Jesus: The Promise Kept

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    One of the reasons that the Christmas season is so beautiful is the reminder of the faithfulness of God. Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, God promised that He would come. Jesus came, just as promised -- in the exact way that was foretold so many years before. We can trust God to always keep His promises. He is faithful and true. 

    As I reflected on this in amazement this morning, God brought the following song to mind. This is part of a collection of hymns dating back to the ancient church.  It is thought to be the oldest hymn that we have record of. The author, Marcus Aurelius Prudentious Clemens (there's a name for ya!) lived in the 4th century after Christ, and was a lawyer and a judge. He began writing poetry at the age of 57. (I love random facts.) This lovely hymn points to this truth that Jesus perfectly fulfilled the prophecy of God, particularly the 3rd stanza:

Of The Father's Love Begotten

Of the Father’s love begotten,
ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,

He the Source, the Ending He,
of the things that are, that have been,
and that future years shall see
evermore and evermore!

2 O that birth forever blessed,
when a virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving,
bore the Savior of our race;
and the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,
first revealed His sacred face,
evermore and evermore!

3 This is He whom heav'n-taught singers
sang of old with one accord,
whom the Scriptures of the prophets
promised in their faithful word;
now He shines, the long-expected;
let creation praise its Lord,
evermore and evermore!

4 O ye heights of heav'n, adore Him;
angel hosts, His praises sing:
pow'rs, dominions, bow before Him
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
every voice in concert ring,
evermore and evermore!

5 Christ, to Thee with God the Father,
and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
and unwearied praises be,
honor, glory, and dominion,
and eternal victory,
evermore and evermore!

Merry Christmas!
Soli Deo Gloria!

💓Heather Sparks💓

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