You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” – Isaiah 40:9
One of the joys of Christmas is the great music we experience throughout the season. Those wonderful traditional songs that uplift the spirit and remind us of our Savior’s birth speak of convincing truths that can transform a life.
A few of the great Christmas songs were derived from Negro spirituals that had their roots in the late 18th and early 19th century camp meetings throughout the South as well as in the active evangelical ministry carried on among the black people during that time. Interestingly enough few of their traditional songs were collected or published prior to about 1840. The stanzas for “Go Tell It on the Mountain” were written by John W. Work, Jr. He and his brother, Frederick J. Work, were early leaders in arranging and promoting the cause of Negro spirituals. This song was first published in Folk Songs of the American Negro in 1907. “Go Tell It on the Mountain” has since become an important part of our Christmas music and is greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all of God’s people.
For many people, another Christmas season is merely a rerun of the trivial and the sentimental. But for the devoted Christian, Christmas is much more than a once a year celebration. It is a fresh awareness that a Deliverer was sent from the ivory palaces of Heaven to become personally involved in the redemption and affairs of the human race. The impact of this realization becomes a strong motivation to share the Good News with needy and desperate people who need to know that there is an Emmanuel available who can meet their every need. Men everywhere must hear these glad tidings if they are to benefit from them. With absolute clarity they must hear the message, “Here is your God!”
For the past thirty-four years Men’s Ministry Catalyst has encouraged people in their faith and family relationships. Our heart for evangelism and discipleship has been experienced by hundreds of thousands through our many conferences, retreats, men’s ministry programs, church outreach events, single parent clinics, special kids’ days for the disabled, and the host of printed resources.
We take this opportunity to proclaim our sincere appreciation to each of you and to extend our greatest blessings to you and your family. May you have a joyous Christmas. Together we will pray for many more workers (disciples) because the harvest is plentiful and the workers and few (Mt. 9:37).
Bible prophecy and current events tell us that we are nearing the time when Christ will return. Let’s increase our prayers and efforts to share the gospel with others. Pray the Holy Spirit will prepare hearts to receive your testimony and to listen to truth. Thank you for standing with us.
To God Be the Glory,
Dr. Jim Grassi