December 7
Day 11
Listen to: “O, Little Town of Bethlehem”
“While mortals sleep the Angels keep, their watch of wondering love.” We know of God and the gift of Jesus through the words of the Bible and witnesses to his life here on earth. Angels know of God and the gift of Jesus through first hand experience. The author of this song wrote these words after a visit to Israel and specifically after a journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on a horseback. He is not the only hymn writer that portrays the angles in awe and wonder that Jesus would come to earth as a baby. While we don’t know if they really wondered what God was up to, it rings true that this is a great mystery that only God can fully understand. I pray that we too will find the awe expressed in this song. That we will meditate on wonder about this great love gift of Jesus sent as a baby to be God with us. Will you keep a watch of wondering love during Advent?
Activity with Kids:
Take a few quiet moments and look at your family’s nativity scene. Wonder together what it must have been like for Jesus (who was God) to live as a baby and child. Wonder how someone so great would be willing to become a baby. Thank Jesus for his great love.
Move the angels to the next note.
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893
1. 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. 2. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the king, and peace to all on earth! 3. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given; so God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in. 4. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; o come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!