A few years ago, lying in bed, sleep subsiding and yet not quite awake, a simple tune began burrowing into my consciousness. It played.... and it played again. And again.
Next day and the next, same thing. Strange! And it persisted.
After a time, I could hum the tune when I woke up. I decided to see if I could hum it and add some guitar chords. The chords presented themselves in a matter of minutes.
Eventually, in my waking slumber, I began putting words to the tune. They rolled out quickly as well.
So the song emerged. I sang it that Christmas Eve.
I've decided to post a recording of it I made with my daughter Amanda. A little scary to post a home made song when you're not a song writer, and it's not hard to see where the presentation could improve, but I must say, I do like the message. The words connect what happened in Bethlehem with what happens with us. It talks about Jesus intertwining his life with ours. It testifies that we often see Jesus most clearly in the dark moments and in the humble moments in our lives. And it affirms that Christmas is all about God's love for us!
We have been through some very dark and humbling moments this year, just the kinds of times when we can expect to see Jesus and his surprising love for us.
"Is This How You Come To Us, Jesus?"
Words and music by Pastor Tim Keeler
Stable light,
Glowing light,
Darkest night
Angel flight
Manger bed,
Cows were fed,
Cradled head,
Love was said.
In a stable musty
A child, a shepherd must see,
Joseph came, he did not flee,
Mary answered, "Let it be."
Is this how you come to us, Jesus?
Is this how our lives intertwine?
In dark and humble moments
Your love begins to shine.
Shepherds doing what they do,
Passing time without a clue,
Soon to learn that all is new,
Angels grace the scruffy few.
Now we sense this gleaning:
Our God, who gives all meaning,
From heav'n to earth is leaning,
In flesh, intervening.
Is this how you come to us, Jesus?
Is this how our lives intertwine?
In dark and humble moments
Your love begins to shine.
We welcome you here blessed Jesus.
We welcome you into our lives.
Like shepherds and Joseph and Mary,
We welcome your surprise.
Gloria in excelsis!
