We’ve had an eyewitness to Christmas the last few years as we look at the Christmas story from the perspectives of Mary, Joseph, the angels, the shepherds and the Wise Men. This year we wrap up the series with a look from a completely different view point, that of the king. Herod the Great was king of Judea, part of […]
The name Thaddeus is of Aramaic origin and means heart or God’s gift. Edessa is located in Upper Mesopotamia in Greece and under Roman rule during the time of the early church. Based on early Christian writings, Thaddeus was a Jew who came to Jerusalem for a festival and heard John the Baptist preaching. He was baptized by John the […]
Christmas Trees of every size, color and theme Flickering Lights blinking to music so light Falling Snow to whiten the ground Shiny Packages to entice our curiosity Nativity Sets to remind us of Jesus birth Horse drawn carriages to dream of days gone by Carolers on the walk wrapped against the cold air Santa with his elves and reindeer to […]
The name Apollos is Greek and means destroyer. He described as being a devout Jew born in Alexandria. We first meet Apollos in Acts 18. He is described as being “well-versed in the scriptures…he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.” The narrative goes on to explain that […]
A friend was searching for the oldest Christmas hymns and stumbled upon this hymn. So, it lead me to search out the stories behind these old Christmas hymns. The song was composed in Latin by St. Hilary of Poitiers in the fourth century. The Latin translation is “Jesus refulsit omnium”. The song is said to have been composed after the first […]
