Happy Thursday Dear Church!
I Wonder as I Wander
I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die,
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall,
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all;
But high from God's heaven, a star's light did fall,
And the promise of ages it then did recall.
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
A star in the sky or a bird on the wing,
Or all of God's Angels in heaven to sing,
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King
This beautiful carol is absolutely one of my favorites, especially as we approach Christmas Eve. It was written by John Jacob Niles in 1933. He heard it sung by Annie Morgan, in Murphy, North Carolina. He had Annie sing it over and over until he, himself, had it memorized. It is not known who wrote the original lyrics, but in today’s version, it is assumed that Niles added to what he had learned, to create this Christmas classic. I think the reason I am drawn to this masterpiece lies in it the idea of wonder. So many times, we think we need to have everything figured out, when the journey of a Jesus follower is all about being constantly conscious of our own questions and wonder. To live in the wonder of Christmas and the mystery of Jesus’ birth.
I want to encourage you for the next week to live in the wonder and embrace the mystery of this season. Read Luke’s Gospel, chapter 2, every day and journal each day about what made you wonder. You will be amazed at the questions that might enter your brain. This simple exercise is the basis of studying the Bible.
I also want to encourage you to be in worship this last Sunday in Advent. Assistant Pastor Debbie will be bring her final message before her retirement. It is the Advent Sunday of LOVE. Please be with us to support Debbie and to renew your commitment to the source of all LOVE.
Until Sunday, start reading and let your mind wander. As you wander … wonder … let the questions of this amazing birth drive you to a greater understanding of what this baby King means to you. I love being your pastor.
Holding you close and lifting you high!
Pastor Greg
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