Faith isn’t empty wishing
For what you’d like to see;
It isn’t simply guessing
The things you think will be.
Faith isn’t boldly stepping
To do the things you please,
Expecting God to back you
In thrilling feats or ease.
No, faith is shown in knowing
The things you can’t yet see
Then living like you’ve seen them
In hope believingly.
…
For kindnesses and mercies
For grace and answered prayer
For favor, help, and blessings
For tender love and care
For guidance and protection
For working out Your will
For peace and sweet assurance
For strength that You instill
For fellowship and friendship
For hope and daily light
For need and wise provision
For songs to cheer the night
…
Put off the old, put on the new,
The call is ringing clear,
A fresh, new start is on the way
To greet the dawning year.
The past behind, the future bright,
We’re pressing toward the prize –
Eternal life’s the worthy goal
On which we fix our eyes.
The day to come is full of hope
For those who look ahead;
Keep on the path and don’t look back
As step by step we’re led.
…
A godly girl and her betrothed
In Nazareth of old,
Both purposed they would honor God
And live for Him we’re told.
Then in the midst of normal life
An angel came to earth
To tell this virgin of the news
About the Savior’s birth.
So few believed her strange account
But John’s dear mother knew,
And from the glad Elizabeth
What strength and hope she drew.
…
How far did You come, Lord Jesus?
How far did You come for me?
How far did it seem from Your throne to a barn,
To time from eternity?
How far did You come, Messiah?
How far did You come to live?
From heaven above to our struggles below
To pardon me and forgive.
How far did You come, Redeemer?
How far did You come to die?
…
You’ve heard the Christmas story
A hundred times or more
And fewer brand-new facets
Invite you through their door,
So must the brightest wonder
All fade for you this year,
The charm of such a story
So marvelous and dear?
Discovery’s exciting
As one explores new ground
And opens up bright vistas
With truth that’s newly found,
…
