Hymn 105 - Praise God the Lord, Ye Sons of Men

This week we study the Christmas hymn "Praise God the Lord, Ye Sons of Men" (Hymn 105 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by Nikolaus Herman in the sixteenth century. Herman was from Bohemia, but this hymn became one of the most popular Christmas hymns in Germany following the Lutheran Reformation. 

As we reflect on this hymn we will discuss some of the western views that have been inserted into Christmas hymns and pictures that are not actually part of the Biblical narrative, but are added into the Christmas account from a European perspective. This is a reminder of the importance of being firmly grounded in the Scriptures themselves, and not basing our images of Christmas on songs or pictures.

This hymn was written for children, and marvelously brings out the miracle of the Incarnation, as Jesus, who is God from eternity, takes on flesh and becomes human. Through this miracle, the LORD accomplishes the "great exchange" -- the sinless for the sinful, and wins salvation and eternal life for those who were under the curse of sin. Through Jesus' work through the incarnation, the door to heaven has been opened for sinners. This is what Christmas is truly about!

Join us as we study this hymn about the miracle of the incarnation, the God-Man, our Savior, and the true meaning of Christmas!