Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with andContinue reading “The hope of the world”
Tag Archives: Christmas
The ones not with us
We remember the ones not with us in times and seasons like these. This will be my first Christmas without my dad. He passed away in May of this year. Those firsts are such a mixture for me. The first Father’s Day without him. Mom’s first birthday without him. This Christmas.
Christmas and the gospel
On Christmas Eve we sang “Once in Royal David’s City.” Our music director, Wendell Kimbrough, has an amazing ability, as a psalmist, musician, and composer, to put together a rendition that is beautiful to sing. I couldn’t find anything like it on the internet, so chose the King’s College Choir rendition. It’s very formal, butContinue reading “Christmas and the gospel”
I have almost stumbled into this day
Christmas. The celebration of the birth of our Savior. What I take comfort most in the story of Christmas is the chaos.
Holy isn’t comfort
We come to the place of Christmas. We sing with gentleness, “O Holy Night.” Holy is not comfortable. It is not even predictable. We want a sweet song to sweep away our problems and lavish us in comfort. But what is holy does not avoid pain or difficulty. Holy makes way for the good, butContinue reading “Holy isn’t comfort”
Christmas prayer
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the True Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Incarnation — the work of God in a weary world
I remember hearing the story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the writing of his poem, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”. I was reminded of it again as I read an article by Kristen O’Neal on the subject of the poem. The entire article is well worth your time to read. These last fewContinue reading “Incarnation — the work of God in a weary world”
Prepare Him Room
O behold, the mystery now unfoldsSee the star shine on the virgin foretoldAngels sing and light up the skyHope rings out in a newborn’s crySwing wide, you ancient gatesFor Christ is born today! Prepare Him roomPrepare Him roomLet the King of glory enter in God with us, the promise has come to beThis, the oneContinue reading “Prepare Him Room”
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almighty willContinue reading “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”
The darkness humanity will not solve
“We can send Christmas cards about love and peace all we want, but the human race is utterly incapable of turning itself around…
Apprentice 2 Jesus 