The Christmas Candle

Today I would like to introduce you to a little-known Christmas carol called “The Christmas Candle.” Its lyrics were written a century ago by an American poet named Anna Hempstead Branch. These lyrics were set to music by another female American, a composer named Roberta Bitgood, in 1937.

I discovered this carol when Tara and I sang it with the church choir at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bay City during their Christmas concert this past Sunday afternoon. I can’t find an online recording of the carol for you to listen to, so we’ll have to make do with just the lyrics. But they are powerful enough by themselves. Read them slowly, thoughtfully, carefully: Continue reading →

Forgiveness: Our Responsibility

This week, we conclude our brief look at forgiveness, the theme of our sermon series during the season of Lent.  In Ephesians 5:8-14, we find a clear call for people who have been forgiven:  that we should live as children of light, having nothing to do with the deeds of darkness.  What does this look like, and what does it all mean?  Listen in to Pastor David’s message on this passage:

Listen now!

In the Beginning

The Gospel according to John opens with three famous words: “In the beginning…”  On this, the first Sunday of 2014, Pastor David preaches on John 1:1-18, a passage which introduces to us the Word of God:  Jesus Christ himself.  How can this Word and the light he brings into the world transform our lives?  Listen in to this week’s sermon!

Listen now!