Christmas Library 2021: Treasures From The Library

In researching the history of Bible Storytelling Media, I have come across many unique books, movies and other comics about Christmas, specifically the birth of Christ. They make for wonderful gifts and keepsakes.

It is impossible to read or view them all in one holiday season. The Christmas Library theme is a way to share some of these findings. In the image above I have VHS tapes of Christian Christmas Specials, books, a mini Nativity, an Al Hartley Spire Comic book and a rare set of cards on behalf of the Orphan Children of Bethlehem with artifacts from the Middle East.

My beautiful wife is Shavon is a doll collector. An extra special treasure from her collection are these dolls of Jesus and little children. 

May God Bless You and Yours This Christmas Day, and in the Days to Come.

- James

Christmas Library 2021: Sharing The Word and Christmas Treasures on Pinterest

Above image was found on Pinterest from a Weebly account. Original artist unknown.

It is not a secret that there is a "Family Bible Storytelling Media" page on Pinterest, but it is a resource that I have neglected to share on this blog.

https://pin.it/7rIjt20

Being on Pinterest makes it easy to select and share wonderful examples of devotionals, Bible studies, hymn lyrics, cartoons, stunning artwork and so much more that creatively teaches the Bible.

At Christmas time, Pinterest has an abundance of wonderful visuals on scripture and devotionals that give glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have shared some of these, and will continue to do so on this Pinterest account.

Christmas Library 2021: Songs to Sing Unto The Lord

"Sing Unto The Lord", an art marker illustration card made
for a 2021 "Operation Christmas Child" Box

Every Christmas season music fills the air about bells, gifts, snowmen, and good times. However, the truest and most endearing songs are those about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Below is a list of widely known songs about the First Coming of Christ. There are too many to list from many languages and nations. The earliest date to antiquity, (actually the praises of the angels heard by the shepherds would be the first Christmas hymn). What is your favorite Christmas hymn? Is your favorite missing from this list?

The First Noel (1823)

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear (1849)

O, Little Town of Bethlehem (1867)

O, Holy Night (1847)

Hark The Herald Angel's Sing (1739)

Jesus The Light of The World (Wesley Version)

The Little Drummer Boy (1941)

We Three Kings of Orient Are (1863)

Away In A Manger (*1882)

Joy To The World (1719)

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (*1760)

Go Tell It On The Mountain (*1865)

Silent Night (1818)

O Come All Ye Faithful (*1600s - 1744)

Mary, Did You Know? (1984)

Angels We Have Heard (1862)

Do You Hear What I Hear (1962)

* - indicates one version of the song, or earliest known date. 

Christmas Library 2021: Jesus, The Light Of The World

 

A drawing given to child as part of "Operation Christmas Child"

A favorite, but overlooked, hymn about the birth of Christ is "Jesus, The Light of the World".

One version with stanzas by Charles Wesley and a refrain George Elderkin has a first stanza that ties it to Christmas.

Hark! the herald angels sing. 

Jesus, the light of the world.

Glory to the newborn King, 

Jesus, the light of the world

The lyrics posted below come from hymntime.com. This version was written by a Mrs. James V. Coombs in 1898 and edited by William E. M. Hackleman. The first stanza is different.

 All ye saints of light proclaim,

Jesus, the light of the world;
Life and mercy in His name,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Refrain

We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light,
Come where the dew-drops of mercy are bright;
Shine all around us by day and by night,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Hear the Savior’s earnest call,
Jesus, the light of the world;
Send the Gospel truth to all,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Refrain

Why not seek Him then today,
Jesus, the light of the world;
Go with truth the narrow way,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Refrain

Come, confess Him as your king,
Jesus, the light of the world;
Then the bells of Heav’n will ring,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Refrain

Below is one rendition of the song from Gaither Music TV.

Christmas Library 2021 - Christmas Lights In The Darkness

 

Christmas is celebrated each year with an uncountable number of lights, flickering candles, luminarias, and even fireworks. Christmas to me is the world's largest birthday party. It is amazing that more lights are lit in the darkest nights of the year than in any other season. He is light in the darkness. The lights of Christmas can be a strong reminder that Jesus Christ is The Light Of The World.......and we are to let our light shine in a dark world. Collectively, the body of Christ can glow like a giant strand of Christmas lights.

Please feel free to share these devotional flyers this Christmas Season.