Though of Northern Irish descent, have never gotten too hyped up about St. Patrick’s Day. Could be a lot of reasons for that – for sure am not into “green beer” wild parades and parties side of the celebration that tends to be what we hear most about here. That said, I have been focused on the Irish side of it more this year. That, I suspect, is based solely on our trip last fall to NI. Frankly, I’d hop on a plane and go back today if I could. To me, it was simply magical.
Since that particular trip is not a present day option, I chose to pull out the Celtic Woman playlist on my iPhone and have played every song (including Christmas ones) multiple times. Twice, my family and I experienced Celtic Woman live in concert. If I could figure out how to get to Atlanta for their April 30th gig (already have too many commitments in a short time frame), I’d likely be going again. Their musical style speaks to me. I can’t explain it. It just does.
One of my very favorites is You Raise Me Up. The link below is to their official video. Filmed in Ireland, it is the real deal. More importantly, the words go straight to the heart.
Celtic Woman – You Raise Me Up – Video Dailymotion.
As we prepare for Easter, this goes deeper. God, through His Son Jesus Christ does indeed “raise us up”. In return, what did we do? We “lifted Him up” on the cross that awful Friday so we can eternally be raised up with Him.
In John 12:27-36 (HCB), we find these words:
“Now My soul is troubled. What should I say–Father, save Me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again!”
The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for Me, but for you. Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. As for Me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to Myself.” He said this to signify what kind of death He was about to die.
Then the crowd replied to Him, “We have heard from the scripture that the Messiah will remain forever. So how can You say, The Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus answered, “The light will be with you only a little longer. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t overtake you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where he’s going. While you have the light, believe in the light so that you may become sons of light.” Jesus said this, then went away and hid from them.
As you prepare you heart for Easter, think about this. Are you in darkness? Do you know that The King has come and will be coming again. And when He does, will you be ready for Him to “raise you up”?
Still Choosing Joy!
Cille
Lyrics
When I am down and oh, my soul’s so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
then I am still and wait here in the silence
until you come and sit a while with me
There is no life, no life with out its hunger
each restless heart beats so imperfectly.
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
sometimes I think I glimpse eternity.
Chorus:
You raise me up so I can stand on mountains.
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas.
I am strong when I am on you shoulders.
You raise me up to more than I can be.
You raise me up to more than I can be.
Cille Litchfield 