SCF Christmas Program

Sodom, joy to the. When the Lord is come, let every see her king. Let every heart drink their infrum, and heaven and nature sing. And heaven and nature sing. And heaven and nature sing. And heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns; let them their songs implore. While hills and ghasts, cross hills and plains repeat the sounding joy. Repeat the sounding joy. Repeat the sounding joy. Repeat the sounding joy.

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love. And wonders of His love. And wonders of His love. And wonders of His love. 217, this is probably the second-best-loved Christmas song.

It was written by Charles Wesley on the first anniversary of his spiritual awakening. It's interesting, the tune was written by Mendelssohn to celebrate Gutenberg's invention, the 400th anniversary. So the music and the words are just rather memorable here.

Go so, hearts of heaven, angels, sing glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth, in mercy love, God and sinners reconcile. Joyful, holy nations rise, join the triumph of the skies. With angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem."

Hearts of heaven, angels, sing glory to the newborn King. Christ thine eyes can adore, Christ, the everlasting Lord. Late in time, behold Him proud, house tree of the virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh, a Godhead seen, held in carne deity.

With them's men, with them to hell, Jesus, Father, in manual. Hearts of heaven, angels, sing glory to the newborn King. Hail the heavenward prince of peace, hail the Son of righteousness. Light and life to all He brings, thrills with healing in His wings.

Mild He lays His glory by, born that men of war may die. Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hearts of heaven, angels, sing glory to the newborn King. Number 216.

Oh, far, far away, unto thee I sway, shepherds of honor, the joyous stray. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth, goodwill to men. Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Sweet are the strains of redeeming love, message of mercy from heaven above. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth, goodwill to men. Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Norman the angels, we too would rejoice, help us to sing with a heart and voice. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

This and the time when from every tide, men shall unite in the strains of light. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

221.

This song needs a little bit of historic setting here. Notice the date is 1850. This song was written by Edward H. Sears, who was a social reformer, and the Mexican War had just ended, and Mexico was devastated, and that's really the focus of this song. Of course, it's two years before the Civil War began.

And there's a verse that I didn't put in here, but I put it in later printings, and let me read it to you. Yet with war I'm sorry. Yet with woes of sin and strife, the world has suffered long. Beneath the angels' strain have rolled two thousand years of wrong, and man at war with man, hears not the words of peace they bring. Oh, hush the noise, ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing.

So this man was concerned about the war and the fighting among people, and this song, basically, that's the focus.

Go so, it came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of hope. From angels descending near the earth, to touch their hearts of gold. Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heavens oh gracious King. The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cold and skies they come, with peaceful wings unfurled. And still their helping music flows, o'er all the weary world. Above its sad and lonely plains, they bend the hovering wing. And ever o'er its battle sound, the blessed angels sing.

And deep beneath hearts crushing low, whose fords are bending low. Whose hull along that thyming way, with painful steps and slow. Look now for glad and golden hearths, come swiftly on the wing. Oh, rest beside the weary row, and hear the angels sing.

For low the days are hasting on, by prophet thoughts foretold. When with the ever-surfling years, comes round the age of gold. When these shall over all the earth, this ancient splendor's ring. And love whole world give back the song, which now the angels sing.

Across the page, low how a rosary blooming. It's a rose. It's always blooming. It's still blooming.

It'll be a song. Low how a rosary blooming, from tender cemnest strung.

Of jesus' lineage coming, as men of old. Gorgeous song. It came of the rent bright, amid the call of winter.

When hastened was the time.

Isaiah's words foretold in the rosary marry mine.

With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother time. To show God's love unbridled, she bore to them a Savior.

When hastened was the night.

This flower whose fragrance tender, with sweetness fills the air.

Distils with glorious splendor, the darkness heavenly wear. To men yet very God, from sin and death He saves us. And light and heavenly home. 211.

Though all my heart this night rejoices, as I hear far and near, sweetness angel voices. Christ is born, their chants are singing. Till the air everywhere, now with joy is ringing.

Hearts of voice from yonder angels, soft and sweet, dug in tree. Flee from war and danger, reverend come from all that dreams. You knew are free, all you need, heart will surely give you.

Come and let us taste the yonder ear, let all the great and small, kneel in awe and wonder.

Love him who with love his journey hail. The stars and man from far, bright with hope his burning.

Then dear Lord, with thee our cherished will to leave. And with thee dying shall not perish, but shall dwell with thee forever. For am I in the joy that can alter never.

Well, good evening, everyone. Blessings and greetings to all of you in the name of our Lord Jesus, the one who we are here to worship tonight.

Did you ever think about what a fabulous gift that we have been given?

Unfathomable, really. And I just hope that we gain a new and a better, more appreciation for that tremendous, wonderful gift that was given to us in Christ. What a wonderful blessing that is.

Well, we welcome you all here, and following prayer, you can follow the list starting on the left and take your places as each group comes up. So let's stand for prayer by the Kevin. Would you lead us? And then we'll begin.

Father, we do thank you for this opportunity that we can come together to remember what Christ has done for each of us, and that he brought a new kingdom into this earth, from heaven up to earth. And I pray that we represent that in a true way.

We also, Lord, just pray for each of the groups that's getting up, and bless them, and bless everything together. We just do our true prayer.

Glory.

From lands of peace we have traveled afar, led on by the gleam of a beautiful star. Through desert or mountain, rough, rugged, and bleak, we journey rejoicing, Messiah we seek. The star. Oh, the star. Oh, the beautiful star, where onward proceeding, and mindful and heeding, all else but the leading of yonder bright gem.

The star. Oh, the star. Oh, the beautiful star, where onward proceeding, and mindful and heeding, all else but the leading of yonder bright gem. The skies bending, horrors united, a chorus ends brighter before us. The star. Glory. The star of Bethlehem.

We long to behold him, our Savior foretold, by sages and prophets of centuries old. To worship before him, his praises to sing, oh, wonderful Savior, Redeemer, and King. The star. Oh, the star. Oh, the beautiful star, where onward proceeding, and mindful and heeding, all else but the leading of yonder bright gem.

The star. Oh, the star. Oh, the beautiful star, where onward proceeding, and mindful and heeding, all else but the leading of yonder bright gem. The skies bending, horrors united, a chorus ends brighter before us. The star. The star of Bethlehem.

For far away on Judea's plains, shepherds of old heard the joyous strains. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth, goodwill to men. Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Sweet are the strains of redeeming love, message of mercy from heaven above. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth, goodwill to men. Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Hasten the time when from every climb, men shall unite in the strains of line. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth, goodwill to men. Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Well, brothers, that was beautiful. The words blended with the harmony, it just lifts my soul way up high.

I was just wondering what it would be like singing the songs of heaven, the song of Moses and the Lamb. Praise God someday we'll be able to do that. Brother Marvin asked me to read a couple of scriptures and make a few comments.

The prophecy of Isaiah here, chapter eight and nine. In chapter eight, the Assyrians were threatening the country of Israel. They were just getting ready to come in there with all their power and just destroy them. And the last verse of chapter eight says, "And they shall look to the earth and behold trouble and darkness and dimness and anguish, and they shall be driven to darkness." Then chapter nine begins, "Nevertheless, the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. They that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shine." Hope. Isaiah is so beautiful in blending hope with distress.

And he says, "Just be like the joy and harvest, as when men rejoice when they divide to spoil. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden." Oh, and then he comes to these verses, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.

And the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. And at the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice, from henceforth even forever." The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.

Wonderful. To us a child is born. It's going to be a man. To us a son is given. He's going to be the Son of God. The government shall be upon his shoulders. Today, sometimes we see governments take advantage of the citizens.

But what's this government going to be like? It's going to be like the king, and the king is serving the people. He stoops and washes our feet. Praise God. That's wonderful. That's wonderful. Counselor, do we hear his counsel?

He's speaking to us. A mighty God, power, power for our lives. The Prince of Peace. That's what we need today in our churches. Peace. Jesus is the answer. The increase of his government and peace, there should be no end.

I love that. Then turning to Luke, first chapter. Here we have the angels coming. Gabriel came to Mary and said, "You're going to have a son." And she said, "Oh, really? How can this be?" And the angel said, "Well, with God, nothing is impossible." That's good for us.

Mary said, "Behold, the handmaiden of the Lord." Okay, all right, Lord. All right. And the angel departed from her. Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste into the city of Judah, entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elizabeth.

When she saluted Elizabeth, Elizabeth spake out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

And blessed is she that believed, for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."

I think Mary needed some confirmation.

This wasn't going to be a sword shall pierce through that own soul also. And here Elizabeth was saying, "Yes." And Mary said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior, for he hath regarded the lowest state of his handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things, and holy is his name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud and the imagination of their hearts, and he's put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy, as he spake to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever." Mary abode with her about three months and returned to her own house.

He hath filled the hungry with good things, and he's still doing that. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Praise God. That's our portion.

I forgot to mention that the younger class will go first, the younger to call the class, and then the older will.

Away in all danger, no crib for a bed. The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head. The stars in the sky look down where he lay. The little Lord Jesus found sleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes.

But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. Our lovely Lord Jesus looked up from the sky and stayed by my cradle till morning is nigh.

O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. O come he, O come he to Bethlehem. Come and behold him, for the King of angels. O come let us adore him. O come let us adore him. O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Sleep, baby, sleep. Thy father tends a sheath. Thy mother shakes a dream and tree. And down comes the free dreams for me. Sleep, baby, sleep. Sleep, baby, sleep. And down comes the free dreams for me. Sleep, baby, sleep.

Thy father tends the sheep. The little stands on lambs so dear. The shepherd is the counsel clear. Sleep, baby, sleep. Sleep, baby, sleep. The shepherd. Sleep, baby, sleep. Baby, sleep. So sleep, baby, sleep.

So sleep, baby, sleep.

Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. And peace on the earth, goodwill to all men.

Amen. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. And peace on the earth, goodwill to all men. Amen. Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God in the highest. And peace on the earth, goodwill to all men.

Amen.

Simple can also be meaningful. And probably many of you, most of you are familiar with this book, our Hymns of Praise for Children. It's one that my wife Heather's been using with our children for quite a while now. And a lot of the tunes are very singable, very simple, but also meaningful. And they have our Christmas selection here. So I'll read the words of the two short songs that Caitlin Hudson planned to sing this evening. Winds through the olive trees softly did blow, round little Bethlehem long, long ago. Sheep on the hillside lay whiter than snow. Shepherds were watching them long, long ago.

Then from the happy sky, angels bent low, singing their songs of joy long, long ago. For in a manger bed cradled we know Christ came to Bethlehem long, long ago. And the second song is Baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem long ago on a winter night. In the calm stillness, stars in the heavens bathed the village and stable in light. Come to Bethlehem, come to Bethlehem, angels sang in the starry light. Worship the Christ child, sing hallelujah. Come to Bethlehem, stable tonight.

When sweetie on the tree softly did blow, round little Bethlehem long, long ago. Sleep on the house where lily winds. The sun suppers were watching them long, long ago. Then from the happy sky, angels fell low, singing their songs of joy long, long ago.

For in the heavens is great glory now. Christ came to Bethlehem long, long ago.

Baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem long ago. When the winds were low in the cold stillness, and when baby little child came walking and. Come to Bethlehem, come to Bethlehem. Angels singing their sorry lies. Worship the Christ child, sing hallelujah. Come to Bethlehem and stay here tonight.

Well, it truly is good to be here with you tonight. And I just want to say a special thank you to the children for sharing tonight. I was remembering the words of Christ when he said, "Out of the mouth of children he has perfected praise." And there's certain qualities about children that always teach me, and that is to be completely humble and honest in their praise.

And I just want to say thank you, children, for sharing tonight. God bless you. And it's good. It's a good reminder for us adults. Sometimes we put a lot of work into perfecting our work. And I think God calls us to perfect our work. But we must stay humble as we do it. And so we want to give glory to the Lord tonight. This group here, we had gotten together a while ago for another project. And it was kind of the idea was floated to get two of the songs out and knock a little rust off and sing them tonight. So it's going to be in the same vein of light again. The first one is Glory to God in the Highest.

It's from the Hauntless Messiah. It was requested of us that we do it in an a cappella arrangement or setting of that. And so we endeavored to do that. And the next one is then The World Needs a Song. And it's an arrangement by Lloyd Kaufman.

Just again, again the same vein that we've been thinking about, the great light that we've seen Elam read to us from Isaiah. Truly, we have a great light in Christ. And now he's wanting us to be his hands and his feet and to be a light, to continue to carry that wherever we are, the people we touch, to spread that blessing, to spread that joy. And I hope when I speak with people, there's just a great sense of hopelessness in our world today. And so we have hope. And so we want to sing about that tonight.

Hope you can enjoy.

Glory to God first.

So this anthem is what the angels said right after they heard. And the scripture in Luke says, "And suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying." Now we're going to sing it, but they said it apparently. So.

Glory to God. Glory to God in the highest. And peace on earth. Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God in the highest.

And peace on earth. Goodwill to whom was meant

(Goodwill to whom was meant). Goodwill to whom was meant (Goodwill to whom was meant). Goodwill to whom was meant. Glory to God. Glory to God in the highest.

And peace on earth. Goodwill to whom was meant (Goodwill to whom was meant). Goodwill (Goodwill to whom was meant). Goodwill (Goodwill to whom was meant). Goodwill-Goodwill-Goodwill to whom was meant.

Goodwill to whom was meant.

The world needs a song. Now sing if your gift be singing. The world needs a song. Two sentiments fossils ringing. Over the autumn end sea, thy true violent strings must carry. To lift up the heavy-hearted so their feet may not lag nor tarry.

The world needs a song. Then sing. Then sing. Then sing. Then sing that song.

The world needs a prayer. Now pray if your gift be praying. The world needs a prayer that does not mean what all are saying. Give us a ray of hope. Something to lessen thou sorrow. A faint sound of song would implore the best encouragement to rise tomorrow.

The world needs a prayer. Then pray.

Then pray.

Then pray that prayer. The world needs a light. Now sing if your gift be singing. The world needs a light to sand the darkness fleeing. Show us the vision to you. Show the vision to you. Do not dare conceal it. You on the mountain top, if you see truth revealed.

The world needs a light. Then give. Then give.

Then give.

Then give that light. Amen.

This is not on the board because I left this poem on my desk and I wasn't quite sure I was going to have it for the service. But I want to thank you for that last song. We're looking at a future, probably in this nation, that doesn't look too bright. But I'm reminded of Winston Churchill in the darkest days of World War II.

And sorry, this has to come from military history, but I think it applies to the church. He said, "If the world should last a thousand years, let it be said that this was our nation's finest hour." And I honestly believe, brothers and sisters, if we'd have a vision for the church, what we face in the coming years could be our finest hour. It could be the most beautiful example that our church has given in the whole history of our nation.

But that's not what this poem is about. This poem is about the wise men. And that story has always intrigued me because where did they get this idea about this star? Well, Balaam, that heathen prophet - and he was a heathen prophet that God had used - he said in his prophecy, "There will be a star arise out of Jacob."

And he was from the east. And I have to wonder if there was not a legend or a story that just simply grew in the east from that statement of Balaam. And the wise men, of course, saw the star. Now we always assume that the star was a star that shone at night that they traveled. And they traveled at night. And maybe that was true. But I have a Latin poem here translated into English that presumes that they traveled not only by night but by day, that this star out shone the sun. And that's an interesting thought.

And you'll hear that in the poem. And then it also brings out something else that we often don't think about. We think about them following that external star. But the poet brings out the fact that unless there was an inner light that they connected to that star, they'd have never followed it.

And that's the appeal he's making to us. We have that inner light will we follow it? So I'll read this poem. What star is this that which star is this with beams so bright which shames the sun's less radiant light? It shines to announce a newborn king, glad tidings of our God to bring. 'Tis now fulfilled with God decreed from Jacob shall a star proceed. And lo, the eastern sages stand to read the heaven at God's command.

While outward signs the star displays, an inward light the Lord conveys and urges them with force benign to seek the giver of the sign. True love can brook no dull delay, nor toil nor danger stop their way. Home, kindred, fatherland and all, they leave at once at God's high call.

O Yesu, while the star of grace invites us now to seek thy face, may we no more thy grace repel to quench that light that shines so well. To God the Father, God the Son, and Holy Spirit three in one, may every tongue and nation raise an endless song of thankful praise."

The first song we're going to sing is called Mary's Lullaby. And it's a German folk tune that was adapted by John Henry Miller's daughter, Regina Treuer, to a three-part ladies' piece. So the words talk about imagining Mary's thoughts as a new mother, being the mother of King baby Jesus.

And our second song that we're going to sing is a song that my dad found in Inhomino and altered the words specifically for Christmas to celebrate Jesus' birth. And the first verse in that one talks about singing praise from the heavenly hosts up in the heavens. The second verse talks about us as his saints praising God on earth. And the third verse talks about the creation joining us to praise him. So listen as we sing these two songs.

Lullaby, lullaby, my little one. Lullaby, my child so dear. Thy precious life has just begun. Thy mother holds thee near. Wow, Joseph, what a joy to know that thy night comes now. Such a dream, such a dream when you'll cry. Lullaby, my little one. Lullaby, my child so dear.

Thy gentle head shall wear a crown, for thy father is a king. Thy tender hands so tiny now have blessings rich to bring. Let your great hands shine on my soul for so deep, for so joyful sound. Thus I cry lullaby, my little one. Lullaby, my child so dear.

Sing praises to God. Praise him in the height for sending his son that wonderful night. Praise God in the highest for good will and peace toward all men now living that songs never cease. Sing praise to the Lord. Praise him on the earth.

In joyful accord, you saints of new birth, thank him who has sent you his son from above. Rejoice in the wonder, the gift of this world. Sing praise to the Lord. All things that give sound, each jubilant chord reecho around.

With loud hallelujahs announced on new day, God came as a human to show us the way.

Number 219. Let's stand to sing.

Your soul.

Sunday in time, holy night.

All is bright, all is bright. Drown young virgin, mother and child.

Holy infant so tender and love. Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace. Can everyone take the lead? Sunday in time, holy night. Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories scream from heaven afar.

Heavenly host sing hallelujah.

Christ the Savior is born. Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night.

Son of God, love's pure light. Radiant beams from thy holy face. With the dawn of redeeming grace.

Jesus, Lord, hath thy birth. Jesus, Lord, hath thy birth. Six parts.

Silent night, holy night.

Dawn grass, darling, thy heart. With the angels, let us sing.

Hallelujah to our King. Christ the Savior is born. Christ the Savior is born.

Before I read the account in Luke, I'd like to read the account of the birth of Christ from John. Now you might say, "Where's that at?" Well, let me read it to you. "And the Word became 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 bore witness of him and cried out, saying, 'This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me,' for he was before me.

And of his fullness we have all received and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him."

Do you believe that tonight?

That God himself would come in the flesh.

To our human minds, it almost seems impossible.

But we need to believe it.

Okay, I'll read Luke's account, the one we're familiar with. And as always, I want you to join in with what the angels said or the heavenly host. "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. And so it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were greatly afraid.

Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you in this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be the sign to you. You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger.' 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, goodwill toward men.'

So it was when the angels had gone away from them into heaven that the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass which the Lord has made known to us.' And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Then the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that he had heard and seen as it was told them."

Max Lucada has a book called Because of Bethlehem. And he gives an account, a true account in here that really brings out this thing of God coming in the flesh. And it's a true account. It's a true account. And I hope you understand what it's saying here.

In 1926, George Harley founded a medical mission among the Mano tribe of Liberia. The locals were receptive to the doctor and helped him construct a clinic and a chapel. Eventually, Harley treated more than 10,000 patients a year. During the first five years, however, not one person from that tribe visited his chapel.

And I want you to keep that in your minds as I go on with the story. Shortly after the doctor and his wife arrived, she gave birth to Robert, their first child. The boy grew up on the edge of the forest. "He was the apple of our eye," Harley later said. "How we loved our little boy. But one day when he was almost five years old, I looked out the window of the medical dispensary and saw Bobby. He was running across the field, but he fell down. Then he got up and ran more and fell again.

But this time he didn't get up. So I ran out and picked up the feverish body of my own little boy. I held him in my arms and said, 'Bobby, don't worry. Your daddy knows how to treat that tropical fever. He's going to help you get better.'" Dr. Harley tried every treatment he knew, but nothing helped. The fever raged, and in short order, the disease took the boy's life. The parents were distraught with grief. The missionary went into his workshop and built a coffin.

Harley placed Robert inside and nailed the lid. He lifted the coffin on his shoulder and walked toward the clearing to find a place to dig a grave. One of the old men in the village saw him and asked about the box. When Harley explained that his son had died, the old man offered to help him carry the coffin.

Dr. Holy Harley told a friend what happened next. "So the old man took one end of the coffin, and I took the other. Eventually, we came to the clearing in the forest. We dug a grave there and laid Bobby in it. But when we had covered up the grave, I just couldn't stand it any longer. I fell down on my knees in the dirt and began to sob uncontrollably. My beloved son was dead. And there I was in the middle of an African jungle, 8,000 miles from home and relatives. I felt so all alone.

But when I started crying, the old man cocked his head in stunned amazement. He squatted down beside me and looked at me so intently. For a long time, he sat there listening to me cry. Then suddenly, he leaped to his feet and ran back up the trail through the jungle, screaming again and again at the top of his voice, 'White man, white man, he cries like one of us.'" That evening, as Harley and his wife grieved in their cottage, there was a knock at the door. Harley opened it. There stood the chief and almost every man, woman, and child in the village. They were back again the next Sunday and filled the chapel to overflowing.

They wanted to hear about Jesus. Everything changed when the villagers saw the tears of the missionary. And everything changes when we see the face of God. He came with tears too. He knows the burden of a broken heart. He knows the sorrow that life can bring. He could have come as a shining light or a voice in the clouds, but he came as a person. Does God understand you?

Find the answer in Bethlehem. Gaze where Mary gazed. Look into God's face and be assured that the king was willing to enter the world of animals and shepherds and swaddling clothes. Don't you think he's willing to enter yours?

He took on your face in the hope that you would see his.

God bless you.

There's a lot of emphasis placed on gifts and that kind of thing during this time of year. And this song is not necessarily a Christmas song, but I want you to just take notice.

One of the questions we ask ourselves is, what can we give him in exchange? And I want you to listen for the answer in this first song that we're going to sing.

With what shall I come before the Lord and examine myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with withered offerings? Shall I come before him with yearning calves? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams? With ten thousand rivers of hope? Shall I give him my firstborn for my transgressions, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man.

He has shown you what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness? And turn to, O combling with your God.

Wonderful birth to a manger he came, made in the likeness of men to proclaim God's boundless love for a world sick with sin, pleading with sinners to let him come in. Wonderful name he bears, wonderful crown he wears, wonderful blessings his triumph affords.

Wonderful Calvary, wonderful grace for me, wonderful love of my wonderful Lord. Wonderful life full of service so free, friend to the poor and the needy was he. Unfailing goodness on all he bestowed, undying faith in the verlest he showed.

Wonderful name he bears, wonderful crown he wears, wonderful blessings his triumphs affords. Wonderful Calvary, wonderful grace for me, wonderful love of my wonderful Lord. Wonderful death for it men not defeat, Calvary made his great mission complete.

Brought our redemption and when he arose, banished forever the last of his foes. Wonderful name he bears, wonderful crown he wears, wonderful blessings his triumphs affords. Wonderful Calvary, wonderful grace for me, wonderful love of my wonderful Lord. Wonderful hope he is coming again, coming in glory forever to reign.

Marvelous promise his word cannot fail, his righteous kingdom at last must prevail.

Wonderful name he bears, wonderful crown he wears, wonderful blessings his triumphs affords. Wonderful Calvary, wonderful grace for me, wonderful love of my wonderful Lord.

We have three songs to sing. The first is a setting of Away in a Manger. The second is called is an English carol called Sea Amid the Winter Snow. And the last one is a traditional one we sing here every year.

I can never remember the name of it. Run to us. So that's the three songs we have to sing tonight.

On. Away in a Manger, all the ladies sing on that third ladies' verse that we have left.

For where in a manger no grief forest bought, thou looked, O Lord Jesus, there down his sweet heart. The stars in the bright sky looked up for a while. Thou looked, O Lord Jesus, asleep on the hill.

The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes. But little Lord Jesus, no crying bewakes.

I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky and stay by my side until morning is bright.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, by our sweet trust I close by me forever and of me I pray.

Let's all the dear children in thy tender care and take us to heaven to live with thee now.

Sea amid the winter snow, born for us on earth below. See the tender lamb appears, promise from eternal years. Hail the leopard blessed morn, hail redemption's happy dawn. Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Blow within a manger lies thee who built the starry skies. Thee who thronged in house of lime sits amid the cherubim. Hail the leopard blessed morn, hail redemption's happy dawn. Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Sacred infants of the night, watch our tender lover's eye. Thou source who come from higher space, downturn such a world as this. Hail the leopard blessed morn, hail redemption's happy dawn. Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Teach us, teach us, holy child, by thy face, O meek and mild, teach us to resemble thee in thy sweet humility. Hail the leopard blessed morn, hail redemption's happy dawn. Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem.

For unto us a child is born, unto us our Son is given. And a covenant shall be upon his shoulder, unto us a child is born. And his name shall eternally hold. Wonderful wonder comes of counselor, the mighty God and Father, the Prince of Peace.

For unto us a child is born, unto us our Son is given. And a covenant shall be unto you upon his shoulder, unto us a child is born. And his name shall eternally hold. Wonderful wonder comes of counselor, the mighty God and Father, the Prince of Peace.

Well, may the Lord be praised tonight. Is there anyone that possibly has something spontaneous that you thought of during the service? You're welcome to come up and share. Anyone at all?

Okay. Well, I'd like to open it up, though, for testimonies. Anyone have something they'd like to share with the congregation? Something that inspired you from the songs or whatever? Anyone at all? Just share a testimony if you have one.

I was truly blessed to be here tonight. I want to thank everybody that did their part in congress.

Yes.

Christmas story is always a vibrant acknowledgment of God's love to us. Amen. And what a joy to have you sing like you did this evening. As audience believers, worship this great King as just a real joy to hear the songs that raises from small, talented voices as well as those who can render harmony well.

God be with you. God bless you. Amen.

Okay. Well, thank you for coming. And as I understand, there's a what do you call it? A meal or I guess they call it a snack provided in the basement after dismissal. And you're welcome to make your way to the basement and share in that way as well.

So we'll want to stand. John, Brother John, were you going to sing the Hallelujah chorus? Yes. Okay. So following prayer, we'll be sharing in the Hallelujah chorus. It's in your books. And so you can help with that. Let's stand for a prayer. Brother Harvey, would you lead us in prayer and also thank the Lord for the food?

Yes, dear God, we thank you so much for this wonderful time together tonight as your people. We thank you for the inspiration of the songs, the words of truth. We thank you for your word. Thank you for its power.

Lord, may we take the power of your word with us. And may that inner light that Brother John shared with us tonight with the wise men, may that lead us every day and that we would be a part of that great plan of redemption through Jesus tonight. We pray you meet all of our needs, Lord. And we confess that we're needy people and we need a Savior every day of our life, Lord. Just bless our fellowship from here. And as we eat together, may it be a time of encouraging each other on the straight and narrow way.

Bless the food and thank you for those that have prepared it for us tonight. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Number 100, 1,000. Sorry. 1,000.

Coming so down.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

For the Lord cannot bear bloodshed drained. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

For the Lord cannot bear bloodshed drained. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

For the Lord cannot bear bloodshed drained. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah. For the Lord cannot bear bloodshed drained. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

The kingdom of this world is become. The kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ and of His Christ. And He shall reign forever and ever. And He shall reign forever and ever and ever. And He shall reign and He shall reign and He shall reign forever and ever and ever and ever. Forever and ever and ever. Forever and ever and ever.

King of King. Forever and ever. Hallelujah, hallelujah. And Lord of Lords. Forever and ever. Hallelujah, hallelujah. King of King. Forever and ever. Hallelujah, hallelujah. And Lord of Lords. Forever and ever. Hallelujah, hallelujah. King of King. Forever and ever. Hallelujah, hallelujah.

King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And He shall reign forever and ever. And He shall reign and He shall reign and He shall reign and He shall reign forever and ever. King of King. Forever and ever. And Lord of Lords. Hallelujah, hallelujah. And He shall reign forever and ever and ever.

King of Kings and Lord of Lords. King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And He shall reign forever and ever and ever. Forever and ever. Forever and ever. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

Hallelujah.