“All My Heart This Night Rejoices”

Here is wonderful 17th century Christmas hymn by Paul Gerhardt which expounds the meaning of the Incarnation. This is hymnic gospel proclamation! Let us take great comfort in the work of Christ, God come to get us. All my heart this night rejoices, As I hear, far and near, sweetest angel voices; “Christ is born,” …

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Tolkien, Old Norse Poetry and Preaching

J. R. R. Tolkien was captivated by Old Norse poetry and described it this way: “Old Norse poetry aims at seizing a situation, striking a blow that will be remembered, illuminating a moment with a flash of lightning- and tends to concision, weighty packing of the language in sense and form …” (The Legend of …

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John Newton, Poem on Pastoral Ministry

Tom Ascol posted this poem by John Newton, and I thought it was a powerful portrait of pastoral work. A Minister’s Burden What contradictions meet In ministers’ employ! It is a bitter sweet, A sorrow full of joy: No other post affords a place For equal honor or disgrace. Who can describe the pain Which …

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Journibles

Last year one of the things I requested and received for Christmas was a couple of volumes of Journibles, from Reformation Heritage Books. I have loved them! It is a pretty simple concept (see the series website).  They essentially journals- like ones you might purchase from any bookstore- devoted to certain books or collection of …

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