Bible study tip of the week: When you want to study a Bible story you're highly familiar with (like the Garden of Eden, Jonah, the Christmas story, etc.), it's really important to to separate out what you really know about the story from what you "know" about the story (traditions and interpretations)...but this is much easier said than done.  Here's a method I suggest giving a try: On a piece of paper, write down every single detail you think you know about the story - not only the who, what, when, where, why, and how, all in precise detail, but meanings, applications, and interpretations you've heard taught.  Then, check every single item on that list against the the passage in the Bible itself.  You may be surprised what doesn't match up.

For this week's Christmas song, I'd like to share Third Day's version of "O Holy Night."  I love their version because they brought some of the high notes down to the point that non-singers can actually sing along, but their use of instruments prevents that from detracting from the dramatic climaxes of the song.  Enjoy.



And, you know me - I like to share the *full* lyrics to songs, even though (and since!) they're rarely song.  Here are the full lyrics to "O Holy Night":

O holy night!
The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world
In sin and error pining,
Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees!
O hear the angel voices!
O night divine,
O night when Christ was born;
O night divine,
O night, O night divine.

Led by the light of
Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by the light of
A star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings
Lay thus in lowly manger;
IN all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need,
To our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King!
Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King,
Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us
To love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break
For the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy
In grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord!
O praise His name forever,
His power and glory
Evermore proclaim.
His power and glory
Evermore proclaim.

Are any Christmas songs especially impactful to you this year?

Any prayer requests?