Still Learning

Participating in a church service is such a great way to slow down during the Christmas season. This morning at Oasis, Rolin led the worship-through-singing part of our Sunday morning service. The theme of the songs he chose to lead during our congregational singing had to do with becoming still before God in wonder and worship. God's presence brings calm and peace, even in the midst of stressful times. 

Of course, I made the connection between his theme and my own December intention of slowing down to be found by God.

Later, Pastor Richard, in his message on Why Christmas Matters, spoke of Christmas songs that help to teach us theology. He mentioned "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" in particular, and we sang that song at the end of the service. 

Since these songs are on my mind tonight, I thought I'd list some lines from them that especially stood out to me during church today. It will be a refer-to list for one who is still learning to be still.

1. Be still and know that I am God, In Thee...I will put my trust, I (will) rejoice and sing beneath...Thy wing*

2. Be still, my soul, bear patiently...grief or pain, thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake...when change and tears are past...safe and blessed we shall meet at last*

3. A rose...from tender stem hath sprung, this flower...dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere...from sin and death He saves us and lightens every load*

4. Silent night, holy night...is calm, Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, Love's pure light radiant beams from Thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace*

5. A child of hope is born...the Prince of Peace...justice shall guard His throne above and peace abound below*

6. The herald angels sing...Peace on earth and mercy mild, veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity, pleased as man with men to dwell...our Emmanuel!*

I can tell already that it will be good practice for me to slow down and ponder the words of Christmas carols when I sing them this season. 

1. "Be Still and Know That I Am God"

2. "Be Still, My Soul"

3. "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"

4. "Silent Night, Holy Night"

5. "To Us a Child of Hope Is Born"

6. "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing"