This week's Bible study tip is: Don't forget the Old Testament! A lot of people are drawn to studying the New Testament because it is "easier" - you don't have to have an understanding of a culture so radically different from ours, or try to dig through the Mosaic Law or prophecy. But there are plenty of Old Testament books perfect for beginning Bible students; specifically, Genesis, Exodus, Judges, Ruth, Esther, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes only require reading it and thinking about it, no deep research into language or culture required! :-)
For this week's Christmas hymn, I'd like to share Andrea Bocelli's version of "What Child Is This?" I'd never heard this version before today, and I think it's a beautiful blend of traditional reverence (the male voice) and contemporary-style rejoicing (the female voice):
Here are the song's full lyrics:
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping,
Whom angels greet with antems sweet.
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary!
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Come, have no fear, God's Son is here,
His love all loves exceeding.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The Cross He bore for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word made Flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come, peasant, king, to own Him!
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him!
Raise, raise the song on high!
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy! joy! for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary!
Have you ever hesitated to study the Old Testament, only to do so and discover something amazing form it?
Do you know of any cool versions of "What Child Is This?"
Any prayer requests? :-)
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