“Carol of the Bells”

Bells have been used for centuries to mark events of significance. Carol of the Bells was composed by the Ukrainian composer, Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych, and is frequently performed by handbell choirs. These handbell ringers in Taipei are unique, however; their entrance and processional as they ring out the notes enhances and expresses the joyous melody. […]

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“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us…”

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4–5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and […]

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“Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht”

In many churches I’ve attended it is a tradition to close the Christmas Eve service by singing Silent Night.  This carol was written and first sung in Oberndorf, Austria. “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! […]

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“For Unto Us A Child Is Born…”

The wonder and glory of the birth of Jesus resound as the words of Isaiah 9:6 are sung in this chorus from Handel’s Messiah. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty […]

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Journey to Bethlehem

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son…. Galatians 4:4a God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son… Hebrews 1:1-2 God spoke through the prophet Malachi of a […]

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“Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendour”

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 The lyrics of Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendour were written in China by Frank Houghton, an Englishman. The words, […]

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“Mary, Did You Know?”

There are some songs with words and music so personally significant, I still remember the first time I heard them. I first heard Mary, Did You Know? at it was sung at the water’s edge of a town harbor by a small vocal ensemble during an outdoor Christmas celebration over ten years ago. The lyrics and […]

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3 John: Truth & Love

Read the Bible in 2011 ◊ Week 51: Sunday The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, […]

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Revelation 7–11: The Kingdom of Our Lord & of His Christ

Read the Bible in 2011 ◊ Week 50: Friday Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before […]

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