New Hope's 2018
"Christmas Playlist" Advent Devotional
December 6
Three times a week, we'll send a devotional based on one of the Songs of Christmas (many of which we'll be singing in worship.) Read the scripture and devotional passage as you listen to the music (click on the green "Spotify" logo to hear the song. Further instructions below).
Psalm 24: 7

  Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in. 
Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates*
 David is calling ahead to the City of Jerusalem to open its gates to let presence of God (as the Ark of the Covenant) in. The author uses that image to urge the same with our hearts.

Physical gates use iron, wood and stone. The human heart armors itself with fear, pride, and ego. The predicament is similar. The same gates that keep others out, also keep people in. Opening the gates of our heart lets God in. It also releases us to live in freedom.

For Reflection & Discussion

What part of your heart is God wanting to enter today?
What would it look like in your life to live beyond the confines of pride, fear and ego?


* Do gates have "Heads"? This the term used for the reinforcements behind the gates. They had to be lifted before the gates could open. In the Middle Ages, the "Heads" were known as a portcullis.
Song Lyrics

Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
Lift up heads, ye mighty gates;
Behold, the King of glory waits;
The king of kings is drawing near;
The Savior of the world is here!

O blest the land, the city blest,
Where Christ the ruler is confessed!
O happy hearts and happy homes
To whom this King in triumph comes!

Fling wide the portals of your heart;
Make it a temple, set apart
From earthly use for heaven’s employ,
Adorned with prayer and love and joy.

Redeemer come! With us abide
Our hearts to Thee we open wide
With us thy inner presence feel
Thy grace and love in us reveal.

O King of Glory, come!

Getting to the Music:

On a desktop computer , clicking on the green symbol will take you directly to the link on Spotify and song will play.

On a mobile device you will be offered a choice:
  1. Click on the song (you will get a 30 second sample)
  2. Sign up for Spotify (its free). All songs will play in their entirety.
For more on Christmas at New Hope, visit our website!