Nahum Tate wrote this hymn in the 1700's, based on Luke 2: 8-20, "The Shepherds and theAngels". The angels came and presented the Good News of Jesus's birth to the Shepherds. They not only told of Jesus Christ - the baby, but also the SAVIOUR. This was another of God's promises. This is an amazing TRUTH that we have today. We too can celebrate the MIRACLE of Jesus' birth and his gift of SALVATION.
"That night there were shepherds staying in the fields, glĺuarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, angels of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angels reassured them, "Don't be afraid. I bring you good news that will bring GREAT JOY to ALL PEOPLE. The SAVIOUR - yes, THE MESSIAH, the LORD - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! You will be recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." (Luke 2:7-12) (NLT)
When the angels left, the shepherds quickly made their way to Bethlehem to see, the baby Jesus.
After their visit, the Sheperds returned to their sheep. Like the angels, they too, glorified and praised God, telling others about who they had seen - the baby JESUS - THEIR SAVIOUR.
"Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often." Luke 2:19 (NLT)
2. JESUS PRESENTED AT THE TEMPLE
On the 8th Day, after Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple to be circumcised" and dedicated to His0 Father. There were two special people (p
in the Temple, who had been waiting for Him.
a) SIMEON'S BLESSING
On their way to the Temple Mary and Joseph met with an elderly "seer" named Simeon. Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was earerly waiting for the coming Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon Him and it had been revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.
Simeon pronounced a blessing upon Mary and Joseph, and told then that their Son had a special purpose, and he would be the Saviour of the world. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and prayed:
"Sovereign Lord, let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your SALVATION, which you have prepared for all people. He is a LIGHT to reveal God to the nation's, and He is the glory of your people Israel." Luke 2:29-32 (NLT)
"We can see the GLORY, the GLORY of the one and only SON, who came down from the Father, full of grace and truth" John 1:46 (NIV)
" Lord give us eyes like Simeon's, to see JESUS' SALVATION, GRACE, WISDOM AND TRUTH. Being close to Jesus, brings us a BLESSING. " Nicky Gumble
b) The Prophecy of Anna
Anna was another Prophet and a widow, who spent many days in the Temple -"day andnight, worshipping, fasting and praying." Anna was 84 years old. When she heard Simeon blessing Marg, Joseph and the baby Jesus, she started "praising God" and sharing the joy of their SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
"Many Scriptures speak of the JOY OF THE LORD. Christ's coming was a gift to all the world. He is our SAVIOUR and HOPE. We rejoice in the GRACE of His coming, and the power of HIS SALVATION. JOY TO THE WORLD indeed!" , Tyndale House
"The Holy Bible - New International Version " ,2008, Biblica
"Tbe Holy Bible - New Living Translation " ,2015, Tyndale House Publishers
"Away in a Manger", 1885, Geethanjali Kids (Performers) , 2015, I Tunes/You Tube Kids
"Joy to the World", 1719,"Unspeakable Joy", 2021 , Chris Tomlin, (Composer/Performers.) , SixSteps/Sparrow Records/You Tube
"Silent Night", 1818,Josef Mohr/Franz Gruber (Composers), Lucy and Martha Thomas (Performers), 2004, Christmas Carol, Lucy Thomas Music/YouTube
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night", Nahum Tate , 1700, Love to Sing. 2013, Christmas Songs and Carols/You Tube
Gumbel , Nikki , "The Bible-Classic Version: Saviour", 2025, Alpha/You Version
Perry, Sara, "The Greatest Hymns - Devotional", 2023, Broadstreet Publishing
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