Joseph's Lullaby

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the music. I love music, and especially Christmas music. Sometimes, I will even listen to it out of the season because I enjoy it. One of my favorite songs for the season comes from MercyMe. It's called "Joseph's Lullaby" and is simply an amazing piece that takes a different view at the Christmas story.

Do we really know what Joseph thought? The man who took Mary as his wife because God told him to, even though the baby she was carrying was not his. Joseph who stood quietly by his wife's side as she delivered the Savior, who didn't question why he was chosen. The man who raised Jesus without sin and played a part in what we know of the story today.

In the lullaby, Joseph wonders whether his newborn son knows how important he will be to mankind, if he is aware of the weight he will one day bear. Joseph is asking God to let His son rest for a night, to simply be a baby, Joseph's son, before he has to take on the tasks God has set for him.

It's really awe-inspiring if you really think about it.

Go to sleep my Son
This manger for your bed
You have a long road before You
Rest Your little head

Can You feel the weight of Your glory?
Do You understand the price?
Or does the Father guard Your heart for now
So You can sleep tonight?

Go to sleep my Son
Go and chase Your dreams
This world can wait for one more moment
Go and sleep in peace

I believe the glory of Heaven
Is lying in my arms tonight
Lord, I ask that He for just this moment
Simply be my child

Go to sleep my Son
Baby, close Your eyes
Soon enough You'll save the day
But for now, dear Child of mine
Oh my Jesus, Sleep tight

The Little Things

I tell everyone that one day, I am going to write a book. Since the conception of this "book" idea, I've had a hundred different ideas and proposed chapters. I've decided that if it ever gets off the ground, I am going to dedicate at least one chapter to quotes. The little tidbits of conversation that make me laugh and remember an excellent day.

My drama students are putting on a play entitled "A Christmas to Remember". One of the scenes is where Elizabeth has given birth to John (the Baptist) and her husband Zechariah, who was struck dumb by the angel Gabriel has reclaimed his voice. In the scene, Zechariah lifts John to his chest and proclaims, "His name is to be John!" The student playing the role of Zechariah is so sweet, and he wants to do a great job. On this occasion he grabs the prop we are using until we can get a doll and lifts him over his head, shouting "HIS NAME IS JOHN!"

Everyone bursts out laughing, after a moment the student does too.

Me: "Zachariah, I appreciate the enthusiasm, but please don't Rafiki the baby!"
Student: "Sorry, Ms. T!"

The play is coming along wonderfully. I am so excited to see these kids get on stage and present what they have been working on. We'll just work on keeping the Lion King out of this show. :)