Monday Morning Devo - Song Stories: O Little Town of Bethlehem

This one's been a popular Christmas song for about 150 years--that's a long run, folks!

In 1865, Episcopal Priest Phillip Brooks took a trip to Israel. He rode a horse on Christmas Eve to Bethlehem to a five-hour singing praise service, and it stirred his soul. They were only a few short miles from where those shepherds were the first ones to hear a Christmas song.

Three years later, the sweetness of that praise service still rang in his heart, and he wrote a children's song for his church. His organist composed the tune, and "O Little Town of Bethlehem was performed for the first time.

Sometimes I get bored with music I hear over and over and over in church. Do you? I have a cure for it, though. Or at least it works for me. I listen to the words with my heart, and pretty soon it's not so boring anymore.

So, folks--give a listen to this with your own hearts. Click HERE.

Lord God, It's been so very long since You sent Your own Son to this earth to warm our hearts. It doesn't matter what time of year He was born--what matters is that He did come, and He came just for us. He demonstrated just what love really is. We still have a lot to learn, Lord, so please be patient with us. Speak to us in songs, and we'll listen with our hearts. Amen.