Eternal Promise

All my life I have listened to and sang hymns, and other Christmas music during this holiday season.  My first remembrance of performing was with my Brownie Troop at the Seattle Northgate Mall on a wooden Christmas Tree stage. Later it was in the Seattle 1st ward Young Women's chorus when we rehearsed over and over for performing Twas the Night before Christmas.  I sang Carol's in Italian while on a mission in Rome.  Mom always said, "No Christmas music before Thanksgiving", as if to sing or listen to it in advance was a commandment or sin. As adults, my sisters and I will tell on ourselves to one another when we break the rule.

On a drive between home and the city of Spokane, I heard O Little Town of Bethlehem over the radio and seemingly for the first time, the lyrics resonated in my soul.  

Yet in the dark streets shineth
The everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

For over 7000 years, even prior to the creation of Adam, we anticipated the birth and resurrection of Our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He wasn't just a baby miraculously conceived found lying in a manger.  He was the hope, the one eternal hope, that when life is over, we can be cleansed of all error, grief, hurt, pain, strife, struggle, and worry we created or experienced. He was chosen, endowed with power, and possessed enough compassion, love, and mercy to keep his commitment.  Without him we would be hopeless and frankly permanently removed from the presence of God.  He is the one who could and would save us from damnation and restore us back to God in Heaven. 

The eternal promise was about to be realized!

No wonder heaven and earth rejoiced at his arrival!!  

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 angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem

Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the new born king          ~ Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

The birth of the Savior of the world occurred in a world filled with contention and strife. 

“But with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel-strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love-song, which they bring:
O hush the noise, ye men of strife,

And hear the angels sing!”    ~ It Came upon a Midnight Clear 

As I pondered on the words and the recognition that He, Jesus Christ, gave us a wonderous eternal gift, I felt him near, my testimony of Him brightened, and I too sang in a soft voice

Be near me, Lord Jesus
I ask You to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Your tender care
And fit us for heaven
To live with You there                 ~ Away in a Manger