A frigid storm is descending on southern California with temperatures not to exceed 55 degrees today. Now to some of you that is no big deal, but in southern California, 55 degrees is like 21 degrees anywhere else. Rain threatens to postpone opening night at Angel Stadium. Snow conditions for the next three days in the mountains east of L.A. are better than in Vail, Colorado.
So what? Well, we’re simply not used to this in April. Actually, we’re not used to this anytime. This would be unusually cold weather for January, much less April. It’s an appropriate backdrop, however, to another song from the album “Still Life” – a song that comes out of the dead of winter, and wraps itself in the cold of December.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning
Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid
Star of the east the horizon adorning
Guide where our infant redeemer is laid
Cold on His cradle the dewdrops are shining
Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall
Angels adore Him in slumber reclining
Maker and Monarch and Savior of all
Say shall we yield Him in costly devotion
Odors of Edom and offerings divine
Gems from the mountain and pearls from the ocean
Myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine
Vainly we offer each ample oblation
Vainly with gifts would His favor secure
Richer by far is the heart’s adoration
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor
“Brightest and best” are the proper superlatives to capture the essence of this king born of humble birth. It means He outshines all others. What gift can we possibly bring Him? What can we tell Him that He doesn’t already know?
And yet He has somehow made Himself hungry for our love. He has granted us the power to initiate praise as if we could surprise Him (can we?), and when we discover who He really is, we can’t help but do that.
And then, wonder of wonders, this king has opted to share His kingdom. He has made us, not peasants, but kings like Him – joint heirs with Him in His kingdom.
So bring on the cold. Bring on the wind. Bring on the rain. It’s Christmas in April, His star still adorns the horizon and we have a realm to rule.
John Fischer The Catch 
Beautiful.
Hello John & catch community,
I love the opportunity to consider a christmas song in the spring. I have over 500 christmas songs on my i-pod and shuffle them from Friday after Thanksgiving through January. Thank you for the encouragement to think on these things anew which I found easier to do in a season other than christmas.
Also, I grew up with the “All Day Song” it is a staple of my childhood memories growing up in the church and attending christian camps. It brings back very good memories, thanks for making it available for download.
John I’ve always loved what you did with this Advent Carol and your comments on it yesterday. (I also love listening to this again on my new digital version).
I was especially intrigued with your words, “He has granted us the power to initiate praise as if we could surprise Him (can we?), and when we discover who He really is, we can’t help but do that.”
In a sermon Ed Clowney used this same phrase (its included a sermon in his book ) – in it he says with a chuckle in the recorded version, “we can try!”
Blessings to you, brother.
Hmmm. The title of Clowney’s book is Preaching Christ in All of Scripture. The html tag spoofed me.
This album is one of my all time John Fischer favorites. I’m glad to be able to download it in mp3 format to add to my music collection.
I just finished riding my motorcycle from AZ to Seattle and was just ahead of that storm until Carson City, NV when the high winds and snow forced me to spend two nights there.
Yes, He’s the brightest and the best.
it is nice to hear you quoting songs! ~ Since I grew up in “northern California” San Jose / Bay Area; where I Know U as a Folk singer from years gone BYE > > > Since Easter is Only 2 weeks away, WE NEED TO FOCUS oN CHRIS / t / MAS ! ~
we were brouhgt into the world to Search after & Serve Him {Father, and Son thru The “Holy Spirit’s GUIDANCE } do U still do concerts on the West coast @ Mt Hermon Conference in the Santa Cruz Hills. That is where my memories are from> > > Send me an E>Mail @ the above address or to My churches Web page above! Thaks for sharing your Poetic views with us ! ~ ! Paul C Rabe of the protestant reformation in the Americas
Check your email.