Rote: from memory, without thought of the meaning

Faith: belief that is not based on proof

We all are in the midst of the Christmas season.  Do you enjoy Christmas carols?  There are carols that are spiritual (Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Go Tell it on the Mountain, etc.) and those that are "festive" (Rudolph, Jungle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, etc.)  I do enjoy carols.  I enjoy selections from both categories.  It is so easy to sing by rote because our minds are full of things we need to get done, places we need to be or what we need to bake (okay, not me on this last one ;o)  I think the most beautiful thing we do at Christmas is to sing praise in song to God for His gift of Jesus.  Often when we (FBC) sing Christmas songs I will not sing, but close my eyes and listen to the glorious voices as the sound raises to honor our Gift.

I must accept the unknown for what I do know. Having faith that the Word is true in that Jesus was born, showed himself in the resurrection and shares himself with me so that I might have eternal life. This is my Hope.

This morning in worship we sang this song and as I listened God touched my heart through the words... 

Gentle Mary Laid Her Child

Gentle Mary laid her Child
Lowly in a manger;
There He lay, the undefiled,
To the world a Stranger.
Such a Babe in such a place,
Can he be the saviour?
Ask the saved of all the race
Who have found His favour.

Angels sang about His birth,
Wise men sought and found Him;
Heaven's star shone brightly forth
Glory all around Him.
Shepherds saw the wondrous sight,
Heard the angels singing;
All the plains were lit that night,
All the hills were ringing.

Gentle Mary laid her Child
Lowly in a manger;
He is still the undefiled,
But no more a Stranger.
Son of God of humble birth,
Beautiful the story;
Praise His Name in all the earth,
Hail! the King of Glory!

I am saved and know His favour.  Are you?  Praise HIS name!!! Merry Christmas!!!

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Let Jesus fill the void you have cored out in your heart, like this apple corer...then, let your little light shine in him!