Luke 2:4-6
“Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.”
This Christmas season I’ve found myself doing a lot of Christmas prep. Prep for gifts to my loved ones, prep for Christmas events at work, prep for worship band (learning Christmas songs is a little tricky sometimes), and so much more.
While I was preparing a few days ago, I was looking into the story behind one of the well known Christmas songs “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” I came across a story I would love to share with you and maybe you’ll be inspired, just like I was.
“There was a man named Lewis Redner. He was asked by a church to write the melody for a song we know today as ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem.’ It was to be for a church program. Redner prepared for this song and became slightly frustrated because no inspiration came to him. However, on the night before the event, he had what seemed like a dream. He mentioned, ‘I was roused out of my sleep, late in the night, by an angelic sound whispering in my ear.’ Lewis Redner awoke immediately and wrote down the melody line he had heard in his dream and the rest is history! He called it ‘a gift from heaven’.”
I’ve come to learn over the years that everyone needs guidance, not only during the Christmas season but in all seasons (especially through this year of 2020). We need guidance as individuals and as families.
Take time today to prep your heart for Christmas. Allow the holy spirit to help guide you in the process of preparation. This season is all about the glory of God coming to earth. Think through the beauty of that and rest in the peace Jesus longs to pour over you.