Friday, December 16, 2011 - "All is Well"

      We drove to Hot Springs last night to hear FBC's "Hallelujah Handbells" play in one of my favorite spots on earth so far.  Anthony Chapel, constructed of wood, stone and glass,  sits in the beauty of Garvan Woodland Gardens.  A single, undecorated 16 to 20-foot tree in the front of the chapel served as the perfect natural acknowledgement of the season. In a haven like this, hearing Christmas bells praising God or in the silence, the words to Michael W. Smith's "All is Well" fit like a glove.


"All is well, all is well

Anthony Chapel the way it looked
as we walked in last night.

Angels and men rejoice.
For tonight darkness fell
Into the dawn of love's light.
Sing Al-le
Sing Alelujah!


All is well, all is well
Let there be peace on earth
Christ is come, go and tell
That He is in the manger
Sing Al-le
Sing Alelujah!


All is well, all is well!
Lift up your voice and sing
Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior
Sing Al-le
Sing Alelujah!

Born is now Emmanuel

Born is our Lord and Savior

Sing Al-le

Sing Alelujah!"

(to hear the song, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5M0cy6yEaU&feature=related)

Christ transformed our finite, dusty bodies into temples of God.

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" 

1 Corinthians 3:16

Because He is Emmanuel, "God with us," we're empowered to know His Peace and to communicate this same natural, transparent, gentle peace Anthony Chapel was built to evoke: 

"Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, 

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

Philippians 4:5-7

We're glass houses through whose windows others see whatever or Whomever we worship. In spite of all the turmoil around us, the truth "All is well" stands firm because Christ is with us. 

Dear Lord, remaining calm is easier said than done. We cling to Your Presence and ask You to help us keep our minds focused on whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8).  Help us remove the clutter from our hearts and keep our worship on You alone.  Reveal false idols and strengthen us to oust them from Your house. Destroy pride and self-centeredness which keep us wound up in our feelings and disables us from seeing Your bigger picture.  May we exude the warmth and Love to others that You've poured into us with abandon.

In the Name of Jesus, Integrity Himself