A
daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
Wednesday,
December 18,
2019
The train
at the Star Barn in Elizabethtown, PA
"When
Thou Camest To Earth For Me"
Message summary: What a difference it makes to me personally when I personalize the incarnation of Jesus and consider that God has indeed "come to earth for me".
Listen
to this
message on your audio player."Christ
Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not
consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of
a servant, being made in human likeness"
(Philippians 2:5-7).
We, like
many of you, especially enjoy music during the
Christmas season. We value the songs we have sung from
childhood like "Joy To The World", "O Come All Ye
Faithful" and many others. We also enjoy new music
such as "Behold The Lamb of God" a powerful new song
by Andrew Peterson or "Another Christmas Closer" by
the Collingsworth Family or "Make Room" by Casting
Crowns (see links below).
But some
Christmas songs that were once contemporary, such as
"Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" published in 1870 by
Emily Elliot, are rarely sung in church settings
anymore. This song, like all songs, was at one
time contemporary in its day and has been sung in many
Christmas musicals over the years. As a side note
Emily Elliot was the niece of Charlotte Elliot who
authored the hymn, "Just As I Am" made famous in the
Billy Graham crusades and still remains popular today.
Thou
didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
when Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home there was found no room
for Thy holy nativity.
when Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem's home there was found no room
for Thy holy nativity.
Miss Elliot originally wrote this song to teach children the truths of the advent and nativity. Considering the rich theological depth of the song, which focuses not only on Christ's birth, but also His life, suffering, death and ultimate triumph, it may surprise you that it was initially intended as a children's song.
Today let's focus on the words, "When Thou camest to earth for me". This describes what is theologically known as the incarnation. The noun "incarnation" is derived from the ecclesiastical Latin verb incarno, meaning "to make into flesh" or "to be made flesh".
In His incarnation God in Christ "came to earth". The apostle Paul, in his magnificent incarnation passage states, "Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:5-7).
What a difference it makes to me personally when I personalize the incarnation of Jesus and consider that God has indeed "come to earth for me". C.S. Lewis wrote so poignantly, "The Son of God became a Son of Man that sons of men might become sons of God". That's right! Let's remember this wonderful truth today; this season, and all our lives! How blessed we are that God came to the earth to live among us! Let's always follow Him who gave His all for us!
When
the heav’ns shall ring, and her choirs shall sing,
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying “Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for Thee.”
At Thy coming to victory,
Let Thy voice call me home, saying “Yet there is room,
There is room at My side for Thee.”
We would
be remiss not to include the chorus of this sacred
hymn that is really an invitation to make room in our
hearts for Christ dwell therein. If you haven't
already done so, make the following words the prayer
of your heart:
O come
to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There
is room in my heart for Thee.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Jesus, You came to earth from heaven
to take on flesh and dwell among us as You became
the supreme example of God in the flesh, pouring
out Your grace upon grace. In Your humanness You
were victorious in the raging battle against the
spiritual forces of evil when faced with
temptations and trials common to all people. We
stand in glorious victory as we follow Your
example and hold to Your unchanging truths. We
come alongside those who are grieving loss and
enduring heartache in the midst of this glorious
season, for it is in keeping with the season of
giving, that we give ourselves in faithful prayer
and kind acts toward those experiencing underlying
grief. It is in the loving name of Jesus that we
pray. Amen.
Special
Year-end Financial Appeal
We want to thank all who have
financially supported our ministry this past
year (and some for many years!). We
realize there are many fine ministries and
causes requesting support at this time but
if the Lord would lead you we surely need
and appreciate the financial support from
our readers and listeners. Like many ministries, we
typically see a spike in giving at the end
of the year for which we are most thankful.
Our ministry labor is comprised of approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies for which we receive compensation. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses and income.
If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information.
To donate directly online here. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376
Our ministry labor is comprised of approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies for which we receive compensation. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses and income.
If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information.
To donate directly online here. This will open to a page that designates the offering to: WEBER,STEPHEN CHAP, Specialized Chaplaincy Ministry ID: 700001-237376
Please Note:
We also provide this easy option due to
the convenience, for international
supporters, and for those who may not be
concerned regarding receiving an
official tax deductible receipt. Click
here to send an offering using
PayPal. This will open to a page that
states "Brooksyne Weber"Thank you,
Stephen & Brooksyne
Today's
Suggested Music and Supplemental Resources
"Thou
Didst Leave Thy Throne"
Video
Traditional version
"Thou
Didst Leave Thy Throne"
Video
Another version
"Behold The Lamb
of God" Video
Andrew
Peterson, a musician we have
really come to appreciate the
last several years who wrote "Is
He Worthy?" Video
"Another
Christmas Closer"
Video
Collingsworth Family This song
is especially touching if you
have loved ones waiting for
you on the other side. Here's
a comment: "Well, I thought
everyone had covered most
every topic in all the
hundreds of Christmas songs
out there but you've found a
treasure in this unique song,
Collingsworth family! What a
blessing this will be to so
many who have a loved one
already in heaven waiting for
them. Thank you for blessing
the world with this song!!!"
"Make Room"
Video
Casting Crowns
The Star Barn
Village is one of our newer
tourist attractions in
Lancaster County with restored
barns, a train, a covered
bridge and other sights. We have the
opportunity to attend a
special event at the Star Barn
tomorrow. If you life in
central PA or are coming this
way here is info: "Christmas
Light Drive Through" at the
Star Barn
Resources
for
Christmas
Celebrations
(We
will leave these
resources posted below
our daily messages
through Christmas)
Each
year we share
several online
resources that we
have used over the
years and that may
be a blessing to
you, your family or
church during this
Christmas season.
"In Remembrance of Me" pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Brooksyne and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services over the years. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling. Here's a great Communion Hymn for Christmas (Video)
"When Christ Was Born" pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of "How Great Thou Art". It's a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with and love the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
"O Come Let Us Adore Him" pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year. Brooksyne read and wrote about the poem in this message.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
"In Remembrance of Me" pdf This is a passion-filled Scripture reading for two adults. Brooksyne and I have used this reading with great receptivity during Christmas Eve services over the years. We suggest, if possible, a musical background as the message is read. It is also a great lead-in to a Communion service. It should be thoroughly practiced and read with great feeling. Here's a great Communion Hymn for Christmas (Video)
"When Christ Was Born" pdf This is an adaptation to the tune of "How Great Thou Art". It's a great song to sing as a congregation since most are familiar with and love the tune.
Responsive Christmas Scripture readings for church or family:
John 1:1-18 pdf
"O Come Let Us Adore Him" pdf
My First Christmas In Heaven This is a blessed reminder for all who lost a loved one this year. Brooksyne read and wrote about the poem in this message.
Christmas Knowledge Test
We have also posted two Christmas carol quizzes here (scroll down).
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
© Copyright 2019 Stephen C. & Brooksyne
Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA