David Bahn – Reflections

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Genesis 1:3-4 

 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ⁴ And God saw that the light was good. 

John 1:1-5, 14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 is one of my go-to Bible verses. There’s so much here: Word becoming flesh, and grace and truth, to name just two. I love how this verse encourages transparency, humility, no pretentiousness here. I love the marriage of grace and truth. As I like to say, “Grace makes truth bearable. Truth makes grace precious.”

The song, Truth be Told (see below) captures the reality of our sinful state. We don’t even want to admit to our sins, failures, or our deepest hurts. But truth be told we need God’s mercy, love, forgiveness: grace. John writes, “If we say that we are without sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 4:8). But there is more to facing the truth than just admitting we need God’s grace. Jesus’ first recorded sermon in Mark’s gospel calls us to “repent and believe the gospel [emphasis added]” (Mark 1:15). Jesus himself said that if we continue in his word we will know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32).

God’s truth is never divorced from his grace. Facing the truth of our sin renders the grace of God evermore precious and powerfully freeing. Grace: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace: undeserved favor and kindness. Grace: the unmerited blessings of God poured out for all. Grace, a lavish fountain of life and joy.

The glory of God is displayed in this child. In grace, God has come to save us. Truth incarnate lies in the manger. By God’s grace, we come to the Father through the One who is the way, the truth, and the life. What good news this is!

I’ve not been one to try to put on a show. I try to be real; just me. Once in a while I’ll channel someone else’s style, voice, or mannerisms. But I’m quickly called on that by my wife. I’m not Ozzie Hoffman, Martin Luther, or Michael Ziegler. I’m me. Acoustic. Unfiltered. Natural. But before you go the wrong way with that, remember, too that I am redeemed. I am made new by the grace of God! Truth be told, yes I’m a sinner. That’s the truth. But by God’s grace I’m also a saint. That’s also true. I’ll struggle in that until I’m with my Lord in heaven.

But I can be real because of God’s grace. And I am thankful that the Word became flesh so that I could stand in that gracious truth.

In the First Light

In the first light of a new day
No one knew He had arrived
Things continued as they had been
While a newborn softly cried.
But the heavens wrapped in wonder
Knew the meaning of His birth
In the weakness of a baby
They knew God had come to earth.

As His mother held him closely,
It was hard to understand
That this baby not yet speaking
Was the Word of God to man.
He would tell them of His kingdom,
But their hearts would not believe
They would hate Him and in anger
They would nail Him to a tree.

But the sadness would be broken
As the song of life arose
And the First born of creation
Would ascend and take his throne.
He had left it to redeem us,
But before His life began
He knew He’d come back not as a baby
But as The Lord of ev’ry man.

Hear the angels as they’re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again to earth
When He comes again

Hear the angels as they’re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again to Earth
When He comes to rule the Earth!
When He comes back, When He comes back
To rule the Earth!

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Robert John Kauflin
In the First Light lyrics © Bridge Building Music, Organon Key Music

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Genesis 1:3-4 

 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ⁴ And God saw that the light was good. 

Isaiah 60:1-3

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
² For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
    and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
    and his glory will be seen upon you.
³ And nations shall come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Suddenly it dawned on me! Have you ever said that? Has it ever dawned on you? Late to catch the joke… then it dawns on you (not pleasant but not disastrous). Suddenly remembering why you came into the room (not necessarily a problem). Realizing that you were to have been at an important meeting two hours ago and suddenly realizing that was the nagging feeling you’d forgotten something that had been with you all morning (YIKES!  Not so good.).

But there is a different kind of dawning that we all need: we must be awakened to the reality of God’s gift of salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. By the grace of God, we have been awakened with the message of the angels, “Behold I bring you good news of great joy for all the people. Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

It’s true, no one knew the Savior had been born that first Christmas night until the angel appeared to the shepherds. No one knew of the Savior’s birth until the shepherds spread the word. No one knew of God’s gift of Jesus until God revealed it. The light of the Lord had risen on his people. And no one is born with the innate knowledge of God. By nature we are blind, dead in our sins, and enemies of God.

We are without excuse in regard to our state, because we do have the natural knowledge of God. Creation testifies to this:

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. – Romans 1:19-20

And we also have our consciences, the law written on our hearts which bear witness to right and wrong in our lives (Romans 2:15).

But God in his great mercy, while we were still sinners, sent his Son to be our Savior. We were on the road to perdition, destruction, damnation, doom, and death. And God flagged us down. He opened our eyes to his mercy and love, his goodness and grace. The light dawned on us. We need God. And he has come to us, to be with us. To redeem us. To save us. On us the light has dawned.

That which was at first hidden in a Bethlehem manger shines brightly in the lights, celebrations, proclamations, songs, carols, and services of this season. O that we would be the light that points others to Jesus this Christmas and always!

In the First Light

In the first light of a new day
No one knew He had arrived
Things continued as they had been
While a newborn softly cried.
But the heavens wrapped in wonder
Knew the meaning of His birth
In the weakness of a baby
They knew God had come to earth.

As His mother held him closely,
It was hard to understand
That this baby not yet speaking
Was the Word of God to man.
He would tell them of His kingdom,
But their hearts would not believe
They would hate Him and in anger
They would nail Him to a tree.

But the sadness would be broken
As the song of life arose
And the First born of creation
Would ascend and take his throne.
He had left it to redeem us,
But before His life began
He knew He’d come back not as a baby
But as The Lord of ev’ry man.

Hear the angels as they’re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again to earth
When He comes again

Hear the angels as they’re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again to Earth
When He comes to rule the Earth!
When He comes back, When He comes back
To rule the Earth!

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Robert John Kauflin
In the First Light lyrics © Bridge Building Music, Organon Key Music

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Genesis 1:3-4

 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ⁴ And God saw that the light was good. 

John 1:1-13

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

⁹ The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. ¹¹ He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. ¹² But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

You’ve likely seen them: bright beams of light sweeping across the sky. Something’s going on over there, I think. They beg for our attention. Usually it’s a car dealership, a grand opening, or some such place. And they don’t want just your attention. They want your money! But there is a different kind of light. Rather than calling attention to itself, it calls attention to that on which is focused. Look at this! See what is here! Behold! 

Jesus was born in obscurity. But he would not remain in obscurity. The maji who come to worship the newborn king so distress Herod with their question that he undertakes a quest to kill the once unnoticed child. They come bearing gifts fit for a king.

Behold! A virgin has conceived. Behold! A Savior has been born to you. Behold! Wise men from the east have come to worship him. Behold! The kingdom of God is at hand. Behold your king (a sarcastic and derisive comment by Pilate as Jesus stands before the crowd bloodied and battered)! Behold, I make all things new! Behold I am coming soon.

The prophet Isaiah calls out to us, inviting us to…

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
² For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
    and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
    and his glory will be seen upon you.
³ And nations shall come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your rising. – Isaiah 60:1-3

Our king has come. The Savior has been born. He is the true light coming into the world enlightening everyone. The heavens have been split open with an angelic chorus, “Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth. Good will toward men.”

In the days of the Exodus the glory of God was seen at night as a pillar of fire. It was a sign of his presence. Now we see the glory of God in a manger, in the life, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But it is so veiled now. For the worship of the wisemen is all too much of an exception. The world’s wise men and women have little care for Jesus. Kings and religious leaders too easily and often dismiss Jesus’ unique grace and truth.

Soon, however, we will see Jesus coming on the clouds. This song reminds us that as glorious as the angelic chorus was on the night of Jesus’ birth, the glory at his Second Coming will be even greater.

Regarding that last thought in the ending of the song, I believe Jesus is ruling even now at the right hand of God. His is a rule of grace and steadfast love. On that Great Last Day the majestic glory will be fully revealed. Jesus will be honored by all – some under duress, others with joyful delight. Then we will truly rise and shine and rejoice in the full revelation of the Light of the world.

In the First Light

In the first light of a new day
No one knew He had arrived
Things continued as they had been
While a newborn softly cried.
But the heavens wrapped in wonder
Knew the meaning of His birth
In the weakness of a baby
They knew God had come to earth.

As His mother held him closely,
It was hard to understand
That this baby not yet speaking
Was the Word of God to man.
He would tell them of His kingdom,
But their hearts would not believe
They would hate Him and in anger
They would nail Him to a tree.

But the sadness would be broken
As the song of life arose
And the First born of creation
Would ascend and take his throne.
He had left it to redeem us,
But before His life began
He knew He’d come back not as a baby
But as The Lord of ev’ry man.

Hear the angels as they’re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again to earth
When He comes again

Hear the angels as they’re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again to Earth
When He comes to rule the Earth!
When He comes back, When He comes back
To rule the Earth!

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Robert John Kauflin
In the First Light lyrics © Bridge Building Music, Organon Key Music

PS: You might find it interesting to read this biblical examination of the song.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Genesis 1:3-4

 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ⁴ And God saw that the light was good. 

John 1:1-13

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

⁹ The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. ¹¹ He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. ¹² But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Light! Let’s have some light! That’s a line from a children’s recording of The Purple Puzzle Tree. It’s an engaging and edifying series of 36 stories of the Bible. I use the Genesis 1:3-4 verse as a signature Bible verse on my personal email. As an avid amateur photographer light is everything. It’s all about the light.

That opening lyric of this song got my attention. In the first light of a new day no one knew he had arrived. How so very true! Jesus’ birth in a stable, his first cradle a manger, his humble parents, the obscure village conspire to make Jesus’ birth unnoticed by all but those few to whom the angels appeared that night. Indeed, things did continue as they had been while the newborn softly (or loudly?) cried. But the obscurity of this scene hide the cosmic significance of the moment: in the weakness of a baby, God had come to earth.

Both this song and Mary did You Know? were written in 1984. They both explore the mystery of the incarnation and reflect on Mary’s ponderings (cf. Luke 2:19). Both expand the scope and implications of his birth beyond the birth itself. That is in keeping with the biblical emphasis on Jesus’ birth. Luke records the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. Matthew gives an account of Joseph’s part in the birth and escape to Egypt. John gives us this wonderful cosmic and eternal significance of the Word becoming flesh. Mark makes no mention of it all. Paul mentions it in Galatians 4.

But the Gospel writers spend paragraphs and pages recounting Jesus’ earthly ministry. As much as 1/3 of the Gospels focus on the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. As one website puts it: The break down according to each of the Gospels:

• A third of Matthew, from Matthew 21-28
• A third of Mark, from Mark 11-16
• A quarter of Luke, from Luke 19-24
• Nearly half of John, from John 12-20

This song pays homage to that reality. As good as Jesus’ birth is – and it is good news! – the rest of the story is being lived out and will culminate on the Great Last Day and the life of the world to come.

In the First Light

In the first light of a new day
No one knew He had arrived
Things continued as they had been
While a newborn softly cried.
But the heavens wrapped in wonder
Knew the meaning of His birth
In the weakness of a baby
They knew God had come to earth.

As His mother held him closely,
It was hard to understand
That this baby not yet speaking
Was the Word of God to man.
He would tell them of His kingdom,
But their hearts would not believe
They would hate Him and in anger
They would nail Him to a tree.

But the sadness would be broken
As the song of life arose
And the First born of creation
Would ascend and take his throne.
He had left it to redeem us,
But before His life began
He knew He’d come back not as a baby
But as The Lord of ev’ry man.

Hear the angels as they’re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again to earth
When He comes again

Hear the angels as they’re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again to Earth
When He comes to rule the Earth!
When He comes back, When He comes back
To rule the Earth!

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Robert John Kauflin
In the First Light lyrics © Bridge Building Music, Organon Key Music

PS: You might find it interesting to read this biblical examination of the song.

Join me in praying these Psalms on this Lord’s Day

Psalm 11:7

For the Lord is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
    the upright shall behold his face.

Psalm 41:1-3, 13

Blessed is the one who considers the poor!
    In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him;
² the Lord protects him and keeps him alive;
    he is called blessed in the land;
    you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.
³ The Lord sustains him on his sickbed;
    in his illness you restore him to full health.

¹³ Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!
Amen and Amen.

Psalm 71:1-3

In you, O Lord, do I take refuge;
    let me never be put to shame!
² In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
    incline your ear to me, and save me!
³ Be to me a rock of refuge,
    to which I may continually come;
you have given the command to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.

Psalm 101:1-2

I will sing of steadfast love and justice;
    to you, O Lord, I will make music.
² I will ponder the way that is blameless.
    Oh when will you come to me?

Psalm 131

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;
    my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
    too great and too marvelous for me.
² But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
    like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child is my soul within me.

³ O Israel, hope in the Lord
    from this time forth and forevermore.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.
All rights reserved

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” ²⁹ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. ³⁰ And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

³⁴ And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. ³⁶ And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. ³⁷ For nothing will be impossible with God.” ³⁸ And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Pastor Chris Bodley walked across the chancel from left to right, all the while recounting the arc of God’s redemption story. He went from creation to Abraham, Moses and the Exodus, Joshua and the Promised Land, David and his glorious reign, Isaiah and his prophecies, Malachi and his last word in the Old Testament era. Then he continued on to Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection. He then pointed us toward our final hope of glory when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead.

By the time he was finished, I was nearly in tears. It was a powerful reminder of God’s work throughout history. I can close my eyes and see him doing this some 30 years later.

In this song, Mark Lowry does a forward-looking reminiscing as he has Mary ponder the things that would happen in the future of Jesus. It’s a clever technique: He takes us back to a time when Jesus was born, and asks Mary if she had any idea of the things Jesus would do – all of which we know today. And what glorious things Jesus has done:

• Walking on water – in the dark of the stormy night – and calming the hearts of his disciples and stilling the storm. – Matthew 14:22-33
• Healing 2 blind men as he left Jericho, asking them, “What do you want me to do for you?” They answer, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” ³⁴ And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him. – Matthew 20:29-34
• Jesus is the Son of God who became flesh so that Mary would literally kiss the face of God. – John 1:14
• Unblocking the ears of the deaf man, “…taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. ³⁴ And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” ³⁵ And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. – Mark 7:31-37
• Being moved with compassion at the pool of Bethesda, “Jesus said to [the lame man], ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk.’ ⁹ And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.” – John 5:1-29
• He was and is the perfect Lamb of God as John testified: “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world…And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” – John 1:29-34
• Jesus is the Great I AM. He himself made this remarkable claim: Before Abraham was, I AM.” – John 8:48-59

Such a wonderful rehearsal of Jesus’ ministry. All this leading up to the ultimate act of miracle and mercy: Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. By this he has delivered not only Mary, but you and me. We look forward to that Great Last Day when we who look to him in faith will be delivered into his presence with joy and eternal praise for this baby boy who now reigns at the right hand of God.

Mary Did You Know?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You kiss the face of God

Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great, I Am

Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? Oh

Songwriters: Mark Lowry / Buddy Greene
Mary, Did You Know? lyrics © Greensleeves Publishing Limited, Word Music, LLC

PS: You might find it interesting to read this biblical examination of the song.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” ²⁹ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. ³⁰ And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

³⁴ And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. ³⁶ And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. ³⁷ For nothing will be impossible with God.” ³⁸ And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

I had an interesting, but all too brief conversation with a non-believer not too long ago. He seemed to think that there was a fundamental error in the Bible. Beyond simply being an irrelevant religious curiosity, his assumption was that there was no lasting truth in Scripture. The conversation was brief simply because he quickly realized that I had a strong different opinion. He dismissed further conversation, I believe, because he thought he would undo my faith. I wish we could have had a deeper conversation. He might have been surprised. We simply went on our way. Maybe one day I can have that conversation. Maybe God will prepare him for that to be more than a lip service agreement to agree to disagree. Seems he was not ready to open himself to a deeper exploration of faith, God, truth, and the eternal truths of Scripture.

Mary, on the other hand displayed a great willingness to enter into the conversation with the angel. She was startled and afraid at the outset. But as the encounter unfolded her fears were allayed and she became a willing servant.

I wonder how often we shut down the conversations about God, his will for us, and our place in relation to the truth of Scripture. It may have to do with our fears, or even the fears of the messenger of God. In the case of the holy angels of God, and in this case the angel Gabriel, there seems to be no fear. He is completely dedicated to delivering the message from God. There is something very powerful in a non-anxious presence. And Gabriel has that in spades. His lack of fear dispels Mary’s initial fear.

Mary’s path from fear to willing servant of the Lord passes by the markers of faith, trust, confidence, grace, and fearless willingness to love and see others for who they are. If someone is not put off by your fear nor dissuaded by your vulnerabilities, you may be willing to open yourself to God’s healing grace and truth.

God has favor toward Mary. She will conceive a child. He will be the Son of God. A miracle is about to happen. For Gabriel that is nothing new. Perhaps he’s seen others express their willingness to bend their will to God’s will. On this occasion that bending is world-changing.

I wonder what fears may need to be allayed within us by which we may become ever more willing servants. That’s what God did for us when he took on human flesh. Maybe you or I need to acknowledge our fears to him and see how he deals with them. Mary is an indication of God’s gentle spirit toward those who open themselves humbly to his word. She didn’t know how things would turn out, but she did finally say, “I am the Lord’s servant. Be it to me as you have said.” Mary didn’t know. But she did believe. And we are blessed for it.

Mary Did You Know?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You kiss the face of God

Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great, I Am

Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? Oh

Songwriters: Mark Lowry / Buddy Greene
Mary, Did You Know? lyrics © Greensleeves Publishing Limited, Word Music, LLC

PS: You might find it interesting to read this biblical examination of the song.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

For the past 16 years I have offered a Christmas prayer for our photo club Christmas party. I offer a light-hearted prayer, but manage always to mention Jesus and the love of God displayed in his birth. Here, for your enjoyment, is this year’s prayer:

To the tune of Jingle Bells

Refrain:           Canonites, Sonyians, Fujiists, Nikonians
Oh what fun it is to click and chimp to our hearts’ delight! – YIKES!
Don’t forget the Olympiasts or Petntaxians.
All can enter their photos monthly – even cell-phoneians!

A week or two ago, I assigned myself this prayer
And surely I did know, I couldn’t just grab last year’s
Last year’s a’long time ago. So many things have changed
So you’ll have to endure this forced refrain before we eat Jello (or anything else!) –Refrain

To eat and drink and party, we gather every year
And tradition has it now, I get to sing a prayer
So let’s all bow our heads and give thanks to the One above
Who first said, “Let light shine-in-the-dark,” and showed us his great love. Oh… – Refrain

I celebrate the Lord, and sing praise to Jesus Christ
To those who hear me now, I wish you joy and peace.
The food we now may share, and drink, and plenteous good will
God’s gifts for which I give great thanks, and hope you’ll join me still! Oh… – Refrain

So let the party begin…or for some continue on
We’re here to celebrate another year of fun.
We’ve won blue, red, or white, and some no ribbons at all
But we’ve all learned enough to take a shot to deck the wall! Oh… – Refrain

So let me end this prayer, and say sincerely thanks,
For all good will and food we’ll share to fill our tanks.
I’m saying my Amen. I hope you’ll add yours too.
And have a blessed Christmas time and happy New Year too! …Amen!

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” ²⁹ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. ³⁰ And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

³⁴ And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. ³⁶ And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. ³⁷ For nothing will be impossible with God.” ³⁸ And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

It seems easier and easier for me to lose things these days. Where are my keys? “Have you looked…,” Diane will reply. I can’t find my earbuds (She may actually have hidden them, after all). I laid my phone down somewhere. Did you see it? Thankfully the phone has a find me feature. Not so much the keys or the earbuds. They could be gone forever if I lose them. Maybe you can identify with that.

Many of us are on a quest of which we may be completely unaware. In the words of the country western song, we’re all very inclined to be looking for love in all the wrong places. The French mathematician and philosopher, Blaise Pascal famously said:

“There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.” – Blaise Pascal

So when I read that Mary is told by the angel, “You have found favor with God…,” I am intrigued. Was she looking for that? Was she yearning for God’s favor? Was there a vacuum in her heart? Wasn’t she a daughter of Abraham? Wasn’t she a daughter of the covenant? Wasn’t she already in?

Perhaps she did not know that she was yearning for Jesus Christ. Could be that she really didn’t know that the son soon to be born would be God in the flesh. St. Augustine says “You have made us for yourself O Lord and our hearts are restless until they  rest in you.”

Did you know, Mary, that you needed rest that could only be supplied by resting in the goodness, faithfulness, love, and mercy of God? Did you know that the child to be born of whom you were about to learn would fill a vacuum in your heart?

I suspect all this is true for many today. We may put our yearnings in categories of disease, guilt, shame, disappointment, loneliness, emptiness, hopelessness, betrayal, or death’s looming shadow. But we’re all empty vessels, and sadly we too very often seek to fill ourselves with all the wrong things. Mary may have been different, and for that reason chosen to bear the Son of God. Salvation comes to us by God’s grace – from first to last. But those of noble character – though no more saved by grace than you or me – find God’s favor in unique ways. And although Mary found favor with God, she would still need herself a Savior. The Child that [she] delivered would soon deliver [her.] We’re all broken, but character before God matters.

Mary is a bit unlike David or Saul of Tarsus. They both had to have a sharp rebuke in order to be shaped more fully to God’s purpose and plan. Mary’s would be much more gentle (cf. Matthew 12:46-50). But Mary had found favor with God. I yearn for that as well. I hope to find it. I pray that you do too, dear reader. I pray that you do too.

Mary Did You Know?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You kiss the face of God

Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great, I Am

Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? Oh

Songwriters: Mark Lowry / Buddy Greene
Mary, Did You Know? lyrics © Greensleeves Publishing Limited, Word Music, LLC

PS: You might find it interesting to read this biblical examination of the song.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” ²⁹ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. ³⁰ And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

³⁴ And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. ³⁶ And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. ³⁷ For nothing will be impossible with God.” ³⁸ And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

What was Mary doing when the angel came to her with this world-changing announcement? Some think she was reading or praying. Other artists show her sewing or spinning. Maybe she was cooking or working in the garden. Might she have just sat down to rest or ponder life. We don’t know what she was doing, but we do know the angel came to her with startling news. She would conceive a child by the power of the Holy Spirit and would bear a son, the Son of God. Now that’s startling news. Life changing. World shattering. Earth shaking.

Her questions were not dismissed by the angel or by God. The answers she got would surely need to be pondered. Nine months later she would “treasure up and ponder in her heart” the events of his birth. But now she simply accepts the message of the angel and identifies herself as the Lord’s servant. She will let it be to her as the angel had said. She will take her place humbly in the events that are unfolding around her.

Those events were specific to her. She would become pregnant. She would visit her cousin and learn of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. She would praise God with the beautiful words of the Magnificat. She would be great with child and give birth to her son. But for now she will believe, submit, wait, and ponder.

I believe that I’ve had one encounter with an angel. That’s a whole different story. But the message I received shaped my entire ministry. Whether we’ve been visited by an angel or not, however, we all can take a cue from Mary’s response to the angel’s news. For we’ve heard good news as well. God has spoken to us in his word. We read the Bible and certain texts speak to us and touch our hearts. Certain truths ring crystal clear. Certain promises, commands, warnings, and prophecies impact us.

What are we to do with all these? Believe, obey, trust, wait, ponder, listen. If we do we will learn more about God, deepen our faith, find greater joy, and experience greater peace. This song helps me do that. Perhaps it will do the same for you. We can all be surrounded by God’s grace and favor, marvel at his glory, and play our part in his grand story of redemption.

Mary Did You Know?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You kiss the face of God

Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great, I Am

Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? Oh

Songwriters: Mark Lowry / Buddy Greene
Mary, Did You Know? lyrics © Greensleeves Publishing Limited, Word Music, LLC

PS: You might find it interesting to read this biblical examination of the song.