Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Reflection - O Come, All Ye Faithful

Source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Chapter 11, "O Come, All Ye Faithful", Page 114.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Why is it important that we should have a proper understanding of who Jesus is?
PHOTO: Why is it important that we should have a proper understanding of who Jesus is?
Because what we believe about Jesus affects our attitude towards Him and the way we relate to Him.

It is important to recognise a doctrinally sound and biblically accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ. It underlines His full divinity and inspires us to worship Him for who He is. Heretic may spread dangerous view that called into question the divinity of Christ. But sound doctrine like the Nicene Creed is connected with deep devotion. Because it make clear the faith of the church, concerning Christ.


What would you say about Him, in your own words?
Jesus is not merely the simple baby of a poor couple, without even a proper place to call home. He is the "King of heaven", where angels dwell. He has come in humility to save us all. We should use eyes of faith to see that the child is more than an ordinary human being, for this child is nothing less than the King of heaven. It is because of who He is that our song can be joyful and triumphant.


How does what you know about Jesus help to adore Him?
The apostle Pau wrote about Christ:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7)

Such was Christ's humility for our sake. He deserves our wholehearted worship for emptying himself of what was rightfully His so that we can gain what was not rightfully ours - a blessed eternity. We are challenged to recognise the lengths to which Christ went to save us. He travelled the longest distance possible (from holy heaven to sinful earth), bending low to lift us up from the mud of sin. He stooped down to make us great (Psalm 18:35). C. S. Lewis wrote so aptly, "The Son of God became a Son of Man that sons of men might become sons of God". By knowing this about Jesus help us to adore Him. This is at the heart of our Christmas celebration.


Think of a few new ways in which you can express your adoration of Jesus.
We are urged to continue the glorious singing, exalting Christ in the highest way possible (Revelation 5:11-12). And, as the angelic choir sing, we are called to come and adore the Lord Jesus Christ as our King. In this way, Christ is worshipped in heaven and on earth - and in our hearts.

We greet and welcome Him with joy, for His birth has made this a happy and blessed morning - as every day will become when He is king of our lives. In one more Christological phrase, the song reminds us of who Jesus is, as declared by the apostle John in his gospel. Christ is the Word of God (John 1:1) and in Him, the Word become flesh (John 1:14).

This Christmas carol repeatedly invites us to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord. The word "adore" comes from the Latin adorare, meaning "to worship". We must worship Christ, who gave His life for us. We must present our whole life to Him as an acceptable offering - while we are still living here on earth.

We are reminded of the apostle Paul's exhortation: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1). We should not hold back anything from Christ, who did not hold back anything for our sake.
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This favourite carol of many dates back to as early as the thirteenth century. It is not clear who the original author was.
PHOTO: This favourite carol of many dates back to as early as the thirteenth century. It is not clear who the original author was.
Picture posted by mamnonchientho on Wednesday, 03 October 2018 at 21:12
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O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels:
O come, let us adore Him, (3x)
Christ the Lord.

God of God, light of light,
Lo, he abhors not the Virgin's womb;
Very God, begotten, not created:
O come, let us adore Him, (3x)
Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above!
Glory to God, glory in the highest:
O come, let us adore Him, (3x)
Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus to thee be glory given!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore Him, (3x)
Christ the Lord.

(Source: Service Book and Hymnal [Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing Home, 1958], #42)


Some believe that it was written by St. Bonaventure in the thirteenth century.
PHOTO: Some believe that it was written by St. Bonaventure in the thirteenth century. Others attribute it to a king, John IV of Portugal (1604-1656), who was also known as "The Musician King". Some scholars believe that the Latin hymn was written by the Englishman John Francis Wade (1711-1786).
Picture posted by Discerning Hearts - St. Bonaventure
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https://www.discerninghearts.com/catholic-podcasts/st-bonaventure-novena-day-8-discerning-hearts-podcast/


History of the Carol [1]
This favourite carol of many dates back to as early as the thirteenth century. It is not clear who the original author was.

Some believe that it was written by St. Bonaventure in the thirteenth century. Others attribute it to a king, John IV of Portugal (1604-1656), who was also known as "The Musician King". He was an enthusiastic patron of the arts and an accomplished composer himself. The earliest known manuscripts of the hymn date back to 1640, where John IV was noted as the writer of the hymn. It is for this reason that the hymn is also called "The Portuguese Hymn". The hymn is in Latin - "Adeste Fideles" ("Be present, faithful ones"), John IV's daughter, Catherine of Braganza, married King Charles II of England, and may have brought the Latin hymn to England.

Some scholars believe that the Latin hymn was written by the Englishman John Francis Wade (1711-1786). Wade was sympathetic to the Jacobite cause - the attempt by Charles Edward Stuart (also known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie" or "the Young Pretender") to retake the British throne for the exiled House of Stuart. When the Jacobite uprising in 1745 failed, Wade (and Charles) escaped to France. Some historians have argued that Wade's "Adeste Fidele" was a coded celebration of Bonnie Prince Charlie's birth, the "faithful" being a reference to Jacobite supporters.

What we can be certain of is that the English translation of the hymn was written by Roman Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880) in 1841; Oakeley's father was the governor of Madras, India. Initially ordained as an Anglican priest, Oakeley became a Roman Catholic. His translation of the hymn has the first line as "Ye faithful, approach ye", which was eventually changed to the form we are familiar with today.

The current melody come from the English Hymnal (1906).


Frederick Oakeley, author of ‘O come, all ye faithful’
PHOTO: Frederick Oakeley, author of ‘O come, all ye faithful’
What we can be certain of is that the English translation of the hymn was written by Roman Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880) in 1841.
Picture posted by Patrick Comerford on Tuesday, 17 May 2016
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http://www.patrickcomerford.com/2016/05/o-come-all-ye-faithful-christmas-carol.html


Biblical Insights from the Carol [1]
The hymn is a celebration of the birth of Christ and calls us to gather in His presence to adore Him as Christ the Lord. The hymn brings us to the manger scene, joining the shepherds and others in paying homage to Christ, the new-born king.


The hymn is a celebration of the birth of Christ. It brings us to the manger scene, joining the shepherds and others in paying homage to Christ, the new-born king.
PHOTO: The hymn is a celebration of the birth of Christ. It brings us to the manger scene, joining the shepherds and others in paying homage to Christ, the new-born king.
Picture posted by merselkebir.org
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In Stanza 1, we are invited to "Come and behold Him". The term "King of angels" is another way of saying "King of heaven", where angels dwell. We are not to go away thinking that this is merely the simple baby of a poor couple, without even a proper place to call home. We should use eyes of faith to see that the child is more than an ordinary human being, for this child is nothing less than the King of heaven. He has come in humility to save us all. It is because of who He is that our song can be joyful and triumphant.


We should use eyes of faith to see that the child is more than an ordinary human being, for this child is nothing less than the King of heaven.
PHOTO: We should use eyes of faith to see that the child is more than an ordinary human being, for this child is nothing less than the King of heaven. He has come in humility to save us all. It is because of who He is that our song can be joyful and triumphant.
Picture saved by Donna Peterson
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Stanza 2 says more about Christ. It borrows phrases from the Nicene Creed, which was a declaration of faith by the church in the fourth century AD. This creed has been embraced ever since by all major branches of the Christian church. The Creed arose as a result of false teachings about God and Christ. Arius, an Alexandrian heretic, was spreading a dangerous view that called into question the divinity of Christ. Christ, he claimed, was only the most perfect of God's creation, but was not equal to God. The 318 bishops who gathered at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 condemned Arius's view and, to make clear the faith of the church, produced the Nicene Creed (which was further expanded later in the century).


The Nicene Creed
PHOTO: The Nicene Creed
The Creed arose as a result of false teachings about God and Christ. Arius, an Alexandrian heretic, was spreading a dangerous view that called into question the divinity of Christ. Christ, he claimed, was only the most perfect of God's creation, but was not equal to God.
Picture saved from DecemberEnvy
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In the Creed, we find these words concerning Christ:

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from light,
true God from true God.
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.

Some of the phrases in the Creed are echoed by the hymn: "God of God, light of light" and "Very God, begotten, not created" (Stanza 2). It is important to recognise that what we believe about Jesus affects our attitude towards Him and the way we relate to Him. This hymn provides a doctrinally sound and biblically accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ. It underlines His full divinity and inspires us to worship Him for who He is. Sound doctrine is connected with deep devotion.


It is important to recognise that what we believe about Jesus affects our attitude towards Him and the way we relate to Him.
PHOTO:  It is important to recognise that what we believe about Jesus affects our attitude towards Him and the way we relate to Him.
This hymn provides a doctrinally sound and biblically accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ.  It underlines His full divinity and inspires us to worship Him for who He is. Sound doctrine is connected with deep devotion.
Picture posted by Kairos Media, Jesus Youth
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Though Christ was God, He "abhors not the Virgin's womb" (Stanza 2). The apostle Paul, probably quoting an ancient hymn in the church, wrote about Christ:

Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7)


Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7)
PHOTO: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7)
Picture posted by St Yeghiche Armenian Church
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Such was Christ's humility for our sake. He deserves our wholehearted worship for emptying himself of what was rightfully His so that we can gain what was not rightfully ours - a blessed eternity. We are challenged to recognise the lengths to which Christ went to save us. He travelled the longest distance possible (from holy heaven to sinful earth), bending low to lift us up from the mud of sin. He stooped down to make us great (Psalm 18:35). C. S. Lewis wrote so aptly, "The Son of God became a Son of Man that sons of men might become sons of God". This is at the heart of our Christmas celebration.


Such was Christ's humility for our sake.
PHOTO: Such was Christ's humility for our sake. He deserves our wholehearted worship for emptying himself of what was rightfully His so that we can gain what was not rightfully ours - a blessed eternity. "The Son of God became a Son of Man that sons of men might become sons of God". This is at the heart of our Christmas celebration.
Picture saved by Jahaziel to JW
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/10/reflection-how-to-define-and-explain.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/11/reflection-jesus-our-creator-physician.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2018/02/reflection-making-sure-you-go-to-jesus.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/08/reflection-imitating-christ-in-our.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/04/reflection-jonah-gets-second-chance_13.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-from-realms-of-glory.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-god-rest-ye-merry-gentlemen.html


Stanza 3 is addressed first to the angelic choir. They are urged to continue their glorious singing, exalting Christ in the highest way possible (Revelation 5:11-12). And, as they sing, we are called to come and adore the Lord Jesus Christ as our King. In this way, Christ is worshipped in heaven and on earth - and in our hearts.


The angels are urged to continue their glorious singing, exalting Christ in the highest way possible (Revelation 5:11-12).
PHOTO: The angels are urged to continue their glorious singing, exalting Christ in the highest way possible (Revelation 5:11-12). And, as they sing, we are called to come and adore the Lord Jesus Christ as our King. In this way, Christ is worshipped in heaven and on earth - and in our hearts.
Picture posted by weebly.com - And the Angels Sang
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The final stanza is addressed to the Lord Jesus himself. We greet and welcome Him with joy, for His birth has made this a happy and blessed morning - as every day will become when He is king of our lives. In one more Christological phrase, the song reminds us of who Jesus is, as declared by the apostle John in his gospel. Christ is the Word of God (John 1:1) and in Him, the Word become flesh (John 1:14).


We greet and welcome Him with joy, for His birth has made this a happy and blessed morning - as every day will become when He is king of our lives.
PHOTO: We greet and welcome Him with joy, for His birth has made this a happy and blessed morning - as every day will become when He is king of our lives.
Picture posted by domovoy-net.ru on 12 December 2019
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This Christmas carol repeatedly invites us to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord. The word "adore" comes from the Latin adorare, meaning "to worship". We must worship Christ, who gave His life for us. We must present our whole life to Him as an acceptable offering - while we are still living here on earth.


This Christmas carol repeatedly invites us to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord.
PHOTO: This Christmas carol repeatedly invites us to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord. We must worship Christ, who gave His life for us. We must present our whole life to Him as an acceptable offering - while we are still living here on earth.
Picture posted by 99px
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https://99px.ru/sstorage/56/2011/01/11001111728198543.gif
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We are reminded of the apostle Paul's exhortation: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1). We should not hold back anything from Christ, who did not hold back anything for our sake.


We are reminded of the apostle Paul's exhortation
PHOTO: We are reminded of the apostle Paul's exhortation: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1). We should not hold back anything from Christ, who did not hold back anything for our sake.
Picture posted by domovoy-net.ru on 12 December 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmbShG1Avgp44bKLAMpPm9bzcRCkF8YhJpZNe1C6Q8Mo3FX0p4ihAlBvmNgSTbZRipLKP8Q48aqmkzUVmepnWvl5O4s0k-8J_lezDhpckQ8D_WKWvR0ymxYZ6QhmzO31yPzBTjIDeCs8/s1600/1292625.jpg
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https://domovoy-net.ru/otkritki-hora_l3096.php


Why is it important that we should have a proper understanding of who Jesus is? What would you say about Him, in your own words? How does what you know about Jesus help to adore Him? Think of a few new ways in which you can express your adoration of Jesus.

Why is it important that we should have a proper understanding of who Jesus is?
Because what we believe about Jesus affects our attitude towards Him and the way we relate to Him.


Why is it important that we should have a proper understanding of who Jesus is?
PHOTO: Why is it important that we should have a proper understanding of who Jesus is?
Because what we believe about Jesus affects our attitude towards Him and the way we relate to Him.
Picture saved by Etsy - Jesus in Nature
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/155303887208499250/


It is important to recognise a doctrinally sound and biblically accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ. It underlines His full divinity and inspires us to worship Him for who He is. Heretic may spread dangerous view that called into question the divinity of Christ. But sound doctrine like the Nicene Creed is connected with deep devotion. Because it make clear the faith of the church, concerning Christ.


What would you say about Him, in your own words?
Jesus is not merely the simple baby of a poor couple, without even a proper place to call home. He is the "King of heaven", where angels dwell. He has come in humility to save us all. We should use eyes of faith to see that the child is more than an ordinary human being, for this child is nothing less than the King of heaven. It is because of who He is that our song can be joyful and triumphant.


What would you say about Him, in your own words?
PHOTO: What would you say about Him, in your own words?
Jesus is not merely the simple baby of a poor couple, without even a proper place to call home. He is the "King of heaven", where angels dwell. He has come in humility to save us all.
Artwork by Noah - A Savior is Born
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How does what you know about Jesus help to adore Him?
The apostle Paul wrote about Christ:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7)


How does what you know about Jesus help to adore Him?
How does what you know about Jesus help to adore Him?
PHOTO: How does what you know about Jesus help to adore Him?
The apostle Paul wrote about Christ:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7)
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/04/reflection-jonah-gets-second-chance_13.html
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Such was Christ's humility for our sake. He deserves our wholehearted worship for emptying himself of what was rightfully His so that we can gain what was not rightfully ours - a blessed eternity. We are challenged to recognise the lengths to which Christ went to save us. He travelled the longest distance possible (from holy heaven to sinful earth), bending low to lift us up from the mud of sin. He stooped down to make us great (Psalm 18:35). C. S. Lewis wrote so aptly, "The Son of God became a Son of Man that sons of men might become sons of God". By knowing this about Jesus help us to adore Him. This is at the heart of our Christmas celebration.


Think of a few new ways in which you can express your adoration of Jesus.
We are urged to continue the glorious singing, exalting Christ in the highest way possible (Revelation 5:11-12). And, as the angelic choir sing, we are called to come and adore the Lord Jesus Christ as our King. In this way, Christ is worshipped in heaven and on earth - and in our hearts.


Think of a few new ways in which you can express your adoration of Jesus.
PHOTO: Think of a few new ways in which you can express your adoration of Jesus.
We are urged to continue the glorious singing, exalting Christ in the highest way possible (Revelation 5:11-12).
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We greet and welcome Him with joy, for His birth has made this a happy and blessed morning - as every day will become when He is king of our lives. In one more Christological phrase, the song reminds us of who Jesus is, as declared by the apostle John in his gospel. Christ is the Word of God (John 1:1) and in Him, the Word become flesh (John 1:14).


We greet and welcome Him with joy, for His birth has made this a happy and blessed morning - as every day will become when He is king of our lives.
PHOTO: We greet and welcome Him with joy, for His birth has made this a happy and blessed morning - as every day will become when He is king of our lives.
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This Christmas carol repeatedly invites us to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord. The word "adore" comes from the Latin adorare, meaning "to worship". We must worship Christ, who gave His life for us. We must present our whole life to Him as an acceptable offering - while we are still living here on earth.


This Christmas carol repeatedly invites us to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord.
PHOTO: This Christmas carol repeatedly invites us to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord. We must worship Christ, who gave His life for us. We must present our whole life to Him as an acceptable offering - while we are still living here on earth.
Artwork by Emerald
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We are reminded of the apostle Paul's exhortation: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1). We should not hold back anything from Christ, who did not hold back anything for our sake.


Dear Lord, please help us to have a proper understanding of who Jesus is. Because what we believe about Jesus affects our attitude towards Him and the way we relate to Him.
Dear Lord, please help us to have a proper understanding of who Jesus is. Because what we believe about Jesus affects our attitude towards Him and the way we relate to Him.
PHOTO: “Dear Lord, please help us to have a proper understanding of who Jesus is. Because what we believe about Jesus affects our attitude towards Him and the way we relate to Him.

We learn that it is important to recognise a doctrinally sound and biblically accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ. It underlines His full divinity and inspires us to worship Him for who He is. Heretic may spread dangerous view that called into question the divinity of Christ. But sound doctrine is connected with deep devotion, because it make clear the faith of the church, concerning Christ.

Thank You for making us realise that Jesus is not merely the simple baby of a poor couple, without even a proper place to call home. He is the ‘King of heaven’, where angels dwell. He has come in humility to save us all. It is because of who He is that our song can be joyful and triumphant.

Christ had made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, for our sake. He deserves our wholehearted worship for emptying himself of what was rightfully His so that we can gain what was not rightfully ours - a blessed eternity. By knowing this about Jesus help us to adore Him. This is at the heart of our Christmas celebration.

Please help us to continue the glorious singing, exalting Christ in the highest way possible. And, as the angelic choir sing, we are called to come and adore the Lord Jesus Christ as our King. In this way, Christ is worshipped in heaven and on earth - and in our hearts.

We greet and welcome Him with joy, for His birth has made this a happy and blessed morning - as every day will become when He is king of our lives. We want to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord.

We want to worship Christ, who gave His life for us. We want to present our whole life to Him as an acceptable offering - while we are still living here on earth. We want to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. We do not want to hold back anything from Christ, who did not hold back anything for our sake.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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Reflection - O Come, All Ye Faithful
Question from source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Chapter 11, "O Come, All Ye Faithful", Page 114.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012






Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
Reference
[1] From "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Copyright © 2017 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-11-6752-2, Chapter 11, "O Come, All Ye Faithful", Page 107-114.


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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