I recently posted a Children’s Books Shopping List for my trips to Half Price Books and the library book sales. As the Advent and Christmas seasons are swiftly approaching in a few short weeks, I’d like to be on the lookout for some quality Christmas books to add to our family collection, so I… Continue Reading
Savior of the nations, come; Virgin’s Son, here make Thy home! Marvel now, O heaven and earth, That the Lord chose such a birth. Not by human flesh and blood; By the Spirit of our God Was the Word of God made flesh, Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh. Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child Of the… Continue Reading
The Church confesses the incarnation of Jesus Christ as a mystery. On the one hand He is “the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were… Continue Reading
Last year we published a new daily devotional for the Christmas season by Pastor Taigen Joos that was very well-received. This devotional is perfect for both families and individuals to use as they prepare to worship Christ during the Christmas season. Each daily reading is a rich, yet brief meditation on an event or characteristic of… Continue Reading
The Hypostatic Union The Word set forth before the world began Wrote out the mournful tune in minor key: The crying of the infant Son of Man. There was no way that they could understand How that small and helpless child could be The Word set forth before the world began. Joseph wondered at… Continue Reading
Little child, look on me— What can Thy newborn eyes see? Dost Thou recognize a man Fashioned by Thine ancient plan? Infant that Thou hast become Canst Thou yet behold me from The aspect of eternity? Little child, think of me— No slave was ever less free. I have sold myself to sin, Vainly now… Continue Reading
This essay was originally published during the Easter season, but it applies equally to celebrations of Advent and Christmas. Today (the day upon which I write this essay) is Maundy Thursday. Tomorrow will be Good Friday and this Sunday is Easter. In the liturgical calendar, each of these days has a special significance. Maundy Thursday… Continue Reading
What shall we do with Christmas? A quick glance at the store-fronts and an ear perked to the songs in the air would seem to suggest that this is the time for pagan revelry instead of pious rejoicing. Some Christians believe the whole thing has been pagan from its inception. Yet others simply ask, “Is… Continue Reading
This post is excerpted from “A Deliberate Choice.” December is for Advent. Historically, Christians have begun their reflections upon the incarnation, not by celebrating it, but by remembering why it was necessary. Advent is not a feast, it is a fast. It is a season for reminding ourselves of what we were without Christ, and… Continue Reading
Oh, what an embarrassment of riches! Rarely have so many topics presented themselves at one time for consideration through this publication, and rarely have I as a writer ever wanted to address more of them. This is one week when I certainly have no trouble finding a topic to write about. For example, the recent… Continue Reading
Several years ago, I was burdened about the need to focus the attention of our children away from the materialistic influences of Christmas. That task is a daunting one to say the least in our consumer-driven society. We do not withhold Christmas gifts from our children, and we thoroughly enjoy the Christmas holidays. However, I desired… Continue Reading
Friday we announced the publication of a new Christmas devotional for individuals or families, authored by Pastor Taigen Joos. This daily devotional, which includes 25 readings for the month of December along with the full scores of 25 accompanying hymns, is perfect to purchase for your whole church family! Toward that end, we have created… Continue Reading
I am thrilled to announce the publication of a new daily devotional for the Christmas season by Pastor Taigen Joos! This devotional is perfect for both families and individuals to use as they prepare to worship Christ during the Christmas season. Each daily reading is a rich, yet brief meditation on an event or characteristic… Continue Reading
A while back I stumbled across Charles Wesley’s Christmas hymn, “Glory Be to God on High.” This is a superb text on the incarnation of Christ, and I thought this would be a good time to recommend it here. We’ve sung it to the 18th century tune Amsterdam. The hymns is a meditation on the… Continue Reading
Here is a spectrum of theological observations on the incarnation ranging over the past 1800 years. Helpful in the light of C. S. Lewis’s admonition regarding old texts, both for your own meditation, and for use in the congregation. Irenaeus ( – c. 202) on the Incarnation Tertullian (c. 160 – c. 220) on… Continue Reading
Today’s post continues our series on “incarnation hymnody.” Today: the ancient “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” and Charles Wesley’s “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” ____________________ “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” is an ancient song and an interesting example of singing texts with a different understanding than the text’s author intended. Because the hymn is… Continue Reading
God’s people, and especially those who would stand before the Christian assembly and lead in singing praise, ought always to be thoughtful about what they are singing. This is often a challenge with familiar songs, and perhaps especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas. During the last month of the year, those who are… Continue Reading
Christmas—a very mention of the word produces delight and expectation in the hearts of people everywhere. Or does it? For some Christians, Christmas is a much-anticipated season to celebrate the birth of Christ. For others, it is also a time to encourage family closeness and tradition. But still others refuse to celebrate at all, insisting… Continue Reading
Conservative churches that want to do a special service around Christmas time often have a hard time finding cialis price quality “pre-packaged” programs. So what are other alternatives? One of the best and most flexible options, in my opinion, is “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.” I used this service all but one of… Continue Reading
Forrest, Dan, Lord of Glory. Price: $6.95 Item #: 243758 Publisher: SoundForth, 2007 Length: 112 pp. Purchase: Book | Spiral-bound | Preview pack | Demo CD | Accomp CD | Rehearsal CD From the website: From Dan Forrest: My desire is for this cantata to communicate the unadorned scriptural story of the incarnation in the… Continue Reading