This ageless story has always been the source of inspiration, and Joseph Mohr (1792-1848) found that it was to him. In 1818, when he was assistant pastor of Oberdorf, near Arnsdorf, he attended a Christmas Eve meeting at the Arnsdorf schoolhouse. He was greeted by Franz Gruber, the schoolmaster, organist, songwriter, and intimate friend. As the Christmas celebration progressed, Mohr withdrew from the room. Later when recalled to participate in the service, he brought with him a folded paper, a gift to Franze Gruber. Gruber opened it and read aloud, “Silent Night, Holy Night,” the poem which has become the best-loved of all the Christmas hymns.So touched was he by this beautiful poetic gift that a sudden inspiration seemed to come to him. A short time later after Mr. Mohr had retired that evening he heard his poem being sung to the beautiful tune, “Stille Nacht.” Mr. Gruber had composed the melody!! Thus, on that memorable eve in 1818, the richness of the Christmas thought and spirit found its impression in:Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright, Round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.Silent night, holy night, Wondrous stars, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King! Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born. –Joseph Mohr, 1818 (Christ and the Fine Arts; by Cynthia Pearl Maus, 1938, 1959, Harper & Brothers Publishers, New York).
May the peace of Christmas fill us with the joy and laughter. The joy of this season does not hinder the sadness that may come to our lives. Wayne’s oldest brother, Rusty had been dealing with some very serious health issues due to diabetes. Yesterday when undergoing his daily dialysis he passed away. Rusty was 74 years old and lived in Lexington, Ky. We do not have any details concerning funeral arrangements. We ask that you pray for the family as they deal with this loss. Pray for his wife, children and grandchildren as they grieve the loss of a husband, father and grandfather.
--Next week (December 27-January 2) the Velebantfu Baptist Church will conduct revival services. Pray these services will reach many people for the Lord. May the members of the church truly experience revival.
NAMES OF GOD THE SON: BABE And they (shepherds) came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:16
The wonder of Christmas is that Jesus was born in a stable that included straw for a bed with animals for night time companions. It is natural for us to wonder why God would choose this way to send His Son into the world. He could have arrived as a king to the blast of trumpets. He could have dazzled the crowds by riding into town as a triumphant general at the head of a massive army. But perhaps God wanted His Son to experience the helplessness of a little baby so He could sympathize with us in our sins and weakness. Going through the stages of life like all the people do, He could participate fully in the humanity of those He came to serve. (From the book The Names of God by George W. Knight 2009)
We want to wish each of you a most Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your faithful support in prayer of the work with the Swazi people.
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