THE INTRODUCTION

Did you ever hear about the church that had a man in the choir who could not sing to save his life?  Several people had hinted to him that he could serve the Lord in other ways, but he continued in the choir.  Finally, the choir director came to the pastor.  "You've got to somehow get him out of the choir.  If you don't I'm probably going to resign, and most of the choir may quit.  Please do something!"  So, the pastor went to the man, against his better judgment, and suggested other ways he could serve within the church.  "Why should I leave the choir?" the man asked.  "Well," the pastor sheepishly admitted, "Five or six people have told me that you can't sing."  "Well, that's nothing," the man snorted, "Fifty or sixty people have told me that you can't preach."

Well, let's set that disparaging comment about the pastor's preaching aside for a moment, and consider the singing.  There are many people who know very well that they can't sing—at least that is what they think.  But don't worry about it—the Lord is not looking for professional performers; He is looking for praise, and that comes from the heart.  Every year, the Lord prompts us at Christ Our Rock Bible Church, to write and distribute our own Advent Devotional Booklet, and this year is no exception.  But, this book will be quite different.  Instead of me choosing a theme, and the Scriptures to go along with it, people were asked to choose a hymn.  Not just any hymn, or not even their favorite hymn, but one that has spoken powerfully to their hearts.  The hymns chosen have drawn each writer into an ever-deepening revelation of how precious our Lord is—even to the point of singing unto the Lord, no matter what!  No matter the circumstances.  No matter the problems.  No matter the musical ability.  No matter even the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.  It is our desire, whether you think you can sing or not, that you will turn to the selection for each day of the Christmas season, and truly enter in.  Yes, read the hymn and its devotional reading right next to it, and enter into a time of prayer and seeking the Lord.  Also, actually sing the hymn as part of that daily worship.  This is why we have put the actual hymns, music and all, in this book—for you to sing to the Lord.  Our God is great, and greatly to be praised!

You will also notice that we have included hymns from all seasons, not just Christmas, for they all call us into a tremendous commitment unto the Lord—year round!  So, enjoy this book, but may it only be a tool to help you enjoy the presence of the Lord in your life every day throughout this wonderful Christmas season and beyond—even throughout the rest of your life!  Psalm 98:1 tells us to sing unto the Lord a new song—let it be the song of a changed life!

~ Rev. Roy D. Warren, Jr.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, all hymn selections are in the public domain and are permitted to be copied.