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daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and
exhortation.
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Friday,
December
11,
2020
Yesterday we had breakfast at Casey Jones
Restaurant at the Red Caboose Motel, which has lodging in
former cabooses. We dined in an authentic dining car, but
especially catching our attention this time was the
Christmas decorations on the motel wagon.
"Yet
In Thy Dark Streets Shineth"
Message summary: Today’s message is a needed reminder in our day with all the "darkness" regarding the coronavirus impact. In many places, even in a literal sense, our streets are dark with so many closings, etc.
“The
sun will no more be your light by day, nor will
the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the
LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God
will be your glory. Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be
your everlasting light” (Isaiah 60:19,20). “The
Light shines in the darkness” (John 1:5).
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.
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.
When
we lived in New England in the nineties we would
often go into Boston for ministry calls such as a
hospital visit in the course of our pastoral
ministry. At other times we went in for strictly a
pleasure trip. Regardless of the reason for going we
often just walked around the city. Boston is a very
walkable city due to its compact size and layout.
The Freedom Trail is a long walk that features many
of the historic places during our nation’s founding.
One
of our favorite places, although not on the Freedom
Trail, is Copley Square, a busy commercialized area
near the Hynes Convention Center where we attended
conferences. Phillips Brooks was the pastor of
Trinity Church on Copley Square in Boston from 1869
– 1891. This church is now under the shadow of the
John Hancock Tower, the tallest building in New
England.
A statue in front of the church shows Phillips Brooks preaching (photo to left). A replica of the Lord is standing behind him with His hand on Brooks’ shoulder. It’s truly an inspiring sight!
Phillips Brooks served the Lord Jesus Christ during his lifetime and the statement on the statue, “Preacher of The Word of God” is one of the highest commendations a minister can receive. As a side note one of the most famous members of his church while he served was Helen Keller who attended Perkins Institute for the Blind in 1888 -1892.
But today Phillips Brooks is best known as the author of a favorite Christmas Carol many of us will sing during this season, "O Little Town Of Bethlehem".
In 1865 Phillips Brooks traveled to the Holy Land and celebrated Christmas in Bethlehem. He was inspired by the view of Bethlehem from the hills above it especially at night hence the lyrics of “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. In writing the song he considered the little town the very night Christ was born.
Let us consider just one line in the first verse: "Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light". Brooks used the contrast of the dark streets of Bethlehem to the spiritual light that would shine for all eternity when Christ was born in the manger. That's such a needed reminder in our day with all the "darkness" regarding the coronavirus impact. In many places even in a literal sense our streets are dark with so many closings, etc.
Seven hundred years before Christ’s incarnation the prophet Isaiah wrote, “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light” (Isaiah 60:19,20). This is the only occurrence of the phrase “everlasting light” in Scripture and it is likely that Phillips Brooks had this verse in mind when he wrote the song. This is a prophetic passage in a section summarized with the phrase, “The Future Glory of Israel”.
The Apostle John finally sat down to write his gospel some 90 years after the birth of Christ and some 60 years after His death and resurrection. Speaking of the incarnate Word he wrote, “The Light shines in the darkness". The Light is clearly a reference to Jesus Christ. The previous verse states, "In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men".
The verb "shines" is in the present tense and forever will be! Right now the Light is shining in the darkness. He is indeed the everlasting light.
Let us be encouraged today that the “everlasting light” continues to shine, not only in the heavenlies, but in the hearts of those who are redeemed from the dark curse of sin. During this busy holiday season keep this life-changing truth before you!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
One
of our favorite places, although not on the Freedom
Trail, is Copley Square, a busy commercialized area
near the Hynes Convention Center where we attended
conferences. Phillips Brooks was the pastor of
Trinity Church on Copley Square in Boston from 1869
– 1891. This church is now under the shadow of the
John Hancock Tower, the tallest building in New
England.A statue in front of the church shows Phillips Brooks preaching (photo to left). A replica of the Lord is standing behind him with His hand on Brooks’ shoulder. It’s truly an inspiring sight!
Phillips Brooks served the Lord Jesus Christ during his lifetime and the statement on the statue, “Preacher of The Word of God” is one of the highest commendations a minister can receive. As a side note one of the most famous members of his church while he served was Helen Keller who attended Perkins Institute for the Blind in 1888 -1892.
But today Phillips Brooks is best known as the author of a favorite Christmas Carol many of us will sing during this season, "O Little Town Of Bethlehem".
In 1865 Phillips Brooks traveled to the Holy Land and celebrated Christmas in Bethlehem. He was inspired by the view of Bethlehem from the hills above it especially at night hence the lyrics of “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. In writing the song he considered the little town the very night Christ was born.
Let us consider just one line in the first verse: "Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light". Brooks used the contrast of the dark streets of Bethlehem to the spiritual light that would shine for all eternity when Christ was born in the manger. That's such a needed reminder in our day with all the "darkness" regarding the coronavirus impact. In many places even in a literal sense our streets are dark with so many closings, etc.
Seven hundred years before Christ’s incarnation the prophet Isaiah wrote, “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light” (Isaiah 60:19,20). This is the only occurrence of the phrase “everlasting light” in Scripture and it is likely that Phillips Brooks had this verse in mind when he wrote the song. This is a prophetic passage in a section summarized with the phrase, “The Future Glory of Israel”.
The Apostle John finally sat down to write his gospel some 90 years after the birth of Christ and some 60 years after His death and resurrection. Speaking of the incarnate Word he wrote, “The Light shines in the darkness". The Light is clearly a reference to Jesus Christ. The previous verse states, "In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men".
The verb "shines" is in the present tense and forever will be! Right now the Light is shining in the darkness. He is indeed the everlasting light.
Let us be encouraged today that the “everlasting light” continues to shine, not only in the heavenlies, but in the hearts of those who are redeemed from the dark curse of sin. During this busy holiday season keep this life-changing truth before you!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer: Father, we thank You for the
incarnation of Jesus who saw our greatest need and
gave fully of Himself to reconcile us to You.
We are eternally grateful that our sin debt was paid
by the sinless Lamb of God. We thank You for our
Redeemer and friend, Jesus, the everlasting Light of
Glory who chooses to be revealed in an imperfect
people. What greater love could there be! We humbly
thank You, Father, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Note: The
statue seen above is in Boston since Brooks was born
and died in Boston and served much of his ministry
there. However "Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem" was
actually penned by Philips Brooks when he served a
church in Philadelphia from 1862-1869. He was
inspired and overwhelmed by his visit to the town of
Bethlehem in 1865. He wrote the song three years
later for his church. The organist of his church,
known as Lewis Redner, composed its music. Also note
that his first name was indeed Phillips (not
Phillip).Phillips Brooks was noted for his poise and quiet manner. At times, however, he suffered moments of frustration and irritability, as do we all. One day a friend saw him feverishly pacing the floor like a caged lion. “What’s the trouble, Mr. Brooks?” he asked. “The trouble is that I’m in a hurry, but God isn’t!” Haven’t we felt the same way many times? I sure have!
Helen Keller, at eight years of age, moved
to Boston to attend Perkins School for the Blind
from 1888-1892. When she was a little girl she sat
on Phillips Brooks' knee and learned that God is
love. She came to know and respect Phillips Brooks
as her spiritual leader. When
we lived in New England we met Charlie and Rosie
Goumas at a conference in Boston. One Sunday they
came down on the train to visit us and we snapped
this photo of them sitting on our deck. Rosie, a
concert pianist, also went to the Perkins School
for the Blind and as a child knew Helen Keller.
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 click 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 click 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
“Light”
in Christmas carols
Today’s message reminds us that the theme of light is common in Christmas carols. Can identify the following carols by the specific phrases that refer to light?
1) Son of God, love’s pure light
2) Yonder shines the infant light:
3) And to the earth it gave great light,
4) Light and life to all He brings,
5) But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall,
6) The everlasting Light;
7) Guide us to thy perfect light.
The answers will be posted on Monday.
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. This page was first posted in 2005 soon after my Mom passed away.
Christmas Knowledge Test
"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. This page was first posted in 2005 soon after my Mom passed away.
Christmas Knowledge Test
Finally today:
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& 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 2020 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