James Montgomery was only six years old when his Moravian missionary parents left him in a Moravian settlement in Ireland and sailed to Barbados on an evangelical mission. Sadly, they died in Barbados, and young James never saw them again.
He was left without money, and was enrolled in a school in England. James did not do well, and was then apprenticed to a baker. After failing at baking, James ran away and spent his teen years adrift, writing poetry and trying to find a way to make a living.
Eventually, James settled down in Sheffield, England. Now in his early twenties, James found employment at the Sheffield Register. At last he had found his purpose as a writer. The newspaper was politically active, which lead to the owner fleeing the country to avoid persecution and imprisonment. James bought the paper and renamed it the Sheffield Iris. He continued in the steps of the previous owner, and twice found himself imprisoned, which ironically made him a celebrity.
With his newly acquired fame, James found an open door to share the gospel. Although he had tragically lost his parents, he never lost his faith in Christ and his devotion to the scriptures. He promoted foreign missions and the British Bible Society.
Over the years James gained the admiration of Sheffield's citizens and his writings became widely read and appreciated. In the early hours of Christmas Eve 1816, while reading Luke 2, James, at age 45, was inspired by verse 13 and penned a Christmas poem which was published later that day in his newspaper. It was later set to music and sung for the first time on Christmas Day 1821 in a Moravian church in England: "Angels from the Realms of Glory."
Today's peaceful music video is a modern adaption of the classic hymn "Angels From the Realms of Glory". Acoustic guitar and vocals by Nathan Drake; written by James Montgomery 1816.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
Such a sad story, yet wonderful that James found a place for his talents. These have been really interesting background stories on the music!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story! So very interesting. I always wondered how some of the Christmas songs came to be. I'll always think of James Montgomery when I hear or sing this song! I love the acoustic guitar and his voice. Thank you Nancy, for sharing this, in the spirit of Christmas! Hugs.. Marilyn
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy. I know you meant this as a morning devotion, but later, 9:15 p.m., and I'm just getting a chance to get online. It's been a busy day! I really enjoyed reading the story of James Montgomery. I've always loved that song and had no idea of the writer. There's a story behind everything isn't there? And if the LORD is with you, who can be against you? Thank you for your faithfulness in writing these encouraging words every Monday and for your videos on youtube. I watch on TV so I'm not able to comment, but I do see and enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Betsy
Wishing you a Peaceful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're enjoying this special time of year, dear Nancy. I'm sorry I've not been able to visit much, it's been a difficult year, and I've so appreciated your support.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo