Our Hopes and Fears are Met in HIM

Our Hopes and Fears are Met in Him!

"Bethlehem ... out of you will come for me one who will rule over Israel." Micah 5:2

The famous preacher, Phillips Brooks, wrote this beloved carol at a time in his life when he was overwhelmed with the pressures of ministry. It was after a trip to Israel, and needing to write a hymn for a Christmas program, that God gave this six foot giant of a man, a precious Christmas carol that would be remembered for years to come.

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie;
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years, are met in THEE tonight!

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above.
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together, proclaim the holy birth;
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently, this wondrous Gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessing of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still the dear Christ enters in.

O Holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us, we pray!
Cast out OUR sin, and enter in; Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angles the great glad tidings tell;
O, come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel.

I love the line "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in THEE tonight." What a comfort to us in this chaotic, ever-changing world -- whatever are fears, whatever our hopes -- they are met in CHRIST. 2000+ years later -- the truth is still true -- Christ is our hope of glory! And He, my brother, is your ONLY hope! Rejoice in that reality as you worship HIM today -- your "Audience of One!" -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for US: Proverbs 20; Micah 1-3; Revelation 12

Great Quote: I have a better Caretaker than you and all the angels. He it is who lies in a manger, but at the same time sits at the right hand of God, the almighty Father. Therefore be at rest. Martin Luther