Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul

Wow, what a great song!  Obviously I think that about every song I share on here, or else I wouldn't share it, right?  Well, that's right, but I'll say it anyway - and again. 

Wow, what a great song!

I've heard it many times before, listened to the lyrics less often, but it wasn't until recently that I fully grasped the beauty of it.  Anne Steele (1716 - 1778) penned the words of this hymn after a life tragedies and hardships from start to finish.  She was without a mother by the age of 3,

The Glory of Christmas

Some two thousand years ago, God came down to and enter into creation to be our Savior. That alone is an incredible thing to think about, but what's more amazing is the result of His coming. He would begin a work to redeem and secure, to himself, a portion of His own creation. People from every tribe, nation, and tongue are being redeemed from the power of darkness, for His glory. His grace will be known across all creation, and among all people. Those who were once rebels will sing His praise. How amazing a thing that is. That our God can and will cause us, who were once His rebels and enemies, to not just love Him but long for His coming and sing His praises. That's the power of a new heart within us. One that is spiritually alive and soft - made malleable by and for the Lord.

Let His grace be always on our minds, and let us praise Him for His goodness this Christmas Day. Just as He came once many years ago, He will return soon, but this time to judge and rule.

"Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased."

I hope you have a great Christmas.

Why I Thank God for the Puritans

If you've read much of what I've posted here in the past, you'd see a common topic repeated.  I tend to write a little more frequently about the Puritans and their theology than contemporary Christians or authors, because of my admiration of them.

Not all of them have the same theology, and some did shameful things.  They are generally considered in a very negative light by most people, but there were many great and godly Puritans who lived some amazing lives.  Those that had a love for God and His people left us with some tremendous insight to glean from.

Advent Reading Plan, Week 3 (Expanded)

If you've been following along, how has your time been?  Technically today is the beginning of Week 2.  However, Gabby and I started a week earlier since we'll be traveling part of the week before Christmas and also, since Christmas is on a Tuesday, week 4 would be short.  So here's week 3, in case you may be on the path as us.
 
The first week was on our Sinful condition, while week 2 was a look over the promises of a Savior given to ancient Israel.  This week we're looking at Jesus's claims about Himself and His new covenant.  As you read through these reflect on the majesty and grace of God as "He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him." (Eph 1:9)

Advent Reading Plan, Week 2 (Expanded)

Here's week 2 of our Advent Reading Plan with notes included.  The previous week was a time to remember our sinfulness.  That's always a good place to start, and so I did.  Now for this week we'll move to the promises and prophecies of the coming Messiah.

God had established the Mosaic Law for the people of Israel for sin to would become evident to them and they, in turn, would see their need for a Savior.  God didn't disappoint.  Many promises were given of a great Redeemer and mighty King.