December 15, 2006

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)

Dear Friends and Members of Grace,

I have discovered that the higher arts offer some of the most poignant commentaries upon Holy Scripture. Yet, it is not only the visual arts, but also the musical arts that capture the beauty of the Gospel. One such instance is found in what has become my favorite Christmas hymn: "Where Shepherds Lately Knelt" (Lutheran Service Book #369). The tune (entitled "Manger Song") was composed by Lutheran hymn writer Carl Schalk and offers a beautiful melody to capture the manger scene. All the more gripping is the poetry of the text penned by Lutheran theologian Jaroslav Vajda. The four stanzas of the hymn are as follows.

Where shepherds lately knelt and kept the angel's word,
I come in half belief, a pilgrim strangely stirred;
But there is room and welcome there for me,
But there is room and welcome there for me.

In that unlikely place I find Him as they said:
Sweet new-born babe, how frail! and in a manger bed:
A still, small voice to cry one day for me,
A still, small voice to cry one day for me.

How should I not have known Isaiah would be there,
His prophecies fulfilled? With pounding heart I stare:
A child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me,
A child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me.

Can I, will I forget how Love was born and burned
Its way into my heart - unasked, unforced, unearned,
To die, to live, and not alone for me,
To die, to live, and not alone for me?

Much could be said about the theological insights of the hymn (I am always seized by the proclamation in the third stanza that all of Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled in this child laid in the manger). Much could also be said of the poetic nuances employed by Vajda, such as the repeated closing line of each stanza. Yet I have found the greatest value of this hymn is its marriage (talk about a match made in heaven!) of great theology with poetic artistry as each stanza is closed with the same two words - "for me".

The angels told the shepherds that the Savior was born for them - "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." And in this hymn we sing the Gospel reality that this child is also born for us - that we are welcome at His manger crib, that His voice speaks for us, that He is our Prince of Peace, that He will die and live for us. Those are the words of faith. The devil and his horde know what Jesus did and why He was born. But they lack faith, unwilling and unable to recognize that Christ does this "for me". Yet you and I have been blessed with the eyes of faith to see that the Son of God took on human flesh not just for the whole world (which He certainly did), but even specifically "for me!" And the Lord tenderly invites us to recognize that what was true of our Incarnate Savior at the manger is still true in our Incarnate Savior at the Lord's Table. There He tells us to eat and drink for this is His body and blood shed "for you" for the forgiveness of your sins. As you meditate upon the miracle of Christ's birth this Christmastide, rejoice that you too can say that all this is "for me."

The Peace of the Lord be with you,

Pastor Golden

Did He Really Say That? Have you ever found yourself wondering if you heard Pastor correctly during a sermon? Now you can check to see if you heard him correctly by listening to the Sunday sermons on the web. Go to our website (www.glchsmo.org), click on the "Listen" tab on the left, and choose the sermon you want to hear. Also, check out the newly updated "Events Calendar" on the site.

Church De-Decorating: Join us on Saturday, January 6, 2007, 3 p.m. as we take down the church Christmas decorations in preparation for the season of Epiphany.

Pictorial Directory: The final touches are being put on Grace's new pictorial directory by the design committee. Anyone who did not have their picture for the directory but would like to submit a family photo (vertical orientation is preferred) should place it in the church office by Christmas. Likewise, anyone having photos of activities at Grace for the activity pages should leave them in the office by Christmas.

New Member Class: A series of classes leading to membership at Grace will commence early in the New Year. If you are interested in attending, contact Pastor Golden.

New Member Banquet: We will be thanking the Lord for the blessing of the new members who have joined Grace in 2006 at the annual New Member Banquet on Sunday, January 14, 2007 following the service. Bring a dish, get to know our new members, and welcome them into the congregation.

LifeLight: LifeLight will resume on Monday, January 8, 2007, 7 p.m. for a study of Miracles - Biblical and Contemporary. Anyone interested in participating should contact Pastor Golden by December 17 so sufficient materials may be ordered.

Advent & Christmas Services

Sunday, December 17 - Third Sunday of Advent - Children's Program "From Heav'n Above"

Wednesday, December 20 - Third Wednesday of Advent - "Sing with a Joyful Tongue"

Sunday, December 24, 10 am - Fourth Sunday of Advent - "Anticipating What's Under the Wrapping"

Sunday, December 24, 5 pm - Christmas Eve - "The Love of God Made Manifest"

Sunday, December 24, 11 pm - Christmas Vigil - "Coming Out Party"

Monday, December 25, 10 am - Christmas Day - "The Joy of the Nativity"

Sunday, December 31, 10 am - First Sunday after Christmas - "Christmas Clothes"

Sunday, December 31 - 5 pm - New Year's Eve - "Time Change"