Beatitudes: The “Poor in Spirit”

What in the world does “poor in spirit” mean? And what IS happiness exactly? In this lesson, Mike begins an exploration of The Beatitudes — the “be happy attitudes,” as they have been called — beginning with a discussion of the idea of what it means to be poor in spirit.

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

This is the third lesson from Mike based on well-known Christmas carols. “Hark the herald angels sing ‘Glory to the newborn king’ Peace on earth, and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled.” This deeply theological song, originally written by Charles Wesley in 1739, is the Christmas story. What are angels exactly? They are God’s messengers.…

Christmas Carols: “Joy to the World”

The song we know as “Joy to the World” was actually inspired by Psalm 98. It was written by the “Father of English Hymnody,” Isaac Watts. However, the truth is that “Joy to the World” was not written as a Christmas song at all!