The Songs of Christmas

Zechariah's Song

Mike Burt

This song began from the heart of a man who was struck dumb by the prophecy of God. The father of John the Baptist had his lifetime moment in the sun – called to be High Priest in the Temple. While serving the angel Gabriel came and told him what was to come. Zechariah was doubtful and stunned into silence – until he acted in faith and was obedient to the prophecy. Sunday we will hear his first words of praise and promise! I am using an old method to break down his song – Who, What, Why, When, Where and How. Don't miss this second song of Luke – Zechariah reveals the real power of faith that flows from the incarnation – Light – Life – Love. These are the true gifts of Christmas and the reasons for our joy! Mike Burt

Simeon's Song

Mike Burt

“Jesus Christ, the condescension of divinity, and the exaltation of humanity.” Phillips Brooks (author of the carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem") Times were tough – the Romans had seized power and Jerusalem was once again under the rule of people who were not God's promised ones. Everything in Israel was done by permissions and under Roman scrutiny. Morale was low and many who had believed in generations past were doubting and even skeptical. It was into that scene we peek to observe a young married couple with their first child – poor and uncertain of many things. They are met by an older priest (Simeon) to receive their poorest of sacrifices intended to honor their firstborn son. They could only afford a couple of doves but they obediently approached the altar with their offering. Then it happened – God met them all and revealed the fulfillment of the Old Testament Advent promises – Immanuel! The name of Simeon's Song is Nunc Dimittis which in is Latin, "Now you dismiss". Simeon basically said, 'now I can die a happy man' because I have lived to see God keep His word and send the Messiah. Sunday will be an affirmation that Jesus is the Right One and a song about the roles He will fulfill as Savior, Messiah and Immanuel. Mike Burt

The Angel's Song

Josh Burt

The Christmas Season is upon us, and I hope you are taking a little time out of a busy season to reflect on the reason for this season. It began with humble beginnings, and with a common audience. However, as we will see this Sunday, what started as common and humble led to the most extraordinary of outcomes! My hope is that we have the same response as the angels to the coming of our savior - “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” Josh Burt

Mary's Song

Mike Burt

Do you listen to the music in the stores and malls? Holiday music – yes, but often maybe even rarely Christmas music. Songs about the weather and songs about Santa and the North Pole but with an increasingly secular society where are the Christmas carols? Sunday begins a series looking at the original songs lifted up by the earliest participants of the first Christmas – Mary, Zechariah, the Angels and Simeon. Mary's Song is a beautiful look at the bridge from the promises of God to the astonishing fulfillment of the Incarnation. The prophets promising a Redeemer and then the baby born as Emmanuel – it is enough for even the coarsest voice to break out in song! Join us for all four songs sung by the various characters of Luke. You will be impressed, Mary so very young and reeling with the news from Gabriel still exhibits great faith, great trust and great wonder at God's promises – we should do no less! Mike Burt

Grace Bible Church

Christmas Series 2018

Zechariah's Song

Mike Burt

Simeon's Song

Mike Burt

The Angel's Song

Josh Burt

Mary's Song

Mike Burt