Participants: John Lomacang (Host), The Highlanders
Series Code: TDY
Program Code: TDY012121A
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01:00 Hello, friends, and welcome to 3ABN.
01:03 My name is John Lomacang and if you've tuned in before, 01:05 well, you know, I'm no longer a guest here. 01:08 I've been here for quite a few years. 01:10 But if you're tuning in for the first time, 01:12 thank you for tuning in particularly, 01:14 this time of year where the world is beginning 01:16 to pause and remember the name of somebody 01:20 who seems to be obscure most of the time of the year 01:23 after December and really before December. 01:27 And that is the person of Jesus. 01:29 But here at 3ABN we know him as our Lord and our Savior 01:33 and we thank you for standing with us proclaiming 01:36 the good news of Christ all year long. 01:38 We have a wonderful program for you tonight. 01:40 Some wonderful music by a group called the Highlanders 01:43 and they are going to thrill our hearts 01:44 with some of the songs that we know 01:46 are connected to this season of the year. 01:48 Really those songs bring a message all year long 01:51 that really remind us of the blessedness 01:54 of having Christ in our lives. 01:55 And so stay tuned for them in just a few moments. 01:58 But before we get to that I want to share a few thoughts 02:00 with you because the world is in chaos in reality. 02:04 But it's good to know that in the midst of all the confusion, 02:07 the heartache, the sadness, the loneliness, 02:11 it's good to know that there's still a peace 02:14 that can be found in the midst of all of this confusion. 02:18 You know, the message of Christ 02:20 is one that is brought to us in colorful language in the Bible. 02:24 There are many places you find the language. 02:25 In the Old Testament you find the prophets 02:27 telling of the coming of Christ and the birth of Christ. 02:31 As Isaiah 9:6 says, "For unto us a child is born, 02:36 unto us a Son is given and the government 02:39 shall be upon His shoulder and His name 02:41 shall be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, 02:45 the everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace." 02:49 In this confusing world today, in the hustle and bustle 02:52 of the holiday season shopping it's good to pause 02:55 and listen to the voice that so many pay no attention 02:59 to during the rest of the year. 03:02 As a matter of fact, when I read the Bible 03:03 and I think about the story of the season, 03:05 one of my most favorite stories is found 03:07 in the book of Luke Chapter 2, speaking about shepherds 03:12 who were keeping watch over 03:13 their flocks by night in the field. 03:16 And today if we would translate that word shepherd today, 03:19 I would somewhat be a shepherd. 03:21 That is an under shepherd. 03:22 Jesus is the chief shepherd. 03:24 And He calls on those who have been given 03:26 the responsibility to watch over their flock, 03:29 to even watch over them by night. 03:31 And our world is at the darkest point that it's ever been. 03:35 But walk with me through a couple of these verses 03:37 because I think it's so interesting to find out 03:39 how the Lord chose to reveal Himself to these lowly shepherds 03:43 that simply did what came naturally. 03:46 And we know that Jesus wasn't really born on December. 03:49 We know that the 25th of December 03:51 has a lot of different connotations to it. 03:53 Some are Christian and some are pagan 03:55 but the good news is that Jesus was born. 03:58 We find in Luke 2:8 these words, 04:03 "Now there were in the same country 04:05 shepherds living out in the fields, 04:07 keeping watch over their flock by night." 04:10 Now this had to be before the rainy season 04:12 and before the cold seasons of the winter. 04:15 And the reason why shepherds watched over 04:17 their flocks by night is because, well, 04:19 it was not uncommon for a sheep to be stolen. 04:23 As you know, that was very much 04:24 a part of the ceremonial system. 04:26 And unfortunately, because of sin in the earth 04:29 they had some things to contend 04:31 with then that we contend with now. 04:33 But there they were never knowing that the Lord 04:36 was going to raise the curtains and begin a celebration 04:40 that will last for centuries to come. 04:43 Giving them the good news 04:44 that while they are watching over their flock, 04:46 there's a little Lamb somewhere else being born 04:49 that will bring to the world a news, 04:52 a good news that will never, never end. 04:54 It continues in verse 9, 04:57 "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, 05:00 and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 05:03 and they were greatly afraid." 05:05 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, 05:10 I bring you good tidings of great joy 05:13 which will be to all people. 05:16 For there is born to you this day 05:18 in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." 05:23 And we think about it today, 05:24 you know, when you're in Wal-mart or in J.C.Penney's 05:27 or maybe in Macy's or whatever store you're shopping in, 05:30 often times in the background that soft music 05:33 "Silent Night, Holy Night" reminds us of this glorious 05:36 evening when the shepherds were visited 05:39 with the most wonderful news. 05:41 But I like the way it continues. 05:43 Then they said to the shepherds 05:44 in verse 12, "And this will be a sign to you: 05:47 You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 05:51 laying in a manger." 05:53 And I read the story in the background. 05:54 It began first with an angel speaking to the shepherds. 05:58 And when I read what @Desire of Ages@ 06:00 that wonderful book about the life of Christ had to say, 06:02 I don't know why it says that the angel--His glory 06:06 was so bright that he gave the shepherds time 06:08 for their eyes to adjust to the light. 06:12 Those of us who carry the news of Jesus 06:13 have to give those who don't know Jesus 06:15 time for their eyes and their lives to adjust to the light. 06:20 But look at how it ends. 06:22 "And suddenly there was with the angel 06:25 a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 06:30 "Glory to God in the highest, 06:32 and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." 06:37 Well, it's that time of the year, 06:38 many people are in solitude. 06:41 Many people are struggling with difficulties. 06:44 Many people don't know about that good news 06:46 and that goodwill that Christ came to bring towards all men. 06:51 But as you listen to these songs by the Highlanders 06:54 we pray these things for you this season. 06:56 That the Lord will open up your eyes to see the glory 06:59 that was shared with the shepherds that night, 07:02 that glory is still available today. 07:05 The Christ that was born then is the Christ 07:07 that wants to be born in our hearts today. 07:10 And the loneliness and the sadness and the darkness 07:13 of your life can be replaced 07:16 as the curtains are raised 07:17 on the greatest celebration of all the ages. 07:19 Sit back and enjoy these wonderful songs of the season. 07:23 And I pray that God will bless you as he desires so much. 07:26 Listen as the Highlanders bless our hearts 07:30 and present to us this wonderful Christ child 07:33 and His name is still Jesus. 07:36 Hello, everyone, 07:38 and welcome to the Highlanders Christmas special. 07:41 My name is David Hartman, your host for this program. 07:45 For the next hour I invite you to sit back and listen again 07:49 to the wonderful story of the birth of Jesus 07:53 performed through the singing and sharing of God's word. 07:57 Go back with me to when the Lord 08:00 appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, 08:03 "Son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife. 08:08 That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 08:13 She will bring forth a child 08:15 and you will call His name Jesus. 08:19 For He will save His people from their sins. 08:45 God rest you merry, gentlemen 08:48 Let nothing you dismay 08:51 Remember, Christ, our Savior 08:54 Was born on Christmas day 08:58 To save us all from Satan's power 09:01 When we were gone astray 09:04 O, tidings of comfort and joy 09:08 Comfort and joy 09:10 O, tidings of comfort and joy 09:20 From God our Heavenly Father 09:23 A blessed angel came 09:26 And unto certain shepherds 09:29 Brought tidings of the same 09:32 How that in Bethlehem was born 09:35 The Son of God by name 09:38 O, tidings of comfort and joy 09:42 Comfort and joy 09:44 O, tidings of comfort and joy 10:02 Fear not then, said the angel 10:04 Let nothing you affright 10:07 This day is born a Savior 10:09 A blessed holy sight 10:12 To free all those who trust in Him 10:14 From Satan's power and might 10:16 O, tidings of comfort and joy 10:25 Now to the Lord sing praises 10:30 All you within this place 10:33 And with true love and brotherhood 10:37 Each other now embrace 10:39 This holy child of Christmas 10:42 Shall fill our hearts with grace 10:45 O, tidings of comfort and joy 10:49 Comfort and joy 10:51 O, tidings of comfort and joy 10:57 Comfort and joy 11:00 Comfort and joy 11:05 Comfort and joy 11:11 Likewise also the angel of the Lord visited Mary saying, 11:16 "Do not be afraid for you are greatly blessed of God. 11:21 You will conceive and bear a son 11:24 and you shall call His name Jesus. 11:28 He will be called the Son of the Most High 11:31 and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David 11:37 and His kingdom shall be forever and ever. 11:42 When the angel left, Mary wondered about all 11:59 I have traveled many moonless nights 12:07 Cold and weary 12:11 with a babe inside 12:16 And I wonder what I've done 12:23 Holy Father, You have come 12:29 And chosen me now 12:33 to carry Your Son 12:43 I am waiting 12:47 in a silent prayer 12:51 I am frightened 12:55 by the load I bear 12:59 In a world as cold as stone 13:07 Must I walk this path alone? 13:13 Be with me now, 13:17 be with me now 13:23 Breath of Heaven, hold me together 13:31 Be forever near me, breath of Heaven 13:39 Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness 13:45 Pour over me Your holiness 13:50 for You are holy 13:55 Breath of Heaven 14:04 Do you wonder as you watch my face 14:12 If a wiser one 14:16 should have had my place 14:20 But I offer 14:23 all I am 14:28 For the mercy of Your plan 14:34 Help me be strong, 14:39 help me be, 14:43 help me 14:49 Breath of Heaven, hold me together 14:55 Be forever near me, breath of Heaven 15:03 Breath of Heaven, 15:08 lighten my darkness 15:11 Pour over me Your holiness 15:14 for You are holy 15:22 Breath of Heaven, hold me together 15:29 Be forever near me, 15:32 breath of Heaven 15:37 Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness 15:44 Pour over me Your holiness 15:48 for You are holy 15:57 Breath of Heaven, 16:03 breath of Heaven 16:09 Breath of Heaven 16:21 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out 16:25 from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 16:30 Now Joseph and Mary, who was with child, 16:33 traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because the law 16:36 required each to return to the city of their ancestor. 16:41 Since Joseph was of the lineage of David, 16:45 he returned to Bethlehem, the city of David. 16:48 After an exhausting trip the couple 16:51 could find no accommodations. 16:54 So they resorted to a stable full of animals. 16:58 That night the promised Deliverer was born. 17:03 He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. 17:25 Still, still, still, 17:31 to sleep is now His will 17:37 On Mary's breast He rest in slumber 17:43 While we pray in endless number 17:50 Still, still, still, 17:55 to sleep is now His will 18:07 Once in royal David's city 18:13 Stood a lowly cattle stall 18:18 Where a mother laid her baby 18:24 In a manger for His bed 18:30 Mary was that mother mild 18:36 Jesus Christ, her little child 18:43 And at last our eyes shall see Him 18:49 Through His own redeeming love 18:55 For that child so dear and gentle 19:01 Is our Lord in heaven above 19:08 And He leads His children on 19:14 To the place 19:17 where He has gone 19:28 Sleep, sleep, sleep, 19:34 while we Thy vigil keep 19:41 And the angels come from Heaven singing 19:47 Songs of jubilation bringing 19:53 Sleep, sleep, sleep, 19:59 while we Thy vigil keep 20:36 Away in a manger 20:41 No crib for a bed 20:47 The little Lord Jesus 20:52 Lay down His sweet head 20:58 The stars in the bright sky 21:04 Looked down where He lay 21:09 The little Lord Jesus 21:15 Asleep on the hay 21:35 The cattle are lowing 21:39 The poor Baby wakes 21:45 But little Lord Jesus 21:51 No crying He makes 21:57 I love Thee, Lord Jesus 22:03 Look down from the sky 22:08 And stay by my cradle 22:14 Till morning is nigh. 22:22 Be near me, Lord Jesus 22:28 I ask Thee to stay 22:34 Close by me forever 22:39 And love me I pray 22:44 Love me I pray, Lord 22:49 Bless all the dear children 22:53 In Thy tender care 23:01 And fit us for Heaven 23:07 To live with Thee there 23:15 To live with Thee there Amen 23:40 It must have been quite a spectacle, 23:43 not only to the curious cattle and proud parents 23:46 in the stable but also to the myriads of angels 23:50 and the millions of silent witnesses 23:52 throughout the vast realms of God's universe. 23:57 This Creator of all living things 24:00 is now a baby in Bethlehem. 24:05 This incarnate child was born to die 24:08 for a world now enslaved in sin. 24:12 Ever since the promise was first made to Adam and Eve 24:15 in the garden, the universe 24:17 was waiting and watching for the Anointed One. 24:23 And now He was born. 24:26 Welcome to our world. 24:43 Tears are falling, hearts are breaking 24:48 How we need to hear from God 24:52 You've been promised, we've been waiting 24:57 Welcome, Holy Child 25:02 Welcome, Holy Child 25:09 Hope that You don't mind our manger 25:14 How I wish we would have known 25:18 Long awaited Holy Stranger 25:23 Make Yourself at home 25:27 Make Yourself at home 25:39 Bring Your peace into our violence 25:43 Bid our hungry souls be filled 25:48 Word now breaking Heaven's silence 25:53 Welcome to our world 25:57 Welcome to our world 26:08 Fragile finger sent to heal us Tender brow prepared for thorn 26:17 Tiny heart whose blood will save us 26:22 Unto us is born. Unto us is born 26:37 So wrap our injured flesh around You 26:42 Breathe our air and walk our sod 26:47 Take our sin and make us holy 26:51 Perfect Son of God Perfect Son of God 27:01 Welcome to our world 27:42 What child is this 27:47 Who laid to rest on Mary's lap 27:57 He is sleeping 28:02 Whom angels greet with anthems sweet 28:11 While shepherd's watch are keeping 28:22 This, this is Christ the King 28:30 When shepherds watch and angels sing 28:41 Haste, haste to bring him laud 28:50 The babe, the Son of Mary 29:19 So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh 29:28 Come peasant, king to own Him 29:38 The Kings of Kings salvation brings 29:46 Let loving hearts enthrone Him 29:56 Raise, raise the songs on high 30:05 The Virgin sings her lullaby 30:14 Joy, joy for Christ is King 30:23 The babe, the Son of Mary 30:44 That night in nearby fields, 30:47 shepherds were faithfully watching their flocks. 30:50 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord shone around them. 30:55 They were terribly afraid. 30:58 The angel said, "Don't be afraid. 31:01 I bring you glad tidings of great joy 31:05 which is for all people. 31:07 For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, 31:13 a Savior which is Christ the Lord. 31:17 And this is how you'll recognize Him. 31:20 You will find a baby lying in a manger, 31:24 wrapped in swaddling clothes." 31:28 And suddenly, there appeared in the heavens 31:31 multitudes of angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest 31:37 and on earth peace and goodwill toward men." 31:42 It was as if the whole night sky was ablazen with glory. 31:47 With angelic choir singing, orchestras playing 31:51 and bells ringing, all praising God for the gift of His Son. 31:58 The shepherds hurried to thank the Christ child 32:02 and to announce His birth. 32:26 Can you hear the Christmas bells ringing in the night? 32:33 Can you see the Christmas light 32:37 shining through the darkest night? 32:41 Can you feel the Christmas joy? 32:44 Have you heard about the tiny boy? 32:47 Can you hear the Christmas bells? 32:58 Can you hear the angels' song echoing the night? 33:05 Can you see the Christmas star pouring out its golden light? 33:13 Can you feel the peace on earth? 33:15 Have you heard about that holy birth? 33:19 Can you hear the Christmas bells? 33:26 Ring, ring, ring out the good news 33:30 Joy to the world 33:33 Sing, sing, fill up the night with songs of gladness 33:50 Glorious now behold Him in your eyes 33:57 King and God and Sacrifice. 34:05 Alleluia, alleluia, 34:11 sounds through the earth and skies. 34:18 Ring, ring, ring out the good news 34:22 Joy to the world 34:25 Sing, sing, fill up the night with songs 34:31 Can you hear the Christmas bells ringing in the night? 34:39 Can you see the Christmas light 34:43 shining through the darkest night? 34:46 Can you feel the Christmas joy? 34:49 Have you heard about the tiny boy? 34:53 Can you hear the Christmas bells? 35:02 Can you hear the Christmas bells? 35:14 Okay, we're gonna stop just a minute. 35:16 And ask the rest of this Highlanders 35:19 family to come and join us. 35:21 I'd like to just, kind of, introduce everyone 35:23 and let you know who we are and what we do. 35:26 I'm John Watkins. 35:28 I'm one of the pastors at the Highland Academy 35:30 church in Portland, Tennessee. 35:33 And next to me is my wife Anita. 35:35 She works at Highland Academy 35:37 and she is the food service director. 35:39 And then Judy Hartman. 35:41 Judy Hartman is a grade school teacher specializing in reading. 35:45 And her husband David who's been our narrator. 35:47 He's also a pastor. 35:48 Works in the conference office at the Kentucky-Tennessee 35:51 conference there in Nashville. 35:53 Jason Watkins, my son from Chattanooga, Tennessee. 35:57 He's joining us this special time. 36:00 And then we have Lisa, Lisa Parrish. 36:02 Lisa's a nurse and works with young children. 36:05 That's her specialty. Todd, her husband. 36:08 Todd works for Amazing Facts. 36:10 And we're glad that he could be a part of us. 36:12 And then Albert Dittes, 36:13 our resident historian, our pianist. 36:16 He's an author and a freelance journalist. 36:38 Oh, holy night The stars are brightly shining 36:47 It is the night of our dear Savior's birth 37:01 Long lay the world in sin and error pining 37:10 Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth 37:20 A thrill of hope The weary world rejoices 37:28 For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn 37:37 Fall on your knees 37:45 Oh, hear the angel voices 37:53 Oh, night divine 38:02 Oh, night when Christ was born 38:10 Oh, night divine 38:19 Oh, night when Christ was born 38:31 Oh, hear the angel voices Oh, holy night 38:44 Oh, holy night when Christ was born 38:53 Fall on your knees 39:01 Oh, hear the angel voices 39:09 Oh, night divine 39:18 Oh, night when Christ was born 39:26 Oh, night divine 39:37 Oh, night Oh, night 39:46 Oh, night when Christ was born 40:03 Oh, holy night 40:17 What a night that was when heaven 40:20 touched the earth with great rejoicing. 40:24 Wise men from the east also came in search of the new born King 40:29 after following a most magnificent star. 40:33 That night the humble dwelling of the stable 40:37 became the center stage of the universe. 40:42 Imagine, the creator of the cosmos being born 40:46 as a baby to rescue lost humanity. 40:51 What magnificent love. Wonder, oh, heavens. 40:56 Be astonished, oh, earth. 42:49 It must be noted in this wonderful story 42:53 that the path of this young Child would eventually 42:55 lead to a cruel cross but even the tragedy of the cross 43:01 stands as a triumph over all evil. 43:05 The grave could not hold our sinless Lord for long. 43:09 Our human history has been forever 43:13 rewritten in this Christmas story. 43:46 Oh, come, Oh, come, Emmanuel 43:53 And ransom captive Israel 44:01 That mourns in lonely exile here 44:09 Until the Son of God appear 44:16 Rejoice, rejoice 44:22 Emmanuel shall come to thee, 44:30 oh, Israel 44:41 From God our heavenly Father 44:43 A blessed angel came 44:46 And unto certain shepherds 44:48 Brought tidings of the same 44:51 How that in Bethlehem was born 44:54 The Son of God by name 44:55 Oh, tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy 45:00 Oh, tidings of comfort and joy 45:09 Oh, come all ye faithful 45:15 Joyful and triumphant 45:21 Oh, come ye 45:22 Oh, come ye to Bethlehem 45:29 Come and behold Him 45:35 Born the King of angels 45:39 Oh, come let us adore Him 45:44 Oh, come let us adore Him 45:49 Oh, come let us adore Him 45:57 Christ the Lord 46:14 I love the Christmas story 46:17 because it reveals heaven's indescribable gift. 46:21 2 Corinthians 8:9 and 9:15 declare, 46:27 "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 46:31 that though He was rich, yet for your sakes 46:35 He became poor that you through His poverty might become rich." 46:42 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. 46:48 It's a staggering thought that Jesus was born for us. 46:55 He lived for us. He died for us. He rose for us. 47:02 He ascended to the right hand of the Father for us. 47:06 Today He ever lives to make intercession for us. 47:12 And soon He will appear in the clouds of glory 47:15 as our triumphant King to take us home 47:18 to live with Him forever. 47:23 What a gift. What a God. 47:28 That leaves one unanswered question. 47:32 What will you, what will I do with this indescribable gift? 47:39 You see, He can't come here 47:43 until He's first come here. 47:45 He can't come in the clouds of glory 47:47 until He first comes into our hearts. 47:53 This Christmas season, will you allow Christ 47:57 to be born in your heart? Will you receive Him 48:03 as your personal Savior and Lord? 48:30 Silent night, 48:35 holy night 48:40 All is calm, 48:46 all is bright 48:52 Round yon Virgin 48:57 mother and child 49:02 Holy infant 49:08 so tender and mild 49:13 Sleep in 49:16 heavenly peace 49:24 Sleep in 49:27 heavenly peace 49:41 Silent night, 49:46 holy night 49:51 Shepherds quake 49:57 at the sight 50:03 Glories stream 50:07 from heaven afar 50:15 Heavenly hosts 50:18 sing Alleluia 50:24 Christ, 50:26 the Savior is born 50:35 Christ, 50:37 the Savior is born 50:57 Silent night, 51:02 holy night 51:08 Son of God, 51:15 love's pure light 51:20 Radiant beams 51:24 from Thy holy face 51:29 With the dawn 51:34 of redeeming grace 51:41 Jesus Lord 51:45 at Thy birth 51:50 At Thy birth 51:59 Jesus Lord 52:04 at Thy birth 52:17 Sleep 52:19 in heavenly peace |
Revised 2016-12-08