Hello Church!
We all love a good Christmas Carol, right? Well, did you know that Charles Wesley’s classic Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, was actually quite different from the version we now sing? In fact, Wesley titled the song, Hymn for Christmas Day. Here is how the first verse went:
HARK how all the Welkin rings
"Glory to the King of Kings,
"Peace on Earth, and Mercy mild,
"GOD and Sinners reconcil'd!
Joyful all ye Nations rise,
Join the Triumph of the Skies,
Universal Nature say
"CHRIST the LORD is born to Day!
Pretty different, eh? Let’s look at these great words! First, “welkin” is an old term that means “the heavens” or “the abode of God”. He also refers to the “King of Kings” rather than the “newborn King”. One of the biggest differences is where Wesley writes, “Universal Nature say…” rather than “With the angelic host proclaim…”. It is subtle, but I like Wesley’s words better! In our version we call the nations to rise and join the triumph of the skies, and with angelic hosts proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem. This is good. But Wesley had us call not merely the nations, but all creation (nature) to join in the rejoicing. I like that better. The gospel doesn’t just heal our spiritual brokenness but heals (or undoes) all of sin’s withering and decaying effects, including the decay that our sin brought to the natural world. Nature has as much reason to join in the triumphant songs of Christmas as humanity!
So, what’s the point in talking about these old, original lyrics to a Christmas carol? No point really, just to draw more attention to our gracious King who became flesh for our sake! I am glad about one thing that wasn’t changed: the incredible line, “God and Sinners reconcil’d”. That is the greatest possible news. It is the gospel! That in Christ, God made peace for us. That is worth singing about.
In Christ,
Pastor Carl
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WE ARE BEGINNING TWO SERVICES AND REGISTRATION IS OPEN for church this Sunday, November 28 at either 9:15 or 11:00 am when Pastor Carl will be starting the Advent Series "Christmas in Leviticus". Please note that the children's ministry will be taking place during the first service.
Please click here to register for the 9:15 service and
please click here to register for the 11:00 service.
However, if for some unexpected reason, you can no longer join us on Sunday morning, please cancel your ticket to open up a spot for someone else. If you are unable to cancel your ticket, please call the church office at 905-356-6888 before Friday at 4:30 pm.
If you are unable to attend in person, please watch us LIVE on YouTube!
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OUR NEXT REDEEMER KIDS' NIGHT is TONIGHT at 6:00 pm.
We will be learning all about Sin,
and how we can be saved from our punishment. Contact Louisa HERE for more information.
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IF YOU ARE 50+, YOU ARE INVITED to a Evergreens' Christmas Lunch on Thursday, December 16 at 11:30 am at the church. Join us for a Christmas meal with all the trimmings, followed by a program and carol sing, with Esther Cooke at the piano! The cost is $15/person and you must register HERE or by calling the church office no later than December 9. We have a limited number of seats, so register early to reserve your spot! For more information, contact Martha HERE.
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Sunday, November 21, 2021
In-Person Attendance: 138
Weekly Offering: $8,513
Weekly Budget: $9,518
Thank you for your faithful stewardship!
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