Monday
Dec082014

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 66. What are sacraments?

Answer: Sacraments are holy signs and seals for us to see. They are instituted by God so that by our use of them he might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel and might put his seal on that promise. (a)

And this is the gospel promise: to forgive our sins and give us eternal life by grace alone because of Christ’s one sacrifice finished on the cross. (b)

(Scriptural proofs after the fold.)

Click to read more ...

Saturday
Dec062014

Sunday's Hymn: As with Gladness Men of Old

As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious God, may we
Evermore be led to thee.

As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly cradle bed,
There to bend the knee before
Him whom heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek thy mercy-seat.

As they offered gifts most rare
At that cradle rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure, and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to thee, our heav’nly King.

Holy Jesus, ev’ry day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds thy glory hide.

In the heav’nly country bright
Need they no created light;
Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown,
Thou its Sun which goes not down;
There for ever may we sing
Alleluias to our King.

Other hymns, worship songs, prayers, sermons excerpts, or quotes posted today:

Have you posted a hymn (or sermon, sermon notes, prayer, etc.) today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by contacting me using the contact form linked above, and I’ll add your post to the list.

Thursday
Dec042014

Thankful Thursday

Here are a few things I’m thankful for this evening.

  • safe travels, for my son, who is on a road trip right now, and for the rest of the family as we drive around daily taking care of our business.

  • house plants and candles bringing life to my home in the dead of winter.

  • strength and energy to help care for my grandchildren and keep up with my other duties.

  • advent season and the opportunity to reflect on the Son’s first coming. And while I’m thinking of it, for the promise that the Son will come again—his second advent.

What are you thankful for? Leave a comment with your thanksgiving, post your thanksgiving on your blog, or tweet it. Give me the link by email or in a comment and I’ll add your thanksgiving to the list in the post.