“The Alpha and Omega “ Sunday, 05 December
Last Sunday began a new series “Christmas Carols: the message is in the song.”
Every year we sing the Christmas Carols, we may even know them by heart, but do we understand who wrote them, why they were written, what was the inspiration behind them and how do they inspire us today?
There is deep theological meaning in many of these older carols that sometimes escapes our attention, we glibly sing the words but really don't know what we're singing. This week I want to examine the carol: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”.
This traditional carol dates from at least the 14th century. The words were believed to have been written by the German Dominican monk and mystic Heinrich Seuse (1295-1366, known as Henry Soso)
Suso recounts how, after about five years in the monastery (in other words, when he was about 18 years old), he experienced a conversion to a deeper form of religious life; and at a specific moment he experienced a supernatural event which led to the writing of this carol.
The last verse of the song goes like this: Good Christian men, rejoice with heart and soul and voice! Now ye need not fear the grave; Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ was born to save!
Jesus has come to save us; to redeem us from this sinful world over which the enemy exerts his hold; the fear of death. But Jesus, the Prince of Peace has come to give us peace.
Becoming a Christian doesn't make us immune to fear, of course. But it does provide a much different perspective on life and death. Instead of fearing death and living as a slave to that fear, the saved believer can take full advantage of a "more abundant" life, through Christ. And that is sure to bring us peace.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for:
“The Alpha and Omega.”
(Social distancing and face covering requirements are in effect)
Take heart and be blessed!
Pastor Kevin
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