in the arms of a woman whose heart was pierced with the awesomeness of the tiny life she brought forth . . . "the Way, the Truth, and the Life"!

Mary Did You Know
(Mark Lowry & Buddy Green)

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby you've kissed the face of God.

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am.

Luke tells us that Mary pondered all that happened in her heart. We don't know exactly 'what' she pondered in her heart, but we know that something was stirring deep inside her. She knew the babe in her arms was divinely and supernaturally conceived. She knew the angelic pronouncements were rightfully exalting God for the advent of the promised Messiah. She knew there was good reason to be still and hide what she knew in her heart yet deep within her spirit she was full of praise for the work of God she now held close to her, wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Don't let this season find you too busy to be like Mary. Keep all these things and ponder them in your heart. It's all about reality—the reality of the mystery of Christ.

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:17-19)

Father, When I consider the Gift You gave through the life, death, and resurrection of Your Only Begotten Son, I cannot help but be overwhelmed with awe and praise for such a Great Gift. Lord, help me to focus on the Truth this season, not on the running to and fro, not on searching for the biggest gift, the parties, the decorations, the programs, etc. Teach me to be like Mary and keep my heart in quiet obedience as I ponder the unfathomable love Mary held in her arms whose very life became the Perfect Sacrifice by which our sins are atoned for and our hearts made pure. Lord, stir in our hearts and empower us to say, "be it unto me according to thy word!" Amen and Amen!

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Paul's letter to Timothy is full of instruction for the church. You will find it contains some of the strongest instruction to the Body of Christ found in the scripture. Among Paul's admonition to us, a few verses are directed to the subject of widows. This small verse stands out as having much to say to all of us.

"But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." (1 Timothy 5:6)

"But she that liveth in pleasure . . ." Pleasure as opposed to surrender and self-control. Pleasure as opposed to denying the flesh so the spirit may live. Pleasure as opposed to dying daily and picking up the cross and following Christ. There is nothing in pleasure that answers the purposes of life; it is not the reason for which life was given.

A few years ago I saw a 2-minute clip of a movie where a child was sharing with is father something that was fearful to him . . . everywhere he looked he saw people who appeared to be alive but who were really dead and didn't even know they were dead.

There are many sitting in the churches every week deceived into thinking they are alive but yet they are dead, those who have assumed the name "Christian" but who have ceased to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Many people claim the title but are, in reality, "widows" living in pleasure—dead while they live.

Are you alive in Christ or are you as a dead man walking? Are you living a surrendered life or are you living in pleasure? Is your motive in life to fulfill the longing of your spirit or is it to fulfill the lust of the flesh? Is your relationship with your "Husband" alive, or are you a "widow"?

Father, forgive me for the times I may live as if a "widow" or appear to be as a dead man walking . . . help me to look alive and to emanate the life that I have in Christ Jesus my Lord. Help me to live a life of surrender, consecration, and total commitment to You, my Husband. My purpose in life is to live for You so You will be glorified in me. In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Have you ever wondered why there seems to be so much evil in the world today? According to Proverbs 16:6, it could be that the answer is simple: There is no fear of the Lord.

"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil." (Proverbs 16:6)

The "fear of God" referred to indicates much more than reverential awe and respect. The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 25:14 that we can't receive the full revelation of God's covenant until his fear is deeply rooted in us: "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant". This verse connects an understanding of the covenant with the fear of God. In short, all revelation is tied to his holy fear.

Mankind cannot truly "fear" God until they know Him and His nature. Because this age in which we live is so self-centered, self-sufficient, and self-serving, few are found that truly set their heart to KNOW God as He reveals Himself to us in His Word.

Is your heart set to KNOW God? Do you long to know and understand His covenants? Is your desire for Him stronger than your desire for anything this world can offer? The answers to these questions will help you understand if you truly "fear God" and have departed from evil.

Separation. Consecration. Desire. These three things will open the door to an ever-increasing revelation of Who He Is.

Seek Him. Serve Him. Love Him.

He's worthy.

Father, my desire for You is growing day by day as I spend time in a loving relationship with You. Lord help me to further consecrate my life for Your use. Teach me your Word. Teach me Your ways. Help me to understand the depth of Your love shown through Your covenants, your promises, your Word. I am like a child eager to learn, so teach me, Father, till this world has no more hold on me and I am totally Yours in every way. Father I love you with my whole heart. Amen.

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

After they had gotten the ark situated and the tabernacle built, the Levites assumed their work was done and began to walk off. David immediately stopped them, telling them that their work had only just begun. You can hear the Levites complaining to David: "But, David! We just walked miles with the ark on our shoulders; we've prepared and sacrificed thousands of animals to the Lord. Aren't we done yet? And besides, there's no veil or Holy of Holies!"

David told them, "No. I didn't restore the Levitical office only to have the ark abandoned here like it was abandoned in Shiloh. Put your ephods back on. Get out your psalteries and harps again. Some of you can go eat lunch, but the rest of you are staying right here!" The Levites, stunned at his command responded, "Well, who are we staying here for, King David? Do you want to listen to us play again? You hear us play all the time! We're tired and we've done enough!"

David turned to them with a passion not understood by his Levites and said, "No, no, you're not playing for me - it's for God, an audience of One. He wants us to worship Him continually. There will never be a time when we've done it enough!"

David appointed psalmists to tend to the ark day and night with musical praise, worship, and celebration.

We are so used to coming into the presence of the Lord . . . we feel His presence, acknowledge it with a few tears and words of praise, and we simply say, "Gotta go!" and we're on our way. Too often we want just enough of God to make us feel good or to give us the tingles or chill bumps up our spine! But He is asking, "Will you stay . . . will you spend time with me?"

Worship . . . an audience of One. It's not about us, our time schedules, our distractions, our energy level. It's not even about whether we worship him 5 minutes or 5 hours without ceasing.

God's passion is to be with us . . . He desires for us to have that same passion to be with Him. He doesn't want temporary visitation rights! Use David as your example and pursue the same passion for worship that David had and don't settle for less.

"Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified." (Psalm 40:16)

Father, please forgive me for being in a hurry, for not always taking the time to linger in Your presence, for not always seeking Your face with a passionate desire. Lord, forgive me for taking You for granted and for forgetting that my praise and my worship is for none other than You. Lord, You are my audience . . . my "Audience of One". Father, be blessed and exalted by my lifestyle of worship. In Jesus' name, Amen.

©Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Have you ever found yourself struggling with the right words to pray when things are tough? Do you find yourself guarding your own words so you don't say the wrong thing or become too vulnerable in your prayers? One of the hardest things for us to do is to be down-right honest and transparent with our Father when we're hurt, in trouble, or facing major difficulties.

Listen to the passion in David's words today: "I poured out my complaint before Him; I showed before Him my trouble." (Psalm 142:2)

To paraphrase it, "I dumped all my complaints on Him and told Him all my troubles." David held nothing back – he let it all out before the Lord. He didn't allow his own fears or insecurities keep him from total transparency before his God. He came before the Lord with an unguarded heart and trusted Him enough to love him still, even while he was baring His soul.

David was facing more than just a routine inconvenience in life. Saul and his army were after him to kill him though he knew the Lord had anointed him as king of Israel; he just saw 85 priests and their families and livestock slaughtered because they helped him escape. Everywhere he turned he was in trouble. What did he do? He turned to God and he "poured out all [his] complaints on Him and told Him all [his] troubles".

God is there ready to avenge our enemies. He longs to fight our battles for us. He has offered us refuge and a sanctuary from the enemy's snare. But we still hesitate to run to Him with a transparent heart when we're overwhelmed.

Be like David today; pour out your heart to Him. If you feel abused and neglected, let God know. If you are misunderstood or mistreated, let God know. If you are perplexed and not understanding the 'whys' and 'wherefores' of life, pour out your heart to Him. Don't hold back. Let Him know the deepest groanings of your heart, the secret pain, the hidden sin, the offenses that have hindered your growth, the times you've been overlooked and passed over for recognition or promotion—let Him have it all.

Do you trust Him enough to tell Him everything? David did and David was a man with a heart after the heart of God.

Father, forgive me for holding back and not trusting You enough to be totally transparent with You, as if somehow You don't already know the secret recesses of my heart. Lord teach me to trust You with the desperation of my need and to believe without doubt that You love me enough to give me refuge in the midst of every storm. Teach me, O Lord, and I will learn from You how great is Your love toward me, how awesome is Your salvation, and how magnificent is Your holy Name. In Jesus' name, for His glory, and by His blood . . . amen and amen.

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved