David Bahn – Reflections

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
² but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

³ He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
⁴ The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
⁶ for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

I have a vivid recall of only a few sermons I’ve heard over the years. One was a Lutheran Hour sermon by the sainted Oswald Hoffman. Titled, Hang in There Together, it was a welcome reminder to us in our early years of marriage. Marriage is not for the faint of heart. Our commitment was a sacred one; not to be abandoned. Three more were by seminary professors who spoke grace and truth to a bunch of (possibly self-righteous and arrogant?) men who were studying to be pastors.

Then there was the message of which I was reminded today. Not based on this psalm, Pastor Lange’s message to us at our wedding was titled, Rejoicing Along the Way. In that message, he quoted Psalm 1. He recited the psalm from memory. Over the years I’ve leaned into this psalm, and I might be able to recite it from memory myself.

More important than being able to recite it from memory, however, is the warning and promises God gives us here. The warning is two-fold. The first is a warning against the dangerous progression of sinful influence. We are warned against walking in the council of the ungodly. This is more than simply passing through or being in the presence of ungodly people. As Paul reminds us, “ I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— ¹⁰ not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” (1 Corinthians 5:9-10) This is a warning against a stroll with sinful and ungodly people. Taking their advice. Naively traveling their paths. Sadly, I know the danger of that course. My college years were far too often influenced by such a path. The ways of the world can seem so compelling. 

Then comes standing in the way of sinners. That is, no longer just walking with wicked people, but actually stopping to look at their wares. It’s a longer exposure to the allure of the world’s ways, and the beautiful bait of the devil. The bait – beautiful as it may be – always hides a sharp barb. Its center is poisonous.

And certainly do not sit down in that place. For example, you walk through Bourbon Street in New Orleans. As you walk, you stop to look and listen to things you know do not honor God. You go into the bar and have a seat. Too soon you will be taken captive to the drink, the dalliance, or the back room poker game.

I’m guessing there are some upstanding and righteous people and places there, but the danger certainly lurks. Blessed is the man or woman who does not follow that dangerous progression.

The alternative is to delight in the Law of the Lord; to meditate on it day and night. God’s law is the way of life. It will always accuse, showing our sin. It often curbs our dangerous inclinations, keeping us from going off the rails to a life of wanton abandon. But it also shows us a way to true life, joy, blessing and abundance.

Even when the law of God accuses us, that brings us to repentance and a return to God. Whenever that happens, God delights to forgive and receive us into his gracious presence. And when we are curbed from gross acts of disobedience by fear of God or consequences, we can thank God for the law that brings that fear to us, and calls us to repent. That was Jesus’ first recorded sermon in Mark’s Gospel, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the good news.” It’s a good message for us to meditate on walking, standing, or sitting.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

⁹ The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. ¹¹ He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. ¹² But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵ (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) ¹⁶ For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

Of the Father’s Love Begotten is my absolute favorite Christmas hymn. The theology is profound, Christocentric, ethereal, rich, and deep. I will preach on this Christmas Day, Lord willing. My message will take the text of John 1 and pair it with key thoughts from the hymn.

It all boils down to this incredible truth: Because of the Father’s great love for us, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

What a mystery!

What a blessing!

Thanks be to God!

Of the Father’s Love Begotten

Of the Father’s love begotten
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.

Oh, that birth forever blessèd,
When the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving,
Bore the Savior of our race,
And the babe, the world’s Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.

This is He whom seers in old time
Chanted of with one accord,
Whom the voices of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the long-expected;
Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.

O ye heights of heav’n, adore Him;
Angel hosts, His praises sing.
Pow’rs, dominions, bow before Him
And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Ev’ry voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.

Christ, to Thee, with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore. Amen.

Text: Public domain

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

Luke 2:8-18

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

Our church will host five (5) Christmas Eve services on December 24. People will gather at 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00; and 10:00 PM. We’ll use candles at all services – LED candles for the children, and real ones for the older folks. At the end of the service we’ll sing Silent Night as the lights are lowered throughout the church, and the candles are lit. The mood will be delightful. Peaceful. Restful. Reflective. Rich in grace.

Like several very favorite Christmas carols, this song warms the hearts of many people. Unlike some others, however, we don’t have to debunk some of the inaccuracies in this song. It’s solid in fact, allowing for the poetic language “Radiant beams from thy holy face.”

Some other popular songs stray from the clear and unassailable truth revealed in Scripture. For example, We Three Kings: Were there three? Were they actually kings? The biblical evidence does not support an absolute answer to the first, and indicates that they were magi, not kings. And although it’s a favorite, my belief is that the Little Lord Jesus did cry, just like all babies. He was sinless, but it’s no sin to cry. That’s how babies communicate. And there is no evidence that the shepherds looked up and saw a star. That was the magi.

But hear well, this song gets it right.

• Holy infant: Check.
• Virgin Mother: Check
• Shepherds quake: Check
• Glories stream from heaven: Check
• Heavenly host sing: Check
• Christ the Savior is born: Check
• Son of God: Check
• Love’s pure light: Check
• Jesus is Lord: Check

Jesus, Lord at thy birth. Jesus Lord on the cross. Jesus Lord over death and the grave. Jesus Lord at the end of all time. Jesus Lord, confessed by all in the life of the world to come. What a beautiful truth to remember this Christmas!

Silent Night, Holy Night

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Text: Public domain

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

Luke 2:8-18

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

My grandchildren (and their mother), when they visit us at St. John, love to ring the bell. It used to be used every Sunday. We would ring it before worship and again during the service at the Lord’s prayer. It once served to call the community to worship, and as a signal that the service had progressed to the point of the Lord’s Prayer.

It’s not clear whether the bells in this song were specially used on Christmas Day. But ring they did, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow heard them. You may know the story of the Song, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. Written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, it flowed from his real life experiences around Christmas. The story is recorded on the Gospel Coalition website, part of which reads:

On Friday, December 25, 1863, Longfellow—as a 57-year-old widowed father of six children, the oldest of which had been nearly paralyzed as his country fought a war against itself—wrote a poem seeking to capture the dynamic and dissonance in his own heart and the world he observes around him that Christmas Day.

He heard the Christmas bells ringing in Cambridge and the singing of “peace on earth” (Luke 2:14), but he observed the world of injustice and violence that seemed to mock the truthfulness of this optimistic outlook.

I love the way Longfellow embraced both the reality of life in a fallen world and the hope we have in Christ’s birth. Hate is strong. And while we live in relative peace, the people of Ukraine are feeling the brunt of war. Theirs is not a peaceful life. But true peace is more than an absence of war. For there are those who live in serene and peaceful settings whose hearts are troubled and restless. Peace is found in the heart of one who rests in the love of God. And that love is seen so very clearly in Jesus.

Somebody needs to send out the message. Bells need to ring. People need to hear. That’s why choirs sing his praises. Congregations join in the hymns and carols. Cantatas, concerts, and celebrations of many sorts point us toward Jesus.

Our hope and belief is that right shall prevail. The wrong shall fail. That’s why we must not stop and stay at the manger, but follow Jesus on to Calvary, and look with expectation to the life of the world to come. There will be perfect peace!

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

And the bells are ringing (peace on Earth)
Like a choir they’re singing (peace on Earth)
In my heart I hear them (peace on Earth)
Peace on Earth, good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on Earth, ” I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

But the bells are ringing (peace on Earth)
Like a choir singing (peace on Earth)
Does anybody hear them? (Peace on Earth)
Peace on Earth, good will to men

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
(Peace on Earth)
(Peace on Earth)
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on Earth, good will to men

Then ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

And the bells, they’re ringing (peace on Earth)
Like a choir they’re singing (peace on Earth)
And with our hearts, we’ll hear them (peace on Earth)
Peace on Earth, good will to men

Do you hear the bells, they’re ringing? (Peace on Earth)
The light, the angels singing (peace on Earth)
Open up your heart and hear them (peace on Earth)
Peace on Earth, good will to men

Peace on Earth
Peace on Earth
Peace on Earth, good will to men

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Bernie Herms / Mark Hall / Dp
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day lyrics © Sony/atv Tree Publishing, Boosey And Hawkes Music Publishing Ltd., Banahama Tunes, St. Nicholas Music Inc., My Refuge Music, Travelin’ Zoo Music, Calougie Music, Shustmusic Llc, Word Music, Llc

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

Luke 2:8-18

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

My sister’s father-in-law was a Lutheran pastor whose name was Herald. What an apt name for a preacher of the Gospel. He was an interesting fellow. He was serving the vacancy of a church to which I was called in 1983. In some part I believe it was because he wrote the paragraph about me which the congregation used to elect me to serve as their pastor. He made me sound pretty good – way better than I felt comfortable with. (The higher the put you on the pedestal, the farther you have to fall!) On the day that my father was very near death, he kindly and firmly called and told me to go to be with my mom and sisters. “There’s nothing I can’t do for you there. You go be with your daddy,” he said. He took care of handling a funeral for me and the following Sunday service as well.

He advised me to practice intentional solicitude to the people of the church I was serving then. And on one occasion, when I had been treated very badly by some people there, he advised me to tell them, “OK, you can let God get back on his throne now.” It was his way of saying that they were completely out of line and had usurped God’s proper place in favor of their view of me and my ministry. It felt pretty good in that moment. He was in fact a Herald! He had his faults – we all do. But he sure did herald good news and grace to me.

A herald is an official messenger, a person who brings news. And in the case of the Herald Angels, their news is infinitely good. There is a new-born king. He is reconciling God and sinners. He has come for all nations. His birth warrants a glorious expression of praise in the skies. Christ is born in Bethlehem! He is worthy of our glory and praise.

The angels announce a heaven-born Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He is the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2). He has laid his glory aside in order to redeem us and give us second birth (Philippians 2:5-8; John 3:3-5). We are to join the refrain of the angels. We too must sing his praises. We too must acknowledge his work in and for us. We too must rejoice in his reconciling work. We too must call the nations to rise and give glory to God for his gift of Jesus.

Herald was quite a person. So are you, dear reader. And so am I. We’re each our own unique complex of good and bad, saint and sinner, gifted and needy people. And we all have been reconciled to God. On us the Sun of Righteousness has risen. Christ is born in Bethlehem. Glory to the new-born king.

And that reminds me of a favorite Christmas quote shared with me by another pastor some years ago. He designed his own Christmas card the front of which read, “A thousand times in history a baby has become a king. Only once did a King become a baby.” We have a new-born king. He reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. All glory to him!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king”

Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king”
“Glory to the new-born king”

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Frank Farian / Dp

Hark the Herald Angel Sing lyrics © Universal Music Corp., Culbertson Music, Far Musikverlag Gmbh & Co. Kg, Hal Leonard Publishing Corp., Fox Music, Integrity Worship Music, Integrity’s Praise! Music, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music, Two Twenty Nine Music, David Binion Music, Be Essential Songs, Faber Music Limited, Wonderland Music Company Inc., De Wolfe Ltd, Word Music, Llc, Patterdale Music Ltd, Spirit Catalogue Holdings, S.a.r.l., Dorsey Brothers Music Inc

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Luke 2:8-18

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

Gloooooooooooooooooooooooooria in excelsis deo! I love singing that refrain. There are many easily accessible harmonies I can improvise with it. The words are indelibly impressed on my heart and mind. Glory to God in the highest! Yes! This is a praiseworthy moment. God is literally breaking through into our world. The heavens will not hold back. A child is born. Joy is unrestrained in its expression. Angels sing God’s praises. They will do their duty of telling the shepherds of the birth. But they are not to be restrained in their expression of joy and praise.

More than once this Advent/Christmas season I’ve been reminded that there is much more attention given and detail shared regarding the end of Jesus’ earthly life and his resurrection than is given to his birth. Truly the accounts of Jesus’ life, suffering, death, and resurrection take up ⅓ of the gospel record. Jesus’ birth occupies less than on tenth.

For reasons known only to God the praise and joy expressed at Jesus’ birth is not echoed at Jesus’ resurrection. Angels are present. They announce Jesus’ resurrection to Peter, John, and Mary. But there is no angel chorus. No “Glory to God in the highest!” Perhaps that is because Jesus’ resurrection – vital to our faith as it is – is only part of the victory that has been won for us. It is truly  a victory. Jesus’ resurrection is essential to our faith. But until the Great Last Day, the fullness of that victory is yet to be revealed.

But as Jesus is born things are in motion that will come to fruition.

I have been to only one professional basketball game, and the beginning of the game was quite a spectacle. Reunion Arena in Dallas was suddenly plunged into darkness. I heard a rumble on the sound system, together with a rhythmic bass riff accompanied by ominous sounding cascading notes in the upper range. Mavman (the Dallas Mavericks mascot) suddenly descended from the highest point in the arena – climbing down a rope dropped from the ceiling. Spotlights swept the crowd and the floor of the court. The game was about to begin!

The outcome of that game, sadly, was not as well assured as the outcome of Jesus’ birth. The Mavericks were giving away tickets to fill their seats. That’s why I was there. But the angels of God know how this will end. It begins. The major salvation event for all people was coming to light. This is the beginning of a great deliverance. It’s only the beginning. But its outcome is assured as the baby is born. Angels announce it. They sing God’s praises: Gloooooooooooooooooooooooooria in excelsis deo! Though most likely not in Latin, the message is clear, Glory to God in the highest. No matter how powerful, mighty, important, or high and honored the place or person, the glory to God on this occasion reaches beyond. Good News of great joy. A Savior is born. Glory to God in the highest – and in the deep places of our hearts as well.

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains. Refrain

ref Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav’nly song? Refrain

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Refrain

Text: Public domain

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Luke 2:8-18

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

John 1:1-4, 14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

A quick Google search revealed the following about this hymn, O Come All Ye Faithful:

The invitation to “come, all ye faithful, . . . to Bethlehem” places the singer both among the shepherds who rushed to see the Christ child, and in the long procession of the “faithful” that have journeyed to Bethlehem in their hearts for over 2,000 years.

Of particular note is the second stanza that draws heavily upon the Nicene Creed:

True God, of true God,
Light from Light Eternal,
lo, he shuns not the Virgin’s womb;
Son of the Father,
begotten, not created.

This paraphrases the text of the Creed very closely:

“We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only 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;
through whom all things were made.”

Thus, singing stanza two establishes a link to the church that reaches back to 325 A.D., at the Council of Nicea, where the Creed originates. [Discipleship Ministries]

This is a call to worship for the faithful people of God. It highlights the profound mystery of Jesus as God in the flesh of a baby boy born in Bethlehem. It calls for the confession made only by the power of the Holy Spirit, “Jesus Christ is Lord.” (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:3) There is so much great Christology here.

Perhaps that’s why I so love Christmas carols and Christian Christmas songs: They expound the central confession of our faith that Jesus Christ is true God and true man. Why else would we sing songs in praise of a baby? Why else would we come and adore him? Why else would we call him Lord? Jesus is Lord because he is our redeemer. That’s why he came to earth: so that he could redeem us.

All this is set aside in so much of the popular and secular so-called Christmas music today. The idea of a white Christmas is not a bad one. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire is a treat that I’ve actually experienced (though it wasn’t all that great IMHO). Dashing through the snow is a fun thought. And we’re the house to which people would go over the river and through the woods…if people were to come to grandmother’s house today. It’s all nice, but so far from the profound mysterious blessing that is Christmas. Sadly, it seems that the world will go to any extreme possible to avoid bringing Jesus into its Christmas celebration.

So the call goes out, O come all ye faithful! Come and behold him, the King of angels. True God from True God is he, light from eternal light, born of a virgin, the only-begotten Son of God. Come and join the angel chorus glorifying God. Indeed, to Jesus may all glory be given.

That is what I want to celebrate and sing. I hope you do too!

This, from Westminster Abby, is a rich high church celebration of this invitation to worship Christ the Lord.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Psalm 98

Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
    have worked salvation for him.
² The Lord has made known his salvation;
    he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
³ He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
    to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
    the salvation of our God.

⁴ Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
    break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
⁵ Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
    with the lyre and the sound of melody!
⁶ With trumpets and the sound of the horn
    make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!

⁷ Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    the world and those who dwell in it!
⁸ Let the rivers clap their hands;
    let the hills sing for joy together
⁹ before the Lord, for he comes
    to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with equity.

Luke 2:10-11

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

A quick Google search revealed the following about this hymn, Joy to the World:

Since 1719, “Joy to the World” has been a Christmas staple. Its lyrics were crafted by Isaac Watts, and to date, it remains one of the most-published hymns in Northern America. However, the fun fact is, the song wasn’t even intended to be a Christmas carol, as its original version had no such link with Christmas. It wasn’t even supposed to be a song!

Regardless of whether this was initially to have been a Christmas carol, it is certainly today a barn burner! I love this hymn. Most likely so do most readers of this blog. It’s easy to sing, and I can even play it on the piano; it’s a simple scale key of C major. And certainly the words capture the hearts of believers. For joy is found in God’s salvation. And Jesus is God’s gift for the salvation of all people.

Yesterday at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas, Pastor Jeff Doria reminded us all of the blessings God brings to us in the birth of Jesus – no matter our circumstances. Loneliness. Depression. Fear. Anger. Despair. Disappointment. Gnawing anxiety. I’m thinking of families that are split because of careless words, unreleased grudges, hurt feelings, and stubborn willfulness. I’m imagining deployed soldiers who can’t be home for Christmas and their families who wait for their return. I know there are those facing their first Christmas without a husband, dad, and granddad. And those who are facing their fifth such Christmas alone and still grieving.

But the Lord has come! He brings joy that transcends outward circumstances. God is not aloof. He has not abandoned us. He is not holding a grudge. He forgives us. He offers us an eternal hope that will never disappoint. He announces it to shepherds with a choir of angels. All of heaven is rejoicing in the birth of Jesus. Now, as we remember and celebrate this birth, we sing, too: Joy to the world the Lord has come!

And when we sing others join the song. Children sing – sometimes nearly yelling the words. Choirs sing the descants as the congregation sings the melody. When that happens, our joy is increased. Joy shared is joy multiplied. That’s so appropriate for this joy is to the world.

I love this hymn because it calls for the world to rejoice in the Savior’s birth. Heaven and nature sing! Repeat the sounding joy! Celebrate the wonders of his love. Every heart prepare him room. Let all their songs employ. Rejoice in the glories of his righteousness.

That last thought is where I want to stop and ponder. The righteousness of God is revealed in the Good News of Jesus. It is a righteousness of faith. It is righteousness from God, given to us for Jesus’ sake. For Jesus is purely and perfectly righteous. That never changes. My outward circumstances may change. My faithfulness may waver. My love may ebb and flow. None of that is righteous. But God’s perfect righteousness is a gift that never flags or falters. That is good news of great joy for me, for you, and for all the world!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

Please join me in praying these psalms on this Lord’s Day

Psalm 18:1-3

I love you, O Lord, my strength.
² The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
³ I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 48:1-3

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised
    in the city of our God!
His holy mountain, ² beautiful in elevation,
    is the joy of all the earth,
Mount Zion, in the far north,
    the city of the great King.
³ Within her citadels God
    has made himself known as a fortress.

Psalm 78:1-4

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
    incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
² I will open my mouth in a parable;
    I will utter dark sayings from of old,
³ things that we have heard and known,
    that our fathers have told us.
⁴ We will not hide them from their children,
    but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
    and the wonders that he has done.

Psalm 108:1-4

My heart is steadfast, O God!
    I will sing and make melody with all my being!
² Awake, O harp and lyre!
    I will awake the dawn!
³ I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
    I will sing praises to you among the nations.
⁴ For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Psalm 138:1-2

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
    before the gods I sing your praise;
² I bow down toward your holy temple
    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
    for you have exalted above all things
    your name and your word.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Genesis 1:3-4 

 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ⁴ And God saw that the light was good. 

Luke 2:8-14

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

I cringe just a little at the closing line of this song. It’s not that I don’t believe that the culmination of God’s redemption story will be praiseworthy. Nor is it that I don’t believe angels will rejoice on that Great Last Day. But I’m just not certain that the song of the angels will be greater than that which was sung on the night Jesus was born.

Maybe their song will be a greater song on that Great Last Day. After all, the angels will take an active part in the events of that day. On that day, God “will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven” (Mark 13:27). It will be a grand day, the culmination of all that God had planned from the foundation of time. The trumpet will sound. The dead will be raised. We will be forever with our Lord (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:52).

The new heaven and the new earth will become our eternal reality. No longer will the glory of God be hidden. No longer will we need to live by faith. We will see Jesus for who he truly is. Every knee will bow – some under duress, others in delightful worship.

The problem I have with the final thought of this song is the unspoken implication that Jesus is not now reigning. In fact, however, he is. Over all things. Nothing escapes his notice. Nothing is apart from his providential care and sovereign rule. Thankfully God also rules in grace. The classic definition of the Kingdom of God is, the gracious reign and rule of Jesus in the heart of the believer.

Jesus is ruling even now in our hearts, and for the good of all by his grace. He will return on the Great Last Day and we will forever be with him. Sin, death, and the devil will no more plague us. That will indeed be a great and glorious day. And we will join with the angels and all believers singing God’s praises forever. He is truly worthy of all praise and honor – not just because of his sovereignty, but also, and maybe even more because of his grace.

In the First Light

In the first light of a new day
No one knew He had arrived
Things continued as they had been
While a newborn softly cried.
But the heavens wrapped in wonder
Knew the meaning of His birth
In the weakness of a baby
They knew God had come to earth.

As His mother held him closely,
It was hard to understand
That this baby not yet speaking
Was the Word of God to man.
He would tell them of His kingdom,
But their hearts would not believe
They would hate Him and in anger
They would nail Him to a tree.

But the sadness would be broken
As the song of life arose
And the First born of creation
Would ascend and take his throne.
He had left it to redeem us,
But before His life began
He knew He’d come back not as a baby
But as The Lord of ev’ry man.

Hear the angels as they’re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again to earth
When He comes again

Hear the angels as they’re singing
On the morning of His birth
But how much greater will our song be
When He comes again to Earth
When He comes to rule the Earth!
When He comes back, When He comes back
To rule the Earth!

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Robert John Kauflin
In the First Light lyrics © Bridge Building Music, Organon Key Music