“See that he has nothing to fear”

Home Sweet Christmas

Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN
Pages: 394

Sometimes reading widely can be accidental as in my choosing Home Sweet Christmas by Susan Mallery. Drawn to reading a Christmas story, I didn’t pay attention to the publisher. If I had, it may have dawned on me that HQN is a division of Harlequin and I may have passed on it. Even after starting I paused a couple of times after reading something suggestive and wondered if I wanted to continue.

Fortunately, there were not too many sexual references and they are not explicit. More along the lines of a movie that implies a couple is sleeping together rather than showing it. For that I’m thankful even though I was still a little bothered.

My somewhat reluctant decision to continue was amply rewarded when I came to a scene that beautifully illustrated a scripture verse that one of my favorite authors highlighted. F. W. Boreham, wrote about it in “On Frightening Timothy” in Mountains in the Mist. Of the many sermons that I have heard, I don’t recall anyone ever preaching on 1 Cor. 16:10, which begins with “Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you …”. There are so many things to fear today. The world is not a safe, welcoming place.

When I came to the part of the story where River Best was chosen as the Snow Queen Boreham’s text came to life. River was terrified! “Her big green eyes were wide and filled with apprehension. She looked nervous and unsure, as if she wanted to be anywhere but here” (76). I can relate in that I shrink from the spotlight! I’ll never forget when a former employer was making a presentation to me, he said, “Mike, is the kind of person that would prefer if I just slipped this under the door.” That was infinitely preferable to being called to face a crowd! This was River’s predicament.

You can see her apprehension as she approaches the stage. Fortunately, the just previously announced Snow King, who is kind, is already on the stage and making his way towards her.

“‘It’ll be okay. I’m right here.’

He held out his hand … She climbed the three stairs, then clutched his hand tightly. ‘I can’t do this,’ she told him. ‘It’s terrifying.’

‘I’m right here’” (76).

I think of God continually reaching down, taking our hand, saying, “I’m right here.” He reassures. That’s what I want when terrified.

Boreham was known for using fictional stories to illustrate his sermon points. This story is a fine example of putting someone at ease. I can see why it’s not a spiritual gift. It’s something that anyone can do. Imagine a world where people are working to alleviate fear. We become more noble when we set aside our comfort to make someone less fearful.

The couple in this example is one of two that have intersecting story lines. I enjoyed following their ups and downs as they approached Christmas. It reads as true to life. Even the occasional references to sex were not gratuitous.

I like the setting, the characters and the writing. This excels many of the Christmas movies you find on TV. If you are looking for a Christmas story and can handle a few sexual references this is enjoyable.

I’m grateful for an illustration that I will not forget. More than once I’ve been in that place where I needed someone to tell me “I’m right here…. You’ll be fine.”

“See that he has nothing to fear,” Paul wrote. The River’s of this life will bless you and be forever grateful when you take this to heart.

Move of Heaven - Awaken Music

 

Electronic elements, a chill vibe and a singular focus on triumph through praise

Move of Heaven
Awaken Music
Distributor: The Fuel Music
Length: 11 songs/1 hour

I wonder if anyone else imagines floating in space when they hear electronic sounds like the ones found here on Move of Heaven. They are particularly prominent on the opening “Isaiah 52,” which includes auto-tune on the lead vocal. Don’t be put off by that because it’s not prevalent on the majority of vocals.

The spacey background fits with mostly mid-tempo tunes that can make for a tranquil listening experience. This despite the subject matter of revival and warfare. Fortunately, in this day of heightened polarization, the latter is of the spiritual kind where listeners are encouraged to take God at his word. It’s not a call to arms in the physical sense.

My appreciation of this recording grew with repeated listens. It bolsters faith, and I give it credit for sounding a little different thanks to the electronics, the chill vibe and the singular focus on triumph through praise.

One minor drawback was not being able to understand the words at times due in part to the pronunciation making it a challenge. Looking up the lyrics increased my enjoyment but it’s a plus when that isn’t necessary.

This is a studio recording with mostly female leads. It sounds current and should appeal to anyone who likes modern worship and the good fight of faith. It all starts with:

How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of those who bring the good news
Hear the watchmen down in Zion
Sing for joy as the wait for you

I’m glad to hear this wonderful announcement in song. How fitting against a dreamy soundscape with the words “Awake! Awake!” following later.

On “By Faith” the guitar sounds like a sitar, enhancing the backdrop. The singer is resolute:

When my circumstance
Feels like sinking sand
I will walk by faith

I’ll walk by faith
And lean on every word you say

The sinking sand reference brings to mind “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”:

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand

“Come What May” has a driving rhythm anchored by a solid drum beat. Synthesized elements gain momentum and on the bridge take center stage creating a magical moment. Again, the lyrics express an unwavering fortitude, “Come what may/Nothing’s gonna stop my praise.”

A male lead is found on “My Amen,” musically perhaps the most muscular track with the drums pounding out the rhythm. The epic title track encapsulates in a couple of lines an overall theme:

My worship is my weapon
My warfare is my praise

So this release might be for you if you are in the thick of battle or are anticipating it. It’s a resource for every follower of Christ.

There is an interesting play on words in “I Am,” which juxtaposes the “Great I Am” with our “I am.” Driven by keyboard and electronic accents in the background, the music meanders like a gentle stream. I like the following line and the ones after it show how the title is used:

There’s no need to pretend
Loved by the Great I Am
I am

It goes on to become even more rooted in the new identity given to us by God.

“Forever the Same” is my favorite. It’s just keyboard and female vocals spotlighting the constancy of God’s love. The relaxed, beautiful melody is enchanting.

“Kings and Priests” has an urban, industrial feel. It’s a change-up from the mellower songs that precede it. It works but the heavier style is not as appealing.

“Babylon” is carried by a hopeful melody, which makes for a fitting ending. Allusions abound to the story in the book of Daniel where three Hebrews are rescued from the flames of the fiery furnace. A male lead sings of taking a stand against idolatry ending this on a victorious note.

I appreciate the moments of beauty on this release. It’s another means of overcoming the world.