Reclaimed

The Forgotten Carols: Let Him In by Michael McLean

Now, I know yesterday I said that "I Cannot Find My Way (Three Kings)" was my favorite Forgotten Carol but that was partly true. "The Innkeeper (Let Him In)" is my favorite! Ok, they both are! :)

The part of this song that I identify most with is another intimately human tendency, to condemn and criticize yourself unnecessarily for mistakes:

He never would condemn me
I did that all on my own
He offered His forgiveness
And ever since then, I've known
He lets us choose each hour of each day
If we'll let Him in to stay; Let Him in
Let Him in, Let the peace on earth begin
Let Him in, Let Him in
Let the hope and joy begin!

And whether it be in your world today
Or a crowded Bethlehem Inn,
Find a way, make Him room
Let Him in!
Let the hope and joy begin
(It's beginning)
Let Him in
Let the peace on earth begin
(It's beginning)
Let Him in!!!!

I hope with the new year to come that we will choose to learn from our mistakes and move on, allowing joy, hope and peace to take room in our hearts and lives. Merry Christmas everyone!

The Forgotten Carols: The Shepherd (You Were Not There in Bethlehem) by Michael McLean

Another Forgotten Carol, The Shepherd (You Were Not There in Bethlehem) is a beautiful song of hope born after doubt and questioning. The character in this song is me, you and any person that first hears the story of Messiah then is presented with a choice: believe? Doubt? I LOVE the lines (pretty much the whole song):

...Somehow I did believe them, though everything I knew said I should not believe them--This story can't be true. . . 

I asked a thousand questions, their answers startled me. The more I heard, the more I thought, I knew this cannot be! And then the struggle started, my head was wrestling with my heart.

Why would a God from Heaven come to the world this way? Why in a lowly stable would the Messiah lay? I shook my head and asked them to tell the story one more time... 

Yes, I did believe them though I'd not seen a thing. I did not go to Bethlehem, or hear the angels sing, but there was something magic in the air that made me feel as if I had been there.

I knew that as the world moves on through time, there would be more stories just like mine, about the souls who've chosen to believe in something that they never got to see. 

Do you think you'll join us? Though you've not seen a thing? You were not there in Bethlehem to hear the angels sing, but if you feel the spirit in the air, then just like me you'd know 

That He was here, He was here! The King of kings
And Lord of lords was here! He was here and He will come again, For He was here!

I LOVE this song. It's all about choice. And I choose to believe.

Worth Listening To

Bradley Wilcox: The Atonement: After All We Can Do

I have heard this talk a couple times on Sunday mornings while listening to Classical 89's devotional archive segment. I thought it had a insightful perspective and felt that it was one I should share. Take some time to listen to it. Enjoy =)

Bradley Wilcox | The Atonement: After All We Can Do | August 18, 2009 | BYU Broadcasting