The Twin Steeples Podcast

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!

Hymn 63 - On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's Cry

This week we study the hymn "On Jordan's Bank, the Baptist's Cry" (Hymn 63 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by Charles Coffin in the eighteenth century. One of the unique features of Coffin's hymns is that he wrote them in Latin, even though it was a "dead language" when he penned it. This shows the importance that Latin played in the theological language of the Church.

This hymn is found in the Advent section of our hymnal, and highlights the ministry of John the Baptizer who came to prepare the way for Jesus. 

Coffin's point in writing this hymn is that John's work of 21 centuries ago, is just as needed for us today as it was then. We too, need to heed and "harken" to the message of the Baptizer who preached repentance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Join us as we study this hymn about our need to prepare for the Savior, not by decorations or goodies, but through sincere faith and repentance over sin, eagerly looking forward to the coming of Jesus because we NEED Him! "Prepare my heart, Lord Jesus!"

December 18, 2024

• Devotion
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

 

• Announcements
  • Christmas Eve Practice during Sunday School Hour
  • Bible Class
  • Caroling in Washington Park
  • ILS Christmas Concert
  • Midweek Advent
  • Ladies' Auxiliary
  • No College Bible Study next week
  • Upcoming Podcast Schedule
  • Christmas and New Year's Schedule

 

• Prayer List 
  • Pastor John Hein
  • Pastor Tim Wheaton
  • Marlene Hanel
  • Margaret Schreyer
  • Margaret Fraze
  • School Health
  • Mission in Nigeria

 

• Common Christian Q&A
  • 2 John 1:10-11

 

• Hymn 75 "Ye Sons, of Men, Oh, Hearken” 

December 11, 2024

• Devotion
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

 

• Announcements
  • Sunday School and Bible Class
  • Advent Afternoon
  • Church Council Update
  • Midweek Advent
  • Ladies' Auxiliary
  • Caroling in the Park
  • Christmas and New Year's Schedule

 

• Prayer List 
  • Pastor John Hein
  • Pastor Tim Wheaton
  • Marlene Hanel
  • Margaret Schreyer
  • Martin Flowers
  • Board of Elders
  • Mission in Uganda

 

• Hymn 456 “Approach, My Soul, the Mercy Seat” 

Hymn 95 - Savior of the Nations, Come

This week we study the hymn "Savior of the Nations, Come" (Hymn 95 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by the Church Father, Ambrose in the fourth century. This is one of the oldest hymns in our hymnal, and highlights the nature of Jesus as our coming Savior. 

This hymn is found in the Christmas section of our hymnal, although it is placed in the Advent section of many hymnals. We will see that it fits appropriately in either season, as it points to the coming of Jesus, as well as vividly and shamelessly professing the true nature of the Savior as true God and true man. 

This becomes more vivid when we understand that Ambrose and the church of his time were combating the error of Arianism, which taught that Jesus was not true God. This was the error that was condemned in the Nicene Creed in 325, but which continued the plague the Christian church for many more years, and which is still taught in some churches today. For this reason, the Biblical truths confirmed and proclaimed in this hymn are just as important today as they were 1600 years ago!

Join us as we study this hymn about the coming of our Savior, who was both true God and true Man, and as we consider the wonderful implications of this truth for us. "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him" (1 John 4:9). Thanks be to God!