'When Heaven and Nature sang': A Christmas poem

We enjoyed a wonderful double Christmas carol service yesterday at Redeemer Church London, welcoming hundreds of you through the doors to celebrate the birth of Jesus together.

The services began with a new poem from church member STEVE PAGE who took one of the lines from ‘Joy to the World’, the events in Bethlehem and then a reflection of the Oasis band reunion. You can read his words in full below.

We hope to see you at one of our two Christmas family services this Sunday (December 21) at 9.30am and 11.30am at the University of West London.

Merry Christmas from everyone at Redeemer!

‘WHEN HEAVEN AND NATURE SANG’

The reunion had been planned for ages. They hadn’t sung together for… Well, it was difficult to remember the last time.

They had once been a successful duo, if not the most successful. So many hits.

The brothers had sung together from their earliest days. Always in harmony. Their songs would bring tears to your eyes.

They did their own compositions, which were A-MA-ZING, and they did covers, which is where you might have come across them – old angelic classics, like ‘Hosanna In The Highest!’. Or maybe you’ll remember their version of: ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord God Almighty Reigns!’ Gives me chills just thinking about it.

Well, after their big falling out, things hadn’t been quite the same. You might still see them together occasionally but never singing. Those days seemed to have gone.

They had slowly drifted apart, and we weren’t 100% sure this reunion concert was going to go well. The younger brother was a little temperamental you see. I think he felt upstaged by his big brother. You might remember reports of his more rebellious days.

But when the King of Angels, the first born of Creation - when Jesus asked them to sing… When he said how much it would mean to him, how could they refuse?

And so, on the night the opening act was of course the Angels – not just one choir – but the biggest gathering of the citizens of Heaven since creation – all the choirs of Angels singing in exaltation, filling the sky.

And they were loud I tell you – “Glory to God in the highest! Peace on Earth!” Their voices filled the heavens. You could feel it right down to your bones.

How could anyone top that?

And as their last note faded, that’s when we saw them - Heaven and Nature walked on stage – they embraced as we were cheering. I couldn’t believe they were together once again.

I thought I was ready but man, that sound? When Heaven and Nature sang, I mean! When Heaven and Nature sang, it resonated through all creation – the fields, the hills couldn’t help but repeat the resounding joy.

It was everything we could have hoped for – the glory of God’s righteousness, the wonders of His love! They sang their hearts out and we sang along, knowing every word. Everyone coming together to let Jesus know just how much He is adored.

You know, it was like Heaven and Earth had never been apart.

And by the end of their set the applause was deafening. They of course did an encore – it had to be: ‘Joy to the World’. Brilliant!

All the way home we kept the song going – glorifying and praising God for all we had seen and heard. The Messiah – bridging the gap, heralding peace between God and humankind.

“The wonders of His love! The wonders of His love!”

I can’t wait for when Heaven and Nature worship Jesus together again for a permanent reunion.

I recommend reserving your seats early.

Meanwhile – we have the set list. And we can sing.

INGREDIENTS FOR CHRISTMAS

This advent and Christmas they'll be a lot of partying going on. Friends and family celebrating life, love and friendship.  For some it will be a joyful time and an opportunity for a family break.  For others it will be tough as the weight of troubles are considered through a fresh lens.
For both, without an understanding and experience of the love and life Jesus brings, without the family of God, Christmas will lack an essential ingredient.  
This Christmas I wish you each a chance to spend time with those who love you with no strings attached.  And I pray that the Christ of Christmas will come and bring with him love, new life and family that will change your life forever.

Here's what I believe: 

I believe baubles have way too much glitter,
that another new year won't make it all better.

I believe turkey tastes bland without stuffing,
that my secret santa was better than nothing,

that rich Christmas pud needs plenty of cream,
that thin paper hats are as cheap as they seem.

I believe parties can get out of hand,
that still silent nights need to be planned.

I believe Christmas can bring people down,
that relentless fake smiles hide many a frown.

That without the real Jesus it's a real waste of time,
that if He was here He'd call it a crime:

The way we ignore those under our feet,
the times we brush past the poor on the street.

Jesus just cries to see our behaviour,
so far from the path He set as our Saviour.

So this Christmas ask Jesus to soften your heart.
He'll give you forgiveness and bring a fresh start.

You can live with new hope and sing with new meaning,
don't waste any more time with any more dreaming.

Happy Christmas to all and to all my best wishes.
May your Christmas be more than merry wet kisses.

May the God of this Christmas visit this year
and give you good reason to be of good cheer. 

By Steve Page

Not too big to weep: A poetry anthology  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1549894706/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_DGj4zbZZK23D6

CAROLS COLLATED (SPOT THE CAROL)

These three kings of orient are
unfairly competing with one little drummer boy,
all dashing through the snow for the last boughs of holly
to lay them before the King.
 
Meanwhile, three ships come sailing in
and certain poor shepherds leave their hot chestnuts,
all keen to hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace. 
 
Later, in royal David’s city,
there are ladies leaping, pipers piping
and drummers …
drumming, apparently. 
The restless cattle are lowing big-time;
no wonder the baby’s awake.
 
All have come to proclaim the Messiah’s birth:
a king-of-angels baby who out-shines any wondrous star. 
A child born of Mary on this most holy night;
born to give us second birth. 
This is the Saviour who is Christ the Lord,
come to redeem us all.
 
‘Come – receive – your - king.’
 
Merry Christmas.