Breathe a prayer of thanks for the heritage of Christianity and for God’s continued guidance of our land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
God of our fathers, whose almighty hand, Leads forth in beauty all the starry band; Of shining worlds in splendor thru the skies,
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.
Thy love divine hath led us in the past. In this free land by Thee our lot is cast; Be Thou our ruler, guardian, guide and stay, Thy word our law, Thy paths our chosen way. From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence, Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase; Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.
Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way. Lead us from night to never ending day; Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine. We need to be reminded that a nation can receive God’s blessing only when He is recognized as ruler and Lord. The moral strength of a nation rests upon the knees of God’s people.
This hymn text was written in 1876, by Daniel Crane Roberts. This was the year that America was preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Roberts was a 35 year old rector of a small Episcopal church in Brandon, Vermont. he felt that the country should have a new national hymn for the occasion. His new song was sung for the first time by the parishioners of the Brandon village church for their worship service on July 4th, 1876.
Later, at the time of the actual National Centennial Observance commemorating the adoption of the Constitution, Roberts’ hymn was chosen as the official hymn for that event.
This National hymn tune was written by George W. Warren, 1828 -1902.
This information is from the book “Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions” , Kenneth W. Osbeck, 1990. Kregel Publications.
ANGELS AWARE
A delightful Christmas Musical sharing the special reason God came to earth as a baby. Provides a fun perspective as the children become angels and prophets who tell “the story behind the story” of Christmas.
January 3, 2010. 4:30 PM at Woodside Community Church, 329 W Banta Rd. Indianapolis.
You are invited to join us for a DVD showing of a musical that we did about 20 years ago, called “Angel Aware” . Written by Kathi Hill. Starring Michael Schaub, as the Head angel, “Michael” and Benjamin Gilkerson as the angel “Gabriel”, with his horn. Come have a fun time as we reminisce with former cast members and families. A pie supper will conclude the evening.
This is sponsored by the D Team.
