Carols of Christmas: Lo, Now Ascends the Morning Sun

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From the land of Japan comes the song, Asahi wa noborite, or Lo, Now Ascends the Morning Sun. Beginning with images of a glorious sunrise, and ending with an invitation to joyful song, the author reflects on the coming of the Lord into our world and our response to His coming. Join us as we consider this carol together.

Please click on the following links to hear this song. Click here for the English Translation; Click here to find the Japanese version. Please keep the English translation open throughout this study. (There is an option on that page to play or stop the audio.)

1. Most of us have been far from city lights, outside on a dark night. Others have been in another very dark place, perhaps in a deserted building or a cave. How did you feel in the darkness? Next consider a glorious sunrise. If you've seen one recently, what thoughts or emotions did you experience as you watched the sun rise?

2. In this carol, the author compares Christ's coming to a sunrise. "Let all who now in darkness dwell, the glorious sunrise greet." How does the picture of darkness and sunrise reflect on your understanding of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ? More thoughts...

You may wish to refer to Isaiah 9:1-7, where we find the familiar promise "For unto us a child is born..." Only a few verses earlier in verse 2, the prophet proclaims, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."

3. Why would one choose to "kneel humbly at his feet"? More thoughts...

Later in this carol, the invitation is clearly given to those who worship Jesus, to rejoice, give thanks and sing. Is it appropriate or right to worship Jesus? Why or why not?

4. The author describes the Lord Jesus as one "who wields almighty power." Yet he invites "all ye beneath life's crushing load, come unto Him and rest." How or why might one rest in the presence of such power? More thoughts...

See Matthew 11:27-29 for a similar invitation.

5. "O come, all ye who mourn and weep, and He will wipe your tears." Is there support to be found in the Bible for this claim? If so, where? More thoughts...

Has Jesus ever comforted you in your sorrow or grief? If so, would you like to share that with us briefly?

6. How can Jesus be the "source of endless life," yet be born into the world? Did Jesus receive life, or has he always been alive? Explain your answer. Support it with a Scripture reference if possible.

7. What does the author mean, "dead in sin"? What is meant by "Come unto him and live"?

8. The songwriter refers to Jesus in several ways. What titles, images or attributes do you see in the song? More thoughts...

Can you find the same images, titles and attributes in what the Bible says about Jesus Christ?

9. What additional thoughts or questions do you have on this study?

10. Please pray for me in these areas:

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Tags: birth of jesus, carols of Christmas, carolsofchristmas, Christmas carols, LifeLessons

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Carols of Christmas: Lo, Now Ascends the Morning Sun

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