Amazing Grace
Stanzas by John W. Work, 1871–1925
You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” (Isaiah 40:9)
For many people, another Christmas season is merely a rerun of the trivial and the sentimental. But for the devoted Christian, Christmas is much more than a once a year celebration. It is a fresh awareness that a Deliverer was sent from the ivory palaces of heaven to become personally involved in the redemption and affairs of the human race. The impact of this realization becomes a strong motivation to share the good news with needy and desperate people who need to know that there is an Emmanuel available who can meet their every need. Men everywhere must hear these glad tidings if they are to benefit from them. With absolute clarity they must hear the message, “Here is your God!”
Negro spirituals had their roots in the late 18th and early 19th century camp meetings throughout the South as well as in the active evangelical ministry carried on among the black people during this time. However, few of their traditional songs were collected or published prior to about 1840. The stanzas for “Go Tell It on the Mountain” were written by John W. Work, Jr. He and his brother, Frederick J. Work, were early leaders in arranging and promoting the cause of Negro spirituals. Today’s song was first published in Folk Songs of the American Negro in 1907. These traditional spirituals have since become an important part of the American folk and sacred music heritage and are greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all of God’s people.
While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night, behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light.The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth.
Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.
Refrain: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev’rywhere—go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!
For Today: Isaiah 42:11-12; Luke 14:23; Romans 12:11; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 2:10
Reflect on this: How have I grown spiritually throughout this Christmas season? What new insights have I gained regarding this message? How can I share my faith in the living Christ more effectively in the days ahead? Use this musical reminder to help—
Osbeck, K. W.
- Isaiah 42:11-12
- Luke 14:23
- Romans 12:11
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
- Ephesians 1:20
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It is my prayer that all had blessed fellowship with families over dinner, hot cider and; perhaps, board games. Cherish such precious moments with loved ones and view them as a blessing from the Father of Lights. Father God is so good to us and blesses us daily – protects and shields us from harm – for he is good and greatly to be praised.
To any, like myself, separated from family and loved ones by continents and coastlines, remain focused on the absolute treasure we have in God the Holy Ghost. He is a marvelous companion, counselor, teacher and best friend. The commercialization of certain calendar periods tend to cause us to focus on alone-ness, what the world calls loneliness. But, remember beloved, you are never alone for He is Emmanuel. We are His tabernacle and Yeshua is always near – and a prayer away! (Read that again)
— What a privilege we have as sons and daughters of YHVH —
Our prayers ascend and never reach a ‘busy’ signal! Consider how awesome it is to be able to speak with the Creator of all the good on this earth who hears us when we call out. Praising God is a very powerful means of avoiding the doldrums – how can we be sad when we always have an audience of one who calls us Beloved? Our Shepherd of Love tends for we sheep, guards from harm, and showers us with joy, and maintains our peace.
If solitary this time of year, rejoice for the Kingdom of God is your eternal home, and now, at this moment, you reside in the heavenlies while sojourning with the King of Glory and Lord of lords on this beautiful earth He created just for you.
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