All Creation Points to Jesus (New Song)

Michael E. Wood

December 25, 2016

  Having posted the Christmas poem “To Jesus”, Dianna decided to share it with the ladies Bible study group she has been involved with.  One of the women liked it so much she said, “You ought to put that to music”.  Upon hearing that, the music to “What Child is This” almost immediately came to mind and I began to sing it to Dianna. The music was a little bit of a stretch for my voice but she liked it so much I decided to work on it and sing it in the various assisted living facilities during the week.

  A funny thing happened in the “Life Guidance” (Alzheimer/Dementia unit) Center at Atria El Camino Gardens. I read the introductory remarks and prepared to sing when suddenly I realized I couldn’t remember the music.  How appropriate is that?  So, after standing there for a moment with a surprised and blank look on my face, the LORD brought the music to “Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken” to mind and I began to sing. Amazingly the flow of the music fit perfectly to the music and was a far better fit for my voice.

  To top it off, after singing it a couple of times at different facilities I found I was having to double up on one of the phrases to work with the music. On Christmas morning while thinking these things over, the last two lines came to mind and thus we have the finished product.

All creation points to Jesus; Son of God and son of man.

Even Adam in his forming was a type to show God’s plan.

Now the angel’s proclamation clearly seen by all who see

Glory in the incarnation of the Christ who set us free.

For His Name’s sake, God did send us such a Savior, humbly born,

Living life that we have failed to, cursed, rejected, bearing scorn.

Yet He stumbled not by seeing joy beyond that rugged cross,

Offering Himself completely to redeem us from our loss.

Now in heaven, how amazing and in hearts of all of those

Who are joined as one abiding in the knowledge, He arose!

Oh, to grace, how great a debtor, mercies fruit both you and I

If we’ve humbly bowed before Him, Jesus Christ, who reigns on high.

For the glory of the Father is more worth than all of men

And the hearts of all who love Him shout His praise who has no end!

In His Likeness, all redeemed will see Him as He truly is

And forever marvel in His Grace who made us for Him, His.

To Jesus (a Christmas Poem)

Michael E. Wood

December 19, 2016

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.  Philippians 2:5-8

Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. Romans 5:14

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Luke 2:13-14

What do you think of when you think of Christmas? Going into debt, to buy things that may not be appreciated by those who receive them? Are you focused on the giving and receiving of gifts? Are you in angst about dinner parties or family gatherings? Do you think it’s all about the children? Or do you really think of Him, who emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men?

When we think of Jesus in any fashion, whether it be His preexistence as God the Son or His incarnation as the son of man; fully God and fully man, we should be humbled by the very thought of Him who gave himself for our sins. In our contemplation's of Him we should be changed from glory to glory. Obviously, this can only happen if we have been born again. Through our union with Him by the power the Holy Spirit and the instruction of His revealed will through the Word of God we are given the understanding of this unspeakable gift we have been given. For from Him and through Him, and for Him are all things, to Whom be all the glory both now and forevermore.

All creation points to Jesus; Son of God and son of man.

Even Adam in his forming was a type to show God’s plan.

Now the angel’s proclamation clearly seen by all who see

Glory in the incarnation of the Christ who set us free.

For His Name’s sake, God did send us such a Savior, humbly born,

Living life that we have failed to, cursed, rejected, bearing scorn.

Yet He stumbled not by seeing joy beyond that rugged cross,

Offering Himself completely to redeem us from our loss.

Now in heaven, how amazing and in hearts of all of those

Who are joined as one abiding in the knowledge, He arose!

Oh, to grace, how great a debtor, mercies fruit both you and I

If we’ve humbly bowed before Him, Jesus Christ, who reigns on high.

For the glory of the Father is more worth than all of men

And the hearts of all who love Him shout His praise who has no end!

A Savior is Born

Michael E. Wood

December 15-16, 2012

"And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:9-14

Some two thousand years have passed since that day

When an angel appeared to the shepherds to say

“I bring you good news of great joy that will be

For all the people” and this you will see

In the city of David a Savior is born,

Who is Christ the Lord; you will find him adorned

In swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

This babe to so many is still yet a stranger.

For hidden is he to the blind natures eye

Till the Father above gives a heart made to cry

Out by the Spirit, convicting of sin,

And judgment meets mercy when Christ enters in,

To show himself glorious to the praise of his grace;

The fullness of the Godhead to seek then His face.

How good and how gentle you’ll find him to be,

The Shepherd who paid with his blood on the tree.

So if you now see him by faith; take a stand

And spread the good news just as far as you can.

For that little babe is our soon coming King

And the glory of God will then fill every thing

As the heavens and earth will be made all anew

Fulfilling the purpose of our God who is True!

The Gift of God Receive

Michael E. Wood

Original Writing was on 7/12/11

with Christmas in Mind

 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15, 16

While listening to a message being preached by Gregory N. Barkman entitled, “Why Jesus is the firstborn”, the quaint little saying that is used around the time of year that we celebrate His birth came to mind. “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

While I am thankful this phrase is used to draw attention to the fact of our Savior’s birth, it bothers me tremendously that in many ways I fear this phrase is actually used to reduce the significance of who Jesus Is! The Son of God in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily is the reason all created things have their existence including time itself.

Sam Storms in his Commentary on the book of Colossians put it this way, “He that is Jesus is the reason, the goal, the aim, the intent, the point, the purpose, the end, the terminus, the consummation, and culmination of every molecule that moves.”

The reason, more majestic

Spans beyond imaginations.

The Alpha and Omega, Yeah

The purpose of creations

Beginning and its end

Has only one just thing in view,

That all things will reflect

And give the glory that is due

To Him who was before all time

And spoke into existence

This season which is now called time

And proves His pre-existence

And in the end it will not matter

What we accumulate

But only that we’re known and know

The blessed Potentate,

Who as a babe in Bethlehem

And of a virgin born

Was also Him who all creation,

His glory did adorn.

And as He did not come as one

Of whom we would desire,

He yet in His humility

Took on the sin entire

Of all who by His grace through faith

Would trust Him and believe,

Borne of the Holy Spirit

And the gift of God receive.

Much more than just the reason

For the season; Jesus Is,

God incarnate glorified

And everything is His!

Oh Praise Him, Who Is our Strength and Song!

Michael E. Wood
January 10, 2011

On December 28th, I was given a new Christmas song (after a thief had stolen my car) but as it was recovered four days later without damage, a new song came out of the new song. I know that may sound a little ridiculous, but upon doing a little research with regard to the original music and words from which the previous song sprang forth I found the following background.

The song “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” first appeared on a 1760 circa broadsheet with the author unknown. From the same article, of which can be found on the cyber hymnal, we are told that the melody is in Aeolian mode and is common time or cut time. The word "Christmas" did not appear in the original song but was added many years later. The following can be sung to the same tune which is considered public domain, and thus this song is an expression of the grace of God freely given and freely received.

It is a call to worship THE ONE TRUE GOD! For though sin abounds, His grace much more abounds for the furtherance of the gospel unto the praise of His glorious grace.

We thank you for Your providence
You brought this glorious morn.
For by it You remind us that
Our grief’s by Christ was borne,
When He for us upon the tree
Paid for our sins and scorn.

(Chorus)

Oh Praise Him, Who is our strength and song.
Strength and Song!
Oh Praise Him, for Whom our glad hearts long!

O may we be such vessels
That to others they may see,
That to You God our Savior,
May all glory ever be.
And may You use us to set forth
The truth with clarity.

(Chorus)

The Good News is our focus,
And no matter what the cost.
Oh use us by Your Spirit
To convey to all the lost,
That all in You shall see
Your glory, we shall not exhaust.

(Chorus)

Oh Spirit of the Living God
We humbly ask of You,
To meet with us; convict of sins,
Give grace then to subdue
All things that Christ alone
Be magnified by all You do.

(Chorus)

Oh Spirit of the Living God,
O fall afresh we plead.
You know our every weakness
And for us You intercede.
And He Who searches all our hearts
Will answer to our need.

(Chorus)

Closing Out 2010

Michael E. Wood
December 27-28, 2010

Four days after my Honda Accord was stolen, we received a call from the CHP that it had been located and we could pick it up at a tow station. Dianna wrote a poem concerning the recovery, which can be found on “The Wood’s Secret Garden” blog, dated 12/30/10, entitled, “The Rest of the Story”.

In the days between, and having no assurance that the car would be recovered, I received much comfort from the LORD through His Word, and the following poem and song was written. Many of the thoughts for the poem are derived from John chapter 10, and the song can be sung to the tune of, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman”, using the same chorus.

THE POEM

O Shepherd, of the one true flock,
How sweet Your voice we hear.
For when the thief comes forth to steal,
Tis only You we fear.

As life abundant now You give
And lead us by Your hand,
That murderer can only do
Exactly what You planned.

For You have called us all by name,
And lead us forth with joy,
And though the devil take all things,
Our soul he’ll not destroy.

With pastures rich You now provide
For us with nothing lost.
For all we need, we find in You,
Who paid with blood, the cost!

O Shepherd, You laid down Your life
For all Your Own, Your sheep,
That we may know, we are Your Own,
And all Your Own, You keep!

And thus our Father’s providence
In love for us ordained,
All things in life that He may bring
Forth faith, that is unfeigned.

And for His glory we shall proclaim,
As those who once were superfluous*
All things that happen only serve
To further the gospel through us.

O Shepherd make us much more bold
To speak the Word without fear,
With love to You, O Christ our King,
By Your Spirit, to all You endear.

For other sheep You have yet to call
Into our Father’s one fold,
Which spans all nation’s, tribes, and tongues,
Where Your glory forever unfolds.

THE CHRISTMAS SONG

We thank You for Your providence,
You brought on Christmas morn.
For by it, You remind us that
Our grief’s by Christ was borne.
When He for us upon the tree,
Paid for our sin and scorn.

(Chorus)

O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy.
O tidings of comfort and joy!

O may we be such vessels
That to others they may see,
That to You God our Savior
May all glory ever be...
And may You use us to set forth
The truth with clarity.

(Chorus)

The Good News is our focus
And no matter what the cost,
Oh use us by Your Spirit
To convey to all the lost,
That all in You shall see
Your glory, we shall not exhaust!

(Chorus)

What did you get for Christmas?

Dianna & Michael Wood
December 26, 2010

As many of you know, this was our first Christmas together as a married couple, and it is a Christmas we won't soon forget--not for the reasons one might think. Dianna sat down early Sunday morning, before getting ready for church, and wrote a poem to express her thoughts. After reading it to me, I took pen to paper and wrote the last seven stanzas. We will let the poem speak for itself:

What did you get for Christmas?
Some fudge, some socks, a cigar?
Or did you get something really neat
Like a vintage acoustic guitar?

When I return to work this week
That is a question they might ask.
They’ll want to know just what I got
And on what pleasures I did bask

I’ll have to answer honestly
It’s not about wrapped things.
It’s not about what we get
But what our Savior brings.

Our hearts are filled with joy this year
And nothing can change that fact
No matter what the world might do
To tempt, to entice, to detract.

From all we hold so great and true
In our minds, our souls and our heart.
If all our “things” were taken away
Our joy would not depart.

We did not exchange a THING this year--
No boxed gifts or wrapped guitar.
In fact, a thief, on Christmas Eve
Stole my husband’s car.

He had just spent tons of money
To get it registered and “smogged”
It cost him all his savings ‘cause
The catalytic converted was all clogged.

Once it passed all the tests
The plates cost even more.
Taking care of all the required things—
Became a costly chore.

But, one we had to take care of
So Michael could use his car.
He’s looking for work in the coming year
And most jobs are pretty far.

So there it was in the parking lot
With a brand new license plate.
We also got liability insurance
Before the expiration date.

We were covered for “Collision”
For that was all we could afford
“Comprehensive” might have allowed us--
To purchase a used Ford.

But, alas, we cannot complain.
You may wonder how we are.
We can still rejoice and thank The Lord
All they got was Michael’s car.

Imagine that, on Christmas Eve
A rainy, cold, dark night.
A thief broke into Michael’s car
And drove it out of sight.

Not only did he get the car,
This was auto theft first class!
His Christmas bonus for his crime?
We had just filled the tank with gas!

I wonder if he did exclaim
As he “drove it out of sight”,
Merry Christmas to myself this year—
It’s been a real good night!

But this is not the end of matters
We trust that God, with fear,
Will draw this thief unto Himself
And help him know true cheer!

He could not touch our joy or song
As God so good and gracious
Has chosen to secure for us
All things so efficacious.

That in His pleasure, we be found
To walk the narrow way,
And guardeth every step we take
Till blameless on that day—

When Jesus comes, whose love abounds
In us yet more and more;
With knowledge and discernment
As to Him we shall then soar.

And things that seemed at times
To weigh upon us as a loss;
Will be found, unto His praise
Who gave upon the Cross—

His all that we may apprehend
His love Whom in all things
Worketh for eternal good
As over us He sings.

Delighting in the goodness
And the mercy He has shown
That all through life He carried us—
That through Him, we are known.














Fond memories. My Honda Accord when it was safe and sound in North Carolina. "Welcome to California, Michael E. Wood!"

By the Way: Based on our research as to why old Honda's are one of the top ten stolen cars, it is highly likely that my little car will become an organ donor (parted out) or the six-million-dollar man (end up as a souped-up dragster)!

That Glorious Day!

Coming out of the week in which we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday, most of our country was enveloped by what is now called Black Friday and Cyber Monday. As buying and selling of goods in a somewhat frenzied manner is a predominant theme throughout the U.S. at this time of year, I am yet thankful for the freedom we have to rejoice in our Savior as our hearts are turned toward the time of His incarnation over two thousand years ago

While given the privilege to worship Him in spirit and in truth through the writing of poetry and songs, I continue to be amazed in Him and the unspeakable gift we have in Him as His people. He truly giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. That God would become flesh, and dwell among us, and in His humiliation give Himself as the one sacrifice to save us from our sins is beyond comprehension apart from His free gift of grace. Out of all the gifts He so freely gives, the greatest of these is Himself.

God Is Love, He never faileth, working all things together for our good and His infinite glory. Praise be to our Almighty God and Savior, Jesus our King!

While reading an article from the Desiring God blog on Monday (11/29/10), I was taken up by some of the words quoted from Jonathan Edwards Miscellanies #186, and then in continuance with the reading of 1st Timothy 3:16, the following came to mind.

Tis so congruous that it should be so
That God Himself, we would come to know.
That He as man would take on our form,
Through Jesus that His praise be the norm.

For when at birth--that glorious day;
Our King had come our sins to slay.
How great indeed we now confess,
This--the myst'ry of godliness.

As in the flesh God was revealed,
Justified in the Spirit, salvation then sealed.
Seen of angels, preached to gentiles.
Tis Jesus who brings upon us God's smile.

Believed on in the world, taken to glory
Up where the Father reveals us His story.
And by His Spirit we praise til the shout,
Then like Him we'll be--is how we'll turn out.

May you know His tender love by faith with a pure conscience this Christmas,
Michael & Dianna

Merry Christmas To All