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Thursday,
December 19,
2019
The Star
Barn in Elizabethtown, PA
"Can
You Hear The Bells?"
Message summary: Whatever you are going through may the Lord enable you to hear the bells!
Listen
to this
message on your audio player."Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more" (Matthew 2:16-18).
I heard the bells
on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Saint Marks Church
here in Mount Joy has church bells or more likely
a carillon which plays beautiful sacred music that
can be heard through the downtown area. Church
bells were a feature in older churches and once
very common in small town America as well as in
large cities. Few modern church edifices being
built in our age have church bells and thus
increasingly more and more are unfamiliar with
them. But years ago many churches had bells. What
a powerful way to call a community to remember
God.
They
are also the theme of a Christmas carol written
over 150 years ago by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
titled
"I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day". It
was written during the cruel miseries of the Civil
War but he also had his own personal cruel
miseries.In the summer of 1861 - mere months after the Civil War began - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lost his wife Fanny in a tragic accident. One night while trimming their daughter’s hair by candlelight, a few drops of hot wax fell on her nightgown and ignited when a gust of wind came through the window.
Longfellow
did his best to save her but she was burned too
badly, and he ended up with severe burns on his
face & hands. Longfellow, of course, was
distraught. His trademark full beard was a direct
result of his mourning, as he claimed he no longer
had the energy to shave. (Some report that he grew
the beard to cover the scars on his face brought
about by the fire.) Christmas is hardest
on the bereaved and Longfellow was no exception.
On December 25, 1861, the first year without his
wife, he wrote in his journal: “How inexpressibly
sad are all the holidays.” Exactly one year later,
this is the entry: “‘A merry Christmas’ say the
children, but that is no more for me.” On
Christmas of 1863 his journal was left blank.
But then, on December 25, 1864 Longfellow heard the bells from a Boston church on Christmas day and found peace that seemed to have dissipated after the long period of sorrow and mourning. On that day he wrote this soul-stirring poem which years later became a hymn. See below for a video link to a stirring version by Casting Crowns.
The beautiful chiming bells of Christmas reminded Longfellow that God was still in command and in His pre-ordained time He would cause the right to triumph. Our loving Father would bring the sounds of peace and good will to the hearts of men and women, boys and girls.
We associate Christmas with hope, love, joy, and peace, the four advent themes, but in the same Scriptural narrative concerning the birth of Christ there is the written record of practically unimaginable evil. We know the story but it's not a section of the Christmas narrative that we choose to focus on. We might even prefer to skip over it since the backdrop seems to be so unconducive to what we perceive as the proper setting for the Christ Child's arrival.
King Herod, in an effort to eliminate the infant King, ordered his soldiers to kill "all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under" (Matthew 2:16). What a horrible slaughter this must have been. Herod was an evil man. I also consider the moral depravity of the soldiers in carrying out such an evil command. Even though we know Herod's motivation there is no reason to believe the inhabitants of Bethlehem did. Can you imagine the utter terror of that night and deep grief that followed?
But then, on December 25, 1864 Longfellow heard the bells from a Boston church on Christmas day and found peace that seemed to have dissipated after the long period of sorrow and mourning. On that day he wrote this soul-stirring poem which years later became a hymn. See below for a video link to a stirring version by Casting Crowns.
The beautiful chiming bells of Christmas reminded Longfellow that God was still in command and in His pre-ordained time He would cause the right to triumph. Our loving Father would bring the sounds of peace and good will to the hearts of men and women, boys and girls.
We associate Christmas with hope, love, joy, and peace, the four advent themes, but in the same Scriptural narrative concerning the birth of Christ there is the written record of practically unimaginable evil. We know the story but it's not a section of the Christmas narrative that we choose to focus on. We might even prefer to skip over it since the backdrop seems to be so unconducive to what we perceive as the proper setting for the Christ Child's arrival.
King Herod, in an effort to eliminate the infant King, ordered his soldiers to kill "all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under" (Matthew 2:16). What a horrible slaughter this must have been. Herod was an evil man. I also consider the moral depravity of the soldiers in carrying out such an evil command. Even though we know Herod's motivation there is no reason to believe the inhabitants of Bethlehem did. Can you imagine the utter terror of that night and deep grief that followed?
One can only imagine the inconsolable agony of all who resided in Bethlehem. Surely each family was affected, directly or indirectly. The act fulfilled an ancient prophecy by Jeremiah who wrote, "Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more" (Matthew 2:17-18).
Deep grief and despair has always existed in the human experience since the original fall. Today some reading this are in such a condition.
On Christmas Day, 1864, Henry Longfellow gave vent to his feelings in this plaintive carol that can only be understood against the backdrop of war. Two stanzas now omitted from most hymnals speak of the cannons thundering in the South and of hatred tearing apart "the hearth-stones of a continent." The poet drops his head in despair, but then he hears the ringing of Christmas bells. Their triumphant pealing reminds him that "God is not dead nor doth He sleep".
And in despair I
bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
We who believe in Christ still live in a fallen world with so much evil and unrest. As we see more and more of those who vehemently reject the way of Christ (John 14:6, Acts 9:2) we see evil increase (see Matthew 24:12).
The peace of which the angels sang is not speaking of the external circumstances that surround us. Rather it is the peace that Christ imparts within our hearts when we know Him as Savior and Lord. The Prince of Peace reigning within our hearts is truly a gift from God that surpasses all other gifts. Won't you receive the Christ of Christmas today!
The song looks forward prophetically to a time yet future for us:
Then pealed the
bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
with peace on earth, good will to men.
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
with peace on earth, good will to men.
Whatever you are going through today may the Lord enable you to hear the bells!
Do you hear the bells
they’re ringing? (Peace on Earth)
The life the angels singing (Peace on Earth)
Open up your heart and hear them (Peace on Earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men
Peace on earth, Peace on earth
Peace on earth, Good will to men
The life the angels singing (Peace on Earth)
Open up your heart and hear them (Peace on Earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men
Peace on earth, Peace on earth
Peace on earth, Good will to men
(From the Casting
Crowns version)
Be
encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, our hearts are heavy when we
awaken each day with new reports of widespread
evil, whether it's in our region of the world or
in a distant land. It could drive us to despair
when we consider the continuous chipping away of
Biblical morals and godly restraint sweeping
across the globe. Additionally so many deal with
these troubling situations through a politically
correct lens instead of the black and white truth.
The only lasting answer to our soul's diseases and
widespread evil is provided for us in the arrival
of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Though the majority
reject Your answer for our sin problem, how
grateful we are that Jesus still came, for He
lives within the hearts of those who see their
need and receive His forgiveness. In the midst of
the prevailing darkness, like Longfellow, we
declare that You are not dead and You do not
sleep. The seasons of darkness we experience is a
temporary state, but in You is everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in
Thee, O God of light! Amen.*
In researching for this message online we note
that there are some discrepancies regarding
specific details among the various accounts. On
the anniversary of the accident he wrote in his
journal: "I can make no record of these days.
Better leave them wrapped in silence. Perhaps
someday God will give me peace."
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
"I Heard The
Bells On Christmas Day"
Video
Casting Crowns We have
both enjoyed this version for
many years!
"I Heard The
Bells On Christmas Day"
Video
Gaither Vocal Band (a more
traditional version)
For more detail: The Story
Behind "I Heard the Bells on
Christmas Day"
The
satire site Babylon Bee
had an article several
days ago titled "Planned
Parenthood Honors King
Herod With Lifetime
Achievement Award".
What an insightful take!!!
Don’t
Be A Scroogedy Scrooge
Like Herod is the title of
a sermon this month at a
local church here in
Lancaster County!
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 with the Convene
group at the Star Barn today.
If you live in central PA or
are coming this way here is
the info: "Christmas
Light Drive Through" at the
Star Barn.
Note: Another
similar attraction in our area
is at Hershey with the Hershey
Sweet Lights which
indeed has lots of lights.
However when we went through
about ten years ago any
expression of the real meaning
of Christmas was conspicuously
absent.
David Abel, the owner of the Star
Barn property is a devout
Christian and the description
of the drive through states,
"Proceed through the “decked
out” Herr’s Mill Covered
Bridge also known as “The
Kissing Bridge.” See the
Harrisburg, Lincoln &
Lancaster Railroad’s engine
and passenger car dressed for
the holidays. Next, travel
through the Moravian Star
Forest. Enjoy over 500,000 LED
lights, more action, and
experience the new two-mile
route for a truly brilliant
Christmas Light Drive-Through
illuminating the TRUE
meaning of Christmas and
its traditions.
Star Barn Village
Christmas lights video
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