The moment is magic. A hush descends as the Christmas Eve service is about to begin. And then a single child’s voice breaks the silence, singing: “Once in royal David’s city…” This tradition, first started at King’s College in its annual service of Lessons and Carols, has spread throughout the Anglican world and now to…
The True Story of Santa Claus
Is Santa real? Yes, he is, and his true story involves a 4th-century bishop, a 19th-century Anglican, liturgical vestments, and an altercation with a heretic. The true story is so fabulous, only the kids would believe it! Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus The name Santa Claus is a contraction of the name Saint Nicholas. Nicholas…
Today in the Spirit: Christmas 2A
1 John 2:6 says: Whoever claims to live in [God] must walk as Jesus did (NIV). The whole point of having church seasons with a set lectionary and common prayers is that year after year, we should “walk as Jesus did” through his entire life from pre-existence to his return in glory. So the church…
Today in the Spirit: Christmas Day A
Two days prior to the delivery of a package Amazon sends you an email saying, “Your package will arrive soon;” then again one day prior, “Your package will arrive tomorrow;” then, finally, on the day of delivery, “Your package has arrived.” It is all exciting; the early notifications play an important role in building up…
Nine Lessons and Carols: A Rookie Anglican Guide
The Anglican tradition has inherited many ancient pieces of liturgy. Therefore, it may be surprising to learn that the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (traditionally held on or near Christmas Eve) is a relatively recent invention. It celebrated a century of the practice in 2018. Born from the profound grief and turmoil of the…
The Incarnation: What is it? Why does it matter?
During the Christmas season, I keep returning to the doctrine of the incarnation. St. John writes in the opening verses of his gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:1, 14 The Doctrine of the…
Christmas & The Holidays
In order to navigate this in our own culture, it might be helpful for us to see “the holidays” as distinct from “Christmas.”
