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As with many carols and hymns throughout the ages, this song has been shortened while remaining true to its theological truths. Such is the case with the hymn A Boy is Born in Bethlehem . Originally, this song was a Latin folk-hymn in Bohemia that developed into a chant by the fourteenth century. It was later popularized in Germany under the title Ein Kind Geborn Zu Bethlehem, enduring throughout the Reformation, taking on slight differences and modifications.   Below are the

Advent is the arrival of a “notable person,” which in Christendom is an understatement for the arrival of Christ on earth. Interestingly, many of the early hymnals celebrating Advent call on humanity to remember from whence they came, and to appreciate, revere, and glorify the gift of God in Christ all the more. Such is the case with the hymn, O Remember Adam’s Fall.   This hymn was written by Thomas Ravenscroft (1592-1635), who was a chorister of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Lond

The rich theological tradition of Christmas carols continues with Come, Love We God!  This hymn was written in the sixteenth century, though little more is known about its origins. It is believed to have been written by Richard Shanne, a priest in Methley, in 1611.   What makes this song unique is that it tells the story of the wisemen’s encounter with King Herod from Matthew 2:1-12. It is a strange topic for a Christmas carol, given that Herod murdered the infants of Bethleh

What would Christmas be without angels? They were present at the Annunciation to Mary and to Zacharias in the temple, and then heralded the birth of Christ to the shepherds. Many of our beloved Christmas carols echo their message, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14 NASB95).   On This Day, Earth Shall Ring was originally written in Latin. A touching picture of Christ’s birth, it provides a short retelling of Christ’s advent, comp

This is my favorite time of year, and I love Christmas hymns and carols. Unlike today, most of the older hymns were used to disciple people in the Christian faith. So, this year, in my countdown to Christmas, we will be looking at several Christmas hymns that address the truth of Christmas – the truth about God. Along with a brief note, there will be the words for your meditation, as well as a link to the song so you may enjoy the beauty of these lyrics.   During the fourth c

I cannot express my sadness at the shift we observed when President Trump chose to light the diya for Diwali. As a Christian, I affirm that the only Way, Truth, and Light is the person of Jesus Christ, who said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NASB95).   Diwali, which is a Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil, celebrates the return of lord rama (lower case intended), another name for vishnu, by the lighting of the diya. Paul warns

One of the hobbies I have taken up in the past several years is gardening, and in September, I planted my fall garden, full of squash. They grew beautifully with large, lush green leaves, and I was excited for the harvest. Imagine my surprise, then, when one day I went out and discovered that several plants were demolished, with only stringy veins left visible and the rest on the verge of collapse as well. What happened seemingly overnight? The dreaded leaf roller – the cater

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life’s circumstances? Where your heart envelopes itself in a cloak of weariness, seeking self-preservation? Where situations beyond your control have exhausted you emotionally and mentally? We all have been there, and so was David when he penned Psalm 61:2, “From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”   It is in these places that we feel incapable of making one more decision, vul

As James wraps up his letter, he rebukes the wealthy for withholding what is rightfully due to those who labor for them. In essence, he...

In chapter four, James addresses the issue of motive. In Greek, the phrase "wrong motives" carries the connotation of one miserably ill...

James chapter three begins with an exhortation that not many should teach, because there is a stricter judgment (James 3:1). He goes on...

James 2 begins with an exhortation to avoid favoritism, a principle that remains relevant for today's congregation. While he uses the...

In the book of James, we are admonished to live a life pleasing to Christ, reflective of His teachings. Of paramount importance is that...

Yesterday, as I was driving to work, two separate drivers cut me off. One was visibly upset. At what, I do not know, but he was obviously...

"Why are you rushing ahead of Me? You must wait, allowing time for My perfect love to unveil what lies ahead. You are unable yet to see...

In the stillness, in the quiet, I am here. Release the turmoil of the day to me before it comes. Trust My loving care is sustaining you...

We can all see our nation is in trouble. That should be obvious. But how did we get here? Before you begin pointing to one side of the...

The Church often wonders why it lacks the power and authority in which New Testament Christians operated. Did the gifts die? We have seen...

Have you ever felt like your spiritual growth has stagnated? Could the Spirit of Christ be planting something new within you that needs...

Grief. Depression. Betrayal. Anger. Curled into a fetal position, sobbing, unable to catch a breath…we have all been there. At one time...