Day #2

If you haven't seen the other picks, check them out: Days 6, 5, 4, and 3.

The HYMN:

Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains
Far, far away on Judea's plains,

Shepherds of old heard the joyous strains:

[Chorus]
Glory to God, Glory to God,
Glory to God in the highest;
Peace on earth, goodwill to men;
Peace on earth, goodwill to men!

Sweet are these strains of redeeming love,
Message of mercy from heav'n above:

[Chorus]
Glory to God, Glory to God,
Glory to God in the highest;
Peace on earth, goodwill to men;
Peace on earth, goodwill to men!

Lord, with the angels we too would rejoice;
Help us to sing with the heart and voice:

[Chorus]
Glory to God, Glory to God,
Glory to God in the highest;
Peace on earth, goodwill to men;
Peace on earth, goodwill to men!

Hasten the time when, from ev'ry clime,

Men shall unite in the strains sublime:

[Chorus]

Glory to God, Glory to God,

Glory to God in the highest;

Peace on earth, goodwill to men;

Peace on earth, goodwill to men!

(listen HERE)

Notice how, in this song, each verse includes the chorus as part of the sentence, or else it wouldn't be complete. The well-known strains of 'Glory to God' and 'Peace on earth, goodwill to men' all can be used in the context of each verse--shepherds heard the joyous strains - a message of mercy from heav'n above - help us to sing this with heart and voice - unite in the strains sublime. It is definitely a versatile chorus! This has been one of my favorite songs since Elder Ronald A. Rasband spoke in the 2013 Christmas Devotional and told the story of this song (watch HERE) right after the MoTab Choir sang it beautifully (listen HERE). This talk was what I remembered Elder Rasband by until he became an Apostle in October. 

The CHILDREN'S SONG:

Picture a Christmas

Picture a stable in Judea.

Picture a sacred, silent night.

And can you hear

The angels near

And see the star so bright?

[Chorus]

Picture the little baby Jesus.

Think of his life and words so dear.

Sing praise to him;

Remember him,

As you picture Christmas this year.

Picture the kind and gentle Joseph.

Picture the mother, Mary, fair.

And can you see

So rev'rently

The shepherds kneeling there?

[Chorus]

Picture the little baby Jesus.

Think of his life and words so dear.

Sing praise to him;

Remember him,

As you picture Christmas this year.

(listen HERE)

I love this song for so many reasons. First of all, it really does help you to picture the first Christmas and the way Jesus lived his life. Second, the little Primary kids sound ADORABLE when they sing it in Church! So sweet and a perfect reminder that Jesus truly 'once was a little child'.