Tag Archives: Christmas

Savior of the Nations, Come

Savior of the Nations, Come

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 Mystery of the Incarnation

The Mystery of the Incarnation

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

It’s time to order your Christmas daily devotional – “Rejoicing in Christ, the Newborn King: 25 Meditations for Family Worship During the Christmas Season”

It’s time to order your Christmas daily devotional – “Rejoicing in Christ, the Newborn King: 25 Meditations for Family Worship During the Christmas Season”

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

A Poem on the Hypostatic Union

A Poem on the Hypostatic Union

  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

Incarnation

Incarnation

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

Shall We Observe Holidays?

Shall We Observe Holidays?

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

The purpose of Advent

The purpose of Advent

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

A Deliberate Choice

A Deliberate Choice

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

Taigen Joos talks about his new Christmas devotional

Taigen Joos talks about his new Christmas devotional

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

New Christmas devotional for families or individuals!

New Christmas devotional for families or individuals!

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

“Glory Be to God on High” by Charles Wesley

“Glory Be to God on High” by Charles Wesley

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

Insights on the Incarnation, Ancient and Modern

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

Incarnation Hymnody: "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" and "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"

Incarnation Hymnody: "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" and "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"

This entry is part 2 of 6 in the series Incarnation Hymnody You can read more posts from the series by using the Contents in the right sidebar.

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

Incarnation Hymnody: "Of the Father's Love Begotten" and "Silent Night"

This entry is part 1 of 6 in the series Incarnation Hymnody You can read more posts from the series by using the Contents in the right sidebar.

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

Where Is Christ in Christmas?

Where Is Christ in Christmas?

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

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

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

Christmas Cantata Review: Lord of Glory

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