What is this Fragrance

I love this old French carol that describes the "change in the atmosphere" when Jesus was born. This promised child had finally come, and the air smelled sweeter, the light shone more brightly, there was music "in the air"!

The people of Israel had been waiting SO LONG for their Messiah. He had been foretold, and they knew that God would send a King of His people.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

But they were still surprised! Surprised that their Messiah would be born a baby in a stable, and not in a palace fit for such a Kingly entrance. And who was the first to hear? Shepherds who were out in the fields, tending their sheep.

And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:9-12

Good news of great joy! Which will be for ALL THE PEOPLE! The Savior was born. And He could be found in a manger! The shepherds knew what they had to do - they had go and find this baby.

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2:15-20

Let us praise God together today for sending His son to the earth, a tiny baby born in a manger who grew up to take our sin on Himself so that we might be saved.

Glory to God in the Highest!

What is this Fragrance
Traditional French Noel

What is this fragrance softly stealing?
Shepherds! It sets my heart a-stir!
Never was sweetness so appealing
Never were flow'rs of spring so fair!
What is this fragrance softly stealing?
Shepherds! It sets my heart a-stir!

What is this Light around us streaming?
Out of the dark with blinding ray,
Purer than Star of Morning's seeming
Showing our path as plain as day!
What is this fragrance softly stealing?
Shepherds! It sets my heart a-stir!

What is this Wonder all around us
filling the air with music light!
Shepherds! some Magic here hath found us!
Never mine ears knew such delight!
What is this fragrance softly stealing?
Shepherds! It sets my heart a-stir!

Be not afraid, O, Shepherds lowly!
Hear ye the Angel of the Lord!
Bearing a Message glad and Holy
Shedding a radiance all abroad!
What is this fragrance softly stealing?
Shepherds! It sets my heart a-stir!

There, in a Manger with His Mother,
Lieth our Saviour, Born today!
Come away Shepherds; Let none other
Hinder thy coming now away!
What is this fragrance softly stealing?
Shepherds! It sets my heart a-stir!

O Come, Desire of Nations

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Just as Israel cried out for their King to come, we cry out for the Desire of Nations to come again to establish His Kingdom of Peace on this earth.

And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
Haggai 2:7

He will come to bind the hearts of all mankind. That is our desire, as well as Christ's. Jesus asked His Father for this as he prayed before His crucifixion.

"The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." John 17:22-23

Christ's second coming be the culmination of unity - but there is a lot we can do in the meantime to live in unity with our brothers, sisters and neighbors. Paul reminds us that loving one another (easier said than done!) and acting in love towards one another will unite us.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:12-14

We long for our King of Peace to come and rid us of our "sad divisions." As a believer in Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells in you, and you can have the peace that the King of Peace offers.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:26-27

Christ's peace unites us in one body with all believers.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Rejoice! The King of Peace has come. I encourage this season to pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:19

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel

O Come, Thou Root of Jesse's Tree

Then in that day the nations will resort to the root of Jesse, who will stand as a signal for the peoples; and His resting place will be glorious. Isaiah 11:10

The people of Israel were waiting for this propecy to come true - that the root of Jesse would be an ensign (a sign, a banner, a signal) of their people. That He would come as their redeemer and deliverer, and He would bring peace and justice to the nations. That their King would come and be among them.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

This would not be a normal, earthly king. Rulers would fall silent before Him, King of the nations.

Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? Indeed it is Your due! For among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You. Jeremiah 10:7

This would be a King of mercy. A King who would restore His people.

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name." Ezekiel 39:25

A King who will draw all men to Himself.

"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." John 12:32

Rejoice! God has sent a King of mercy to draw us to Himself.

O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O Come, Great Lord of Might

Ascribe strength to God; His majesty is over Israel and His strength is in the skies. O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God! Psalm 68:34-35

I've been reading through the Old Testament during this advent season and I continue to be amazed at how God spoke to Moses, audibly. After Aaron and Miriam started questioning Moses' authoriy and why he should be the only prophet, God said,

"When a prophet of the LORD is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD." Numbers 12:4-8

Wow. Moses, who was reluctant to be the leader of God's people (see Exodus 4), was spoken to by God, face to face. One of the more meaningful experiences in Moses' "career" must have been meeting with the Lord on Mt. Sinai.

Now the LORD said to Moses, "Come up to Me on the mountain and remain there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commandment which I have written for their instruction." Exodus 24:12

Moses was there for forty days as the glory of the Lord rested on the mountain. Can you even imagine?

Then Moses went up to the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top. Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Exodus 24:15-18

It was the great Lord of might who met with Moses on that mountain to give him the Law. The Law was given so that God's people would know how to live with one another, and to prepare them for their eventual Deliverer and Redeemer, the One who was coming to fulfill the Law.

"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17

The fulfillment of the law included Christ's suffering death and rising again from the dead that forgiveness of sins might be proclaimed to all nations!

Now He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem." Luke 24:44-47

Rejoice! The God of might sent His son, born as a baby, to fulfill the Law of Moses.

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O Come, Thou Key of David

Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at Your presence. Isaiah 64:1

Do you ever pray this prayer that Isaiah offered? Oh Lord, come down, and come quickly! Come and take us to our heavenly home, for You and You alone hold the key. God told Isaiah that Jesus would have the key of David, and in Revelation, Jesus calls Himself the One who has the key.

Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder, when He opens no one will shut, when He shuts no one will open. Isaiah 22:22

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this... Revelation 3:7

Jesus holds the key to our heavenly home. He is the only way to eternal life.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6

Today, I am grateful that Jesus has gone to prepare my heavenly home.

"In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3

I also rejoice that He promises that He will come again to receive me to Himself.

Rejoice! Our Key of David will come again. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!


O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O Come, Thou DaySpring

On that day the deaf will hear words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. The afflicted also will increase their gladness in the LORD, and the needy of mankind will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 29:18-19

Just as the people of Israel were waiting to be brought out of their gloom, we wait to be delivered from this world of sin. We long for the Dayspring to come and cheer us with His presence.

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:78-79 (KJV)

When He came into the world as a baby, He came to bring the light of life to those who were in darkness.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." John 8:12

This light was prophesied by Isaiah, a promise that they would no longer dwell in the shadow of death.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Isaiah 9:12

This is the work of our great God! He answers His people who call out to Him, and delivers them from their darkness.

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their bands apart. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men! Psalm 107:13-15

Rejoice! God provided the Redeemer who puts away the shadow of death through His resurrection.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O Come, Thou Rod of Jesse

"O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:55-57

The Rod of Jesse was prophesied in Isaiah. Jesse was the father of King David, and Jesus was born out of David's lineage - a "branch" as it were out of the stem of Jesse. Isaiah said that this man would have the Spirit of the Lord, and the spirit of wisdom and knowledge and fear of the Lord (sound familiar?) and that He would be a righteous judge.

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: but with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall He slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:1-6

The people of Israel were crying out for a Messiah to save them from the tyranny of Satan. The writer to the Hebrews tells us that God had to send Jesus to become flesh and blood, just like His children, so that through His death the devil would be rendered powerless.

Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:14-15

By His death and resurrection, His people were set free from the bondage (slavery) to sin (and ultimately death) that enslaved them.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2

They needed a Messiah to free them from their sin, something that could not be accomplished through the law of Moses, which they were living under.

Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. Acts 13:38-39

The people needed a Savior.

For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
Matthew 18:11

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:17

Christ came to save the world from sin, and also to save us from the wrath of God.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:8-10

Rejoice! Through His birth, life, death and resurrection, we too have the power of victory over the grave!

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O Come, Thou Wisdom from on High

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! Romans 11:33

As Israel continues to wait for their Messiah, and we await His second return to earth, we sing together, asking for the Wisdom from on High to come down. This Wisdom ordains the sun to shine by day and the moon by night, and turns the seasons from one to another.

Thus says the LORD, "Who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The LORD of hosts is His name." Jeremiah 31:35

Yours is the day, Yours also is the night; You have prepared the light and the sun. You have established all the boundaries of the earth; You have made summer and winter. Psalm 74:15-16

Jesus is this Wisdom! Paul reminds us that Jesus was not only present at creation, but He is the creator. Everything that was created was created through Him and for Him.

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

The great Creator came to our world as a humble baby, to show us the way to walk according to God's word. The people of Israel were waiting for their Messiah to show them the way of knowledge and how to walk in her path. They had heard the prophets, but they longed for their Deliverer. The writer to the Hebrews tells us that now in these last days, God speaks to us through His son. And His Son still speaks to us through His word.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course. For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Proverbs 2:6-10

Rejoice that Emmanuel (God with us) showed us how to walk the path of knowledge while He lived here on the earth. Rejoice, too, that we have God's word to still speak to us today. Take some time to read about how Jesus walked, and ask Him to show you His ways, that you might grow in your knowledge of Him so you may know the surpassing greatness of His power toward those of us who believe.

For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:15-21

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Advent Meditation on O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores His captive people, Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad. Psalm 14:7

As I was singing this old hymn (12th century!) on Sunday in church, I was struck anew by the words and started thinking about the double meaning - this hymn could have been sung by the Jews in the Old Testament as they waited for their Messiah, and it applies just as beautifully to us here today as we wait for the second coming of Jesus.

Over the next few weeks, we'll look at each verse of this wonderful Advent hymn, and meditate on what it means to wait for our Emmanuel to come once again.

God's people, who we read about in the Old Testament, had been waiting for a Savior and Redeemer to come, ever since Adam and Eve first sinned against God. We read in the early part of Genesis that God promises hope to these first humans who went against His word. Here God speaks to Satan to tell him the consequences of his deception of the people God created in His image:

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel." Genesis 3:15

We continue to see God promise a Messiah all through the Old Testament.

It will become a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Champion, and He will deliver them. Isaiah 19:20

God's people, Israel, were captive. They were literally slaves in different parts of their history, and they were also captive to their own sin. They were able to make atonment for their sin, once a year, through the sacrificial process, but as the author to the Hebrews tells us, that was just a reminder of how sinful they were. It was impossible for the blood of the animals to wash them clean of their sin.

But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Hebrews 10:3-4

That's why Jesus Christ was sent by God. He paid the ransom for their sin (and ours!), once and for all.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:25

For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. I Timothy 2:5-6

Today, we are Israel. Jesus Christ, by His work on the cross, has made us His chosen people, and has grafted us in to Israel. Even if you weren't born into Israel, you are now a part having been saved by Christ. (see Romans 11)

Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands--remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13

Israel was in exile, in a land not their own, waiting for their Messiah.

Doesn't that sound like us today? Those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and claim forgiveness through His blood shed for us on the cross are exiles, living in a land that is not ours because Heaven is our home. I find it interesting that Peter even addresses his readers as aliens in his letter -

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. I Peter 1:1-2

Israel was in mourning until their Redeemer appeared. Just like we are in mourning as we wait for Jesus to come again and take us to place He has prepared for us. Just as they rejoiced when Messiah appeared on that blessed Christmas morning, we can rejoice, knowing that God will be "with us" (Emmanuel) once again.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Unknown author of the 12th century

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

How Cheering is the Christian's Hope

But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Micah 7:7

When I read the words of this hymn, it immediately reminded me of Paul's letter to the Romans. We do toil here below on earth, this place that is not our home. But our faith in Christ gives us hope, because we know we are just "passing through" this wilderness of woe.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Christ's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. We have hope - hope that does not disappoint! That is an incredible encouragement to me. God gave this promise to His people long ago, and it remains true today - when we hope in Him we will not be disappointed!

...Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed. Isaiah 49:23

Our hope points us to our eternal home, our final land of rest, where we will reign with Christ and His saints. Our life in the Son is our promise of eternal life with Jesus and God the Father.

The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. I John 5:10-12

So, why we toil on this earth, dealing with the daily struggles and disappointments of living where we "don't belong," let us follow Paul's exhortation as we cry, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Romans 12:10-13

How Cheering is the Christian's Hope
Author Unknown

How cheering is the Christian’s hope,
While toiling here below!
It buoys us up while passing through
This wilderness of woe.
It buoys us up while passing through
This wilderness of woe.

It points us to a land of rest,
Where saints with Christ will reign;
Where we shall meet the loved of earth,
And never part again.
Where we shall meet the loved of earth,
And never part again.

Fly, lingering moments, fly, O fly;
Dear Savior, quickly come!
We long to see Thee as Thou art,
And reach that blissful shore.
We long to see Thee as Thou art,
And reach that blissful shore.