Here is another song by Charlie Johnston that stirs our thinking — this time to celebrate, among other things, that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was indeed born. Scholars disagree on exactly when Jesus was born, but wise men recognize Jesus Christ came the first time and live knowing he is coming again. Whenever it actually occurred, the Savior’s birth is ALWAYS something to celebrate! Tradition aside, that first coming of the Lord made all the difference in how we are able to live — and the best is yet to come. Praise the Lord! Please give this song a sing-along listen and come back for more reasons to celebrate.

Touring the Bible Lands

My wife, Cathy, and I were blessed to get to visit Israel a few years ago. A tour guide told us we would see places tradition marked as being where various Bible events happened. He told us that even though the traditional location might not be correct, we can be sure that if the Bible said it happened, then it happened — if not right there, then somewhere around there. But THAT it happened was the important thing, and even if we were wrong on the location, we could still use the occasion of that visit to learn and discuss the significance of the event.

I remembered that tour guide’s perspective when I heard Charlie’s song about the birth of Jesus. Many scholars are quite sure December 25 can not be the correct birthday for Jesus. But like that tour guide in Israel, Mr. Johnston reminds us in this song that Jesus Christ our Savior was born — and that is something to celebrate. Even if December 25th is not Jesus’ actual birthday, that need not prevent us from recognizing, teaching and celebrating that most important birth. And, since so many around the world associate December 25th with the birth of the Savior, why not enjoy learning and discussing the significance of the event, and take the opportunity to encourage each and all to get to know the Savior?

Setting tradition on the back burner

I love how this song grabs the occasion of Christmas to talk about the important parts of Christ’s first coming without using lyric real estate to try to correct Christmas tradition. He was born — which we celebrate. He is our Lord and Savior — so it follows we should honor him with praise, bow before him in recognition of who he is and serve him now. I love how simply and straight-forward the song says this.

Much to Celebrate

We celebrate that born to us “that” day was our Lord and Savior, King of Kings — and — our peace and glory.

Peace and glory? John 14:27 quotes Jesus saying, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 17:22 records Jesus praying: “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one.” [NKJV].

Does peace and harmonious fellowship with the Lord and His people sound good to you? More to celebrate? What a bounty of blessings followed that birth in Bethlehem so many years ago! Whatever the occasion, let’s follow Mr. Johnston’s lead and celebrate our Savior.

God bless you lots!
-Dale R.

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Download this song sheet

LYRICS: Celebrate Our Savior
(What We Celebrate)
Text & tune: Charlie P. Johnston (2009)

1. It is the birth of Jesus, that we celebrate.
It is the birth of Jesus, that we celebrate.

Chorus:
He’s our Lord and Savior, praise him now.
He’s our Lord and Savior, humbly bow.
He’s our Lord and Savior, serve him now.
He’s our Lord and Savior, humbly bow.
Serve him now.

2. He is our peace and glory, that we celebrate.
He is our peace and glory, that we celebrate.

3. He is the King of Kings, that we celebrate.
He is the King of Kings, that we celebrate.

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