New Melody Church

The Ghost of Christmas Future not seen by Scrooge (a poem in reminder of Christians in Aleppo and other locations on this day of festivity) T’is   now the day of Christmas, as all through the world, Silence has come from the bombs that were hurled. Life has resumed for those yet in hiding, Despite the terror that still is abiding. Hospitals full of children remain, Many are hopeless, orphaned and maimed. The cry continues, they beg to go home, But parents are gone, they left alone. The streets there are littered, filled with debris, Survivors still hunger, forgotten you see. They live in the shambles of what could have been, Had the world not simply ignored evil again. From those seeking refuge the call has gone out, But refuge is gone, it’s nowhere about. The occupier comes, descending in glee, Rounding them up, in spite of the pleas. Some lucky remnant survive where they’ve fled, Hoping for shelter, ...

Glory to God in the Highest Luke 2:14 King James Version (KJV) 14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Almost chosen for a title for today’s rumination was a beautiful hymn, written specifically for the lowly guitar by Joseph Mohr, in 1816, with accompanying music that is now recognized worldwide by Franz Xaver Gruber, in 1818 when flooding made the use of the organ in their church unusable. Silent Night Silent night, Holy night, All is calm, All is bright Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, Holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing alleluia; Christ the Savior, is born! Christ the Savior, is born! Silent night, Holy night, Son of God, Love's pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lor...

What Child Is This? Luke 2:1-20 King James Version (KJV) 2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping ...

I Will Glory in the Cross 2 Corinthians 12 King James Version (KJV) 12 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2  I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3  And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4  How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5  Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6  For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7  And lest I should be exalted above measure...

Lead Me Father John 10:27-28 KJV 27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. Following requires being led, requires hearing the voice of the one leading, recognizing that voice and accepting what is being said by that voice. Many voices clamor for followers, claiming to be THE voice that should be heard, claiming domination over the hearer, claiming the right to lead in the direction that would best suit the needs of the ones being led. While the clamor of those voices clash, and the direction chosen by them in which to lead are divergent, and oppositional paths, that both claim to be the means to the better destination, better pastures, clearer and cleaner waters, better shelter from the storms that assail us along the journey they would lead us on, there is ONE VOICE that calmly and surely, ...