• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Observe Advent
  • The Jesse Tree
  • Resources
  • About
  • Privacy

Ilona's Advent Blog

Looking forward to a Christian Christmas

Watchman Tell Us of the Night : December 20

20.12.07 | The Candlelighter | No Comments

Today’s scripture reading is from Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4. The watchman upon the watchtower has always been an important symbol of waiting on God and hearing His message. The tallest parapet of a castle is often a watch tower because its height gives a “bird’s eye” view of the surrounding territory. The Watchman serves two purposes, one is to see the signals of events, and the other is to interpret those signals for the people of the city. In ancient through medieval times this was an important occupation, and today we depend just as heavily on those who are in charge of our ‘early warning’ systems. Issuing both warning and good news, a prophet is sometimes identified as a watchman.

tower In colonial and Victorian times some homes had a watchtower, especially those by the sea so the wives of sea captains could spy the approach of their husbands safe return from a sea voyage. We, as Christians are told to “keep watch”, some of which is in anticipation of Christ’s return, sometimes referring to the act of prayer. Waiting upon the Lord is as active as the watchman waiting to see what events may affect his city, it is wide awake and focused… scanning the horizon with the readiness to act quickly if needed.

Advent is a waiting period. We are waiting for the main event of Christmas, but not drowsily, and not busying ourselves with other events. We are awake to the fact that Christ came to save us, and how in return our grateful hearts are ready to share the abundance of His goodness, love, and peace with others.

Christmas is not far away- only four more days to Christmas Eve. A favorite carol of mine is “Watchman tell us of the night“

Watchman, tell us of the night, what its signs of promise are.
Traveler, over yon mountain’s height, see that glory beaming star.
Watchman, does its beauteous ray aught of joy or hope foretell?
Traveler, yes – it brings the day, promised day of Israel.

Watchman, tell us of the night, for the morning seems to dawn.
Traveler, darkness takes its flight, doubt and terror are withdrawn.
Watchman, let thy wanderings cease; hie thee to thy quiet home.
Traveler, lo! the Prince of Peace, lo! the Son of God is come!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Print
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Pocket

Related

← Previous Post
A King’s Crown : December 19
Next Post →
Here Comes The Sun/Son : December 21

About The Candlelighter

I love Christmas and one of my favorite parts of are the Advent preparations. I have made this site since starting to create Christmas pages for Ilona's Reflecting Pool.

Primary Sidebar

Most Recent

  • Christmas Carols: Good King Wenceslas
  • First Sunday of Advent 2019

Ideas

  • Our Advent Log
  • Advent Wreath
  • Symbols
  • Resources

Christmas Is Coming!

  • Holiday Planning
  • Christmas Decor
  • Tree Themes
  • Advent Traditions

Latest Advent Devotions

  • Christmas Carols: Good King Wenceslas
  • First Sunday of Advent 2019
  • Inspiring New Children’s Album

Categories

Treats

christmas joy

Candle of Joy Compilation

For an Advent wreath, this is the pink candle, or the "Candle of Joy". We move closer to the celebration of Christmas, and we may make a choice to … [Read More...] about Candle of Joy Compilation

More Posts from this Category

Goodies ‘N Sweets

The Christmas Cookie

Candy Cane Cupcakes

view more

Tags

Abraham advent Advent traditions angels awaken candle of hope candle of joy candle of love candle of peace candy cane carol carols Christian symbols Christmas crafts Christmas story crown day 9 faith giving giving God's love God's love hope Isaiah Jesse tree Jesus Joseph joy kids activity king light of the world love lyrics Mary Messiah music nativity peace preparations promises of God recipe seed faith song star thankfulness wise men

Carols

Christmas Carols: Good King Wenceslas

All Through the Night Lyrics

coloring book bethlehem

Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem

Meditations

christmas is a joyful season

Is Happiness the Same as Joy?

It seems as though words so closely linked as "joy" and "happiness" would become interchangeable in … [Read More...] about Is Happiness the Same as Joy?

fairyland canyon starry night

We Are Small

In our world, we are small, and likewise, in the universe our world is infinitesimal. Many people … [Read More...] about We Are Small

Unexpected Places

You must admit that God chooses some unexpected places to show up. Bethlehem might have seemed … [Read More...] about Unexpected Places

More Posts from this Category

Past Devotionals

Footer

You might also like

christmas joy

Candle of Joy Compilation

christmas peace message

Acts of Peace in a Warring World

Comfort and Joy on Day Four

Ilona’s Advent Blog

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Copyright © 2022 · LovingChristmas

Hazel Theme by Code + Coconut