I Wonder as I Wander

 'I wonder as I wander out under the sky

That Jesus my Savior did come for to die...'

Those few lines were the only known lines to this Christmas carol first sung in the Appalachians, the remainder of the words unknown.  John Jacob Niles paid a little girl 25 cents for each time she sang it but could only hear these words.  The remainder of the words are those he added to complete it.

As I read some interviews with various artists who sing the song, one stood out. This lady had grown up in a home that placed huge emphasis on God's wrath and little on God's mercy.  This unbalanced teaching led her to have a depreciated view of what Jesus had provided for her in his death and resurrection.  it consequently led to a great spiritual struggle in her life.

This Christmas season is perhaps a good season to be reminded of the tremendous mercy and grace of God.  Yes, He will punish sin, and we must recognize that without Christ we will be punished for it, but, we must equally teach He is merciful, not willing for any to perish.  Romans 5:1-8 , 1 Tim1:12-16

As we tell of Jesus, let's be sure to emphasize the good news and the freedom from condemnation that Jesus gives!