Battle Cry
Sunday, 16. December 2007, 21:21:19
I was thinking recently about how certain songs, pledges and sayings at one time were commonplace; and we could sing or say them without much thought. Some of these have now become a sort of "battle cry" for faith in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ; or for our defense of our country.
For example, the words "Merry Christmas" have certainly been under attack or replaced in recent years. It's now "Happy Holidays", "Family tree" rather than "Christmas Tree", and replacing words in the traditional Christmas hymns to be less offensive. I really do want the reminder that I was there in part, when "long lay the world, in sin and error pining"! In fact, that has been one of my favorite hymns, not only because of the beautiful melody, but because of the words that put us in our proper place, and Christ in His glory. "Fall on your knees, o hear the angel voices. O night divine..." How often do I fall on my knees in reverence? I need that image to be replenished in me time after time!
I remember going to the amusement park many years ago, and there was a laser show set to music after the rides shut down for the night. The final song was "God bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood (I think I've got the title right). Well, I remember thinking it was nice and all, but it never really moved me (and perhaps many others) as much as it did when it gained popularity just following September 11, 2001. It became a real statement and reminder of what is and should be precious to us as American citizens. I don't believe I've pondered and been so thankful to live in this free country as I have in these years following that dramatic day in our nation's history.
I am thankful for reminders of what is important, no matter how long I live, how often I've heard it before, or how experienced I become. It is the same for God's Word, the Bible. We stumble, and get comfortable in our ways, and we need the instruction and the prodding to heed God's words to us.
May God bless you this Christmas!
Gwen
For example, the words "Merry Christmas" have certainly been under attack or replaced in recent years. It's now "Happy Holidays", "Family tree" rather than "Christmas Tree", and replacing words in the traditional Christmas hymns to be less offensive. I really do want the reminder that I was there in part, when "long lay the world, in sin and error pining"! In fact, that has been one of my favorite hymns, not only because of the beautiful melody, but because of the words that put us in our proper place, and Christ in His glory. "Fall on your knees, o hear the angel voices. O night divine..." How often do I fall on my knees in reverence? I need that image to be replenished in me time after time!
I remember going to the amusement park many years ago, and there was a laser show set to music after the rides shut down for the night. The final song was "God bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood (I think I've got the title right). Well, I remember thinking it was nice and all, but it never really moved me (and perhaps many others) as much as it did when it gained popularity just following September 11, 2001. It became a real statement and reminder of what is and should be precious to us as American citizens. I don't believe I've pondered and been so thankful to live in this free country as I have in these years following that dramatic day in our nation's history.
I am thankful for reminders of what is important, no matter how long I live, how often I've heard it before, or how experienced I become. It is the same for God's Word, the Bible. We stumble, and get comfortable in our ways, and we need the instruction and the prodding to heed God's words to us.
May God bless you this Christmas!
Gwen
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