For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11 KJV)
We had our Christmas concert Sunday night at Faith Baptist and the final song was “Listen to the Hammer Ring.” Below is the video of that song.
Christmas is the celebration of the Birth of Christ, but the ultimate reason He was born of a virgin was so He could be Our Perfect Sinless Savior. Christmas and Easter both go “hand-in-hand” because they are about the Lord Jesus Christ, the Creator of the world and all that is in it (including our beautiful birds). The world is doing everything it can to remove Christ from both of those holidays. But:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches. (Psalms 104:12 NKJV)
BereanBeacon contacted me to obtain permission to use some of the photographers we have here. This video used some of the great photos from Ray (Raymond J. Barlow’s Wildlife Photography)
American Yellow Warbler (Dendroica aestiva) singing by J Fenton
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10 KJV)
Joy To The World
Words by Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719.
Music: Antioch, arranged by Lowell Mason, 1792-1872 – The city of Antioch, Syria, is where believers were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26). Alternate tune:
The words are by English hymn writer Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 98 in the Bible. The song was first published in 1719 in Watts’ collection; The Psalms of David: Imitated in the language of the New Testament, and applied to the Christian state and worship. Watts wrote the words of “Joy to the World” as a hymn glorifying Christ’s triumphant return at the end of the age, rather than a Christmas song celebrating his first coming as a babe born in a stable. Only the second half of Watts’ lyrics are still used today.
The music was adapted and arranged to Watts’ lyrics by Lowell Mason in 1839 from an older melody which was then believed to have originated from Handel, not least because the theme of the refrain (And heaven and nature sing…) appears in the orchestra opening and accompaniment of the recitative Comfort Ye from Handel’s Messiah, and the first four notes match the beginning of the choruses Lift up your heads and Glory to God from the same oratorio. However, Handel did not compose the entire tune.”
As of the late 20th century, “Joy to the World” was the most-published Christmas hymn in North America.” (From Wikipedia)
Joy To The World
Savannah Sparrow singing by Ray
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
Luke 2:40-52 KJV
(40) And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
(41) Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
(42) And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
(43) And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
(44) But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
(45) And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
(46) And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
(47) And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
(48) And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
(49) And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
(50) And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
(51) And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
(52) And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
House Sparrow by Ray
The Sparrows also like to make their homes in the tabernacle or temple.
…How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. (Psalms 84:1-4 KJV)
Luke 2:25-39 KJV
(25) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
(26) And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
(27) And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
(28) Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
(29) Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
(30) For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
(31) Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
(32) A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
(33) And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
(34) And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
(35) (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
(36) And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
(37) And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
(38) And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
(39) And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) by Nikhil Devasar
Luke 2:21-24 KJV
(21) And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
(22) And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
(23) (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
(24) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Ruddy Pigeon (Patagionenas subvinacea) by Kent Nickell
It’s December and time to celebrate Christmas again. Many will be busy getting wrapped up in the excitement of the “Holiday Season” while those of us here at our blog will be celebrating the real meaning of Christmas. We hope to have some articles that present “Christmas” as it should be, the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke Chapter 2 has one of the most known passages about the birth of Jesus Christ. I will post a part of it in different posts. Also other passages will be given this month that tell of His Birth.
Luke 2:1-14 KJV
(1) 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 watch over their flock by night.
(9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
(10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
(11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
(13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
These are a review of post done in previous years and are worth re-reading.
Please watch the video of my pastor, Nathan Osborne, III, as he gave an excellent illustration about birds out in the cold and snow. It helps to explain the true meaning of Christmas. (Part of our Christmas cantata, “From the Manger to the Cross”)
Words: French carol from Bas-Quercy; translator unknown. Appeared in Carols Old and Carols New, by Charles Lewis Hutchins (Boston, Massachusetts: Parish Choir, 1916), number 460.
Music: Bas-Quercy
Whence Comes This Rush Of Wings?
Whence comes this rush of wings afar,
Following straight the Noël star? Birds from the woods in wondrous flight,
Bethlehem seek this holy night.
European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) by Ian
“Tell us, ye birds, why come ye here,
Into this stable, poor and drear?”
“Hast’ning we seek the newborn King,
And all our sweetest music bring.”
Hark how the greenfinch bears his part,
Philomel, too, with tender heart,
Chants from her leafy dark retreat,
Re, mi, fa, sol, in accents sweet.
Angels and shepherds, birds of the sky,
Come where the Son of God doth lie;
Christ on the earth with man doth dwell,
Join in the shout, “Noël, Noël!”
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Rev. 4:11 (Blue Jay by Dan)
Formed By Him
Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. (Genesis 2:19 ESV)
Fiery-throated Hummingbird by J Patterson
I have recently started a series of blog articles about different aspects of the Lord’s Creative Hand on the birds He has created. Some of the articles will be about a specific bird and some amazing characteristics or behavior it demonstrates. The different designs or colors of birds that have been painted with the Lord’s fantastic Paintbrush could be featured or whatever else that reveals God’s Design and His Intelligence in the creation of birds.
As I work on articles and am searching for photos of birds, other neat birds are discovered. With 10,000 plus birds flying around all over this world, the source for material should be way beyond us ever running out of things to write about. Hope you enjoy this new series, “Formed By Him.”
Thus says the LORD who made the earth, the LORD who formed it to establish it–the LORD is his name: (Jeremiah 33:2 ESV)
One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek; That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4)
The beautiful wing of the butterfly has a lesson to teach everyone who believes living things were created by chance. The design of the butterfly wing involves much more than just intricate complexity. In addition to showing a knowledge of flight, each wing design is the product of very precise specifications built around the specific wavelengths of visible light.
The iridescent colors you admire on a butterfly’s wing are created by the scales of the wings. Each square centimeter of wing has tens of thousands of these scales, each attached to the wing by tiny stems and overlapping each other like cedar shakes. Each one of these scales was a living cell until a day or two before the butterfly emerged from its pupa. Each tiny scale is made of a vertical and horizontal framing within which are found various sacks of pigment hanging from the framework.
Butterfly wings that seem to glow with iridescent blues and greens have scales with tiny lattices and ribbed walls that are designed to cause interference patterns in light waves within the 300 700 nanometer range – exactly the range humans see as color. That interference pattern is what our eyes interpret as iridescence.
It takes a good knowledge of physics as well as micro architecture to design and build an iridescent butterfly wing! Science clearly teaches us that such ability and knowledge does not come from chance. Let’s be bold to admit the truth – there is a Creator!
Prayer:
Father in heaven, a child can see the beauty of Your handiwork in the wing of the butterfly. Through my witness, help those who have been fooled by evolution to see You in Your creation and our salvation
Copper-rumped Hummingbird (Amazilia tobaci) by Ian
While working on my photos again, came across several pictures of these Copper-rumped Hummingbirds. What a fantastic color they show. These copper colored birds are not the only ones with that hue. Searching through the Birds of the World, I found that there are Copper Pheasants and Sunbirds. Then there is a Coppersmith Barbet, Copper-tailed Starling and a Copper-throated Sunbird. Not to be left out, there are the Coppery birds. Coppery Emerald, Coppery Metaltail, Coppery-bellied Puffleg, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Coppery-headed Emerald and a Coppery-tailed Coucal.
Many birding and ornithology groups work hard to name birds so that those of us who birdwatch can try to put a name on the bird. Since all of these have a common color, “Copper”, it makes it easier to try to figure out what we are seeing. Of course, Adam was the first to start naming the newly created birds, but it still continues today.
Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. (Genesis 2:19 NKJV)
Copper metal is known by most and so is it’s color. It is a valuable metal for many uses and has been used in coins for thousands of years. In Deuteronomy 8:9 they were told “out of whose hills you can dig copper.” Job 28:2 says, “copper is smelted from ore.” Christ told the disciples to, “Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts” and also reminded them that, “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.”
Maybe the Lord wants us to see the copper color and remember that He not only made the copper, but if He cares about a little sparrow, then His concern is great toward us also.
Hope you enjoy seeing these great “Copper Birds”.
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7)
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 