David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”
49 Week Bible Challenge Day 234 (Christmas Eve) – Yay God! – Corrected Podcast Link

49 Week Bible Challenge Day 234 (Christmas Eve) – Yay God! – Corrected Podcast Link

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

Today’s readings are Romans 16; Psalm 12; Isaiah 48. I hope you will join me in reading these passages.

Romans 16:25-27

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Limpkin | Uruguay, South America | December 2025

We’re inching ever closer to the celebration of Jesus’ birth. And at that birth a host of angels said (sang?), “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). God was doing an extraordinary thing by entering his creation as a baby. The Savior of the world was born, and I like to think that the angels could just not restrain themselves. God’s champion was born. This was truly a Yay God moment!

I first heard that term. – yay God – from a prominent, but now disgraced church leader. I loved the thought. When something good happens, we don’t want to take the credit. We realize every good gift comes from God, and so we praise him: Yay God! It’s much like the first time I heard a pastor say, “I thank God for you,” rather than “thank you.” God gets the glory.

We may be a source of blessing to others as we love and serve our family, friends, and neighbors. And it’s nice to know that our acts of service are appreciated. But God is the author of every good thing. He is at work in and through us for his good pleasure and our neighbor’s good. He deserves the praise.

As Paul ends his letter to the Romans with this doxology – one of two major expressions of praise to God in this letter. There are, in addition, two other acknowledgements of God’s glory in the letter as well.

The major expressions of praise to God.

  1. Romans 11:33–36 – “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God… to Him be glory forever. Amen.”
  2. Romans 16:25–27 – The closing doxology of the letter.

Paul also includes these brief praise formulas:

  • Romans 1:25 – “…the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”
  • Romans 9:5 – “…Christ… who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.”

As we listen to the Christmas account and hear the angels praise God at Jesus’ birth, let’s be sure we join in with our “Yay God!” for he is the only wise God and worthy of all honor, glory, and praise.

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