They Are Wise Men

Can you imagine the wise men, after traveling for many, many miles, finally reaching the place where Christ was staying? Can you imagine how eagerly they touched his little baby hands, and marveled at the light in the baby eyes?

That is the story that They Are Wisemen tells. It is amazing to me that the Star of Bethlehem stood overhead in plain sight--where everyone could see it--but only these few men watched for it and knew its import. While all the world went on its way oblivious.

This song encourages us to be wise, to not be so caught up with the world and its web that we never look toward heaven for the light that it sends.

If Not for Love

The phrase came to me one day, "If not for love, what then?" What would we do if the Savior had not loved us? Certainly there would be no earth, no sun, no life. Even if there would be life, we would be doomed to endless damnation, with no way to move beyond the mistakes we make in life.

There would be no comforting peace of the Spirit to ease the journey. No exemplary life to show us a better way to live.

Somehow the phrase became the Christmas song, "If Not for Love." The images in the verses portray the condescension of Christ: "the King of Kings no castle knows; Swaddling rags for royal robes." And yet as this great gift was given, people went on their various ways, oblivious: "While in the city people sleep."

Diane has written beautiful, aching music to accompany the lyrics. We hope that together they will help you and your listeners to find greater appreciation in the love of the Savior, and greater determination to wake up and seek Christ.

Watch With Me

I have always loved the works of Carl Bloch--his paintings always have a story to tell. When we were decorating our new home (not new anymore--this was nine years ago) I wanted just the right art work in our entry way. I wanted a certain Bloch painting, "Doubtful Thomas." For obvious reasons.

At the time, Bloch works were not readily available, and so I figured I'd just have to frame an old and, therefore, cool, book plate. I got on the internet and finally found a book of his works that was some 80 years old, but the description was in Danish, so I wasn't exactly sure what the volume was. I decided to buy the book anyway and take my chances.

It turned out to be a treasure--23 folio sized photoengravings of Bloch's works from the King's Praying Chamber in Frederiksborg Castle Chapel. One of them I had never seen before--it was a depiction of Christ in Gethsemane being comforted by an angel, a stunning piece of art. But this old, black and white photoengraving also showed something that is no longer visible today today due to the darkening of the work with age (See full color print here.). Off in the shadows, to the left of the Savior, a disciple is visible, fast asleep. 

Now I mentioned that Bloch always has a story to tell, and this one jumped right out at me. "Which are you," the painting seemed to ask, "the sleeping disciple or the angel, comforting the Savior in his extremity?"

That is the story that "Watch With Me" tells. Knowing that the Savior gave the ultimate gift on our behalf, at the greatest possible price, for the highest of reasons, are we willing to serve Him with our best? Or are we sleeping disciples, easily distracted, half in the shadows?

Diane has created one of her most beautiful musical settings for this song; hope you enjoy it!