For Advent, we begin a series looking at five beloved Christmas carols. These songs not only turn our minds toward Christmas, but if we let them they also can deepen our relationship with God. Up first: a song about longing—painfully—for true freedom in Christ.
Week 1: O Come, O Come Emmanuel
November 27, 2022 • Pastor Luke Uran • Isaiah 1:1–11
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Carols
Christmas: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
December 25, 2022 • Pastor Luke Uran • Luke 2:8–12, Hebrews 12:24
Sometimes a carol is so familiar that we sing it without really thinking about the words. In this case, we are singing a clear and succinct presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a beautiful Christmas message for the world!
Week 4: O Holy Night
December 18, 2022 • Pastor Luke Uran • 1 Peter 1:3–13
A thrill of hope. The weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. This beautiful, beloved Christmas carol speaks of longing and expectation, but then of the answer in Jesus. A sure hope. An eternal hope. A hope fulfilled, but also a glorious future.
Week 3: Go Tell It on the Mountain
December 11, 2022 • Pastor Josh Pardee • Luke 2:4–20, Luke 15
This week’s carol was first sung by people who knew all about being outsiders. They could identify with lowly shepherds and could rejoice that these “unimportant” ones were chosen to be the first to receive the good news of the Messiah’s birth. In our divided culture, Jesus’ birth and life point us to a countercultural way of thinking and relating to others who might not share our points of view.