ongs S Christmas THE OF
Introduction
Each year, we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This Advent season, we turn our attention to the Songs of Christmas, the sacred hymns and carols based on Scripture that proclaim the wonder of His coming.
I always find joy when the songs of Christmas begin to fill the air of our worship service. For me, they are a signal that the season is near; an invitation to reflect and worship. These songs, both ancient and familiar, help awaken our spirits to the beauty and mystery of Christ’s birth.
My prayer is that as you engage with this guide, the songs of Christmas will stir your heart, deepen your joy, and lead you into a fuller celebration of our King. May these devotionals help you hear anew the music of hope, peace, joy, and love that resounds through the story of Jesus.
Come, let us adore Him!
DR. JONATHAN GRENZ Dean, School of Ministry Professor of Ministry and Leadership
2025 Advent Guide Editor
NOVEMBER
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 30
The switch from Thanksgiving to Christmas happens almost instantaneously in our society. You go to the store one day, and everything is fall-themed; you go to the store the next day, and everything is decorated with Christmas lights and colors. Sometimes it can seem as if we go from joy to joy—celebration to celebration—holiday to holiday. There is no space for quiet reflection on the “normal,” even less for grief, longing, or difficulty.
The season of Advent offers a contrast to the rapid switch between seasons. Advent is slow and intentional. It begins with darkness, with longing—a looking forward not from a place of fulfillment, but from a place of need.
In “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” we see this longing and need woven into the verses. It reminds us of the captivity of Israel—the years spent living in exile waiting and hoping for God’s deliverance to come. It reminds us of times of darkness and shadow—days when it felt like sorrow was pressing in from every side and God seemed distant even as we called out to Him. It reminds us of times of division—communities torn apart because of their differences despite the testimony of Scripture that we are all one in Christ Jesus. Advent begins with remembering that we are a people in need of a Savior.
How much sweeter, then, is the chorus, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel has come to thee, O Israel!” When Jesus is born, the angel instructs Joseph to name him Emmanuel in fulfillment of the words of Isaiah the prophet. Emmanuel means “God with us”—a reminder that God has stepped into our loneliness, our shadows, and our divisions. Advent begins with both an awareness of our need for God and the very truth that God has met that need in Jesus Christ—Jesus who has come and will come again.
As you begin this season, take a moment to consider your loneliness, your shadows, and your broken relationships. From that posture of need, fix your eyes on the promise of God in Emmanuel. God is with you.
DR. BRIAN SHOCKEY
Assistant Professor of Ministry, School of Ministry
DECEMBER
Luke 2:25-38
Come, Thou Long- Expected Jesus 01
“…for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
I spent many years in a church whose pastors used language like “on this side of the cross” and “on this side of eternity” as a means to mark time. When we consider those two phrases together, we find ourselves situated right in the middle of the “already” and the “not yet” of the coming of the Kingdom of God.
This hymn was first published in 1744. It has been reproduced in 759 hymnals that span denominations, inviting us to remember another way to think about time: Liturgical time.
The Season of Advent begins the church year: the season of the anticipation of the birth of Christ. Rich with allusions to Scripture, this hymn reminds us of the waiting for the coming of the Messiah, this “long expected Jesus,” whose purpose was proclaimed by the prophets and His birth announced by the angels.
Israel longed for their redeemer, but in a time that was not “on this side of the cross” not everyone had the same idea or saw what Simeon and Anna were able to see through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. We read their story in Luke 2:25-38.
This tiny baby was the long-awaited King. Yes, Jesus was the one Simeon was waiting for, the very consolation of Israel. He was, and is, so much more. He is the light to the Gentiles. He is our sabbath (Heb. 2). He is the one who is able to fulfill every longing in every heart. None of this is because of a thing that we have done, but only because of what He has done. It is by His all-sufficient merit that we can be raised to His glorious throne (Rev. 3:21).
May He reign in your heart in this season of Advent, and forever, as we await His return.
JESSICA PERSON Dean, Spiritual Life
DECEMBER
Isaiah 11:1
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” (NIV)
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming 02
Matthew 2:6
“And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”
I still have the sweater my grandmother would wear whenever it would start getting chilly out—a beautifully knitted black and red wool Pendelton, so appropriate for the season of Advent. More than that, what I associate most with her memory was her love for the traditional German hymn. She was short, but fierce; a fiery force to be reckoned with. Born and raised in a war-torn nation, she clung to the promises of the words of the contemplative hymn.
Isaiah (Isaiah 11:1) foretold the birth of Christ from the worn out, ancient line of Jesse (Matthew 2:6)
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” (NIV)
The hymn speaks of this “tender stem … sprung … a flower, bright, amid the cold of winter when half-gone was the night.”
Have you ever been up north when the cold has taken over the land and the earth has surrendered herself to the harshness of the wind and ice? There’s a bitterness, a harshness to the cold that’s hard to convey. Within the vastness of the Plains, on a cold winter night, when the pale moon is casting its eerie glow on a frozen, foot-stamped path, there’s an almost surreal beauty. In the stillness of the night, when the bones are cold and the teeth are chattering, there is the promise of spring. When we lived in Minnesota, I spent many a year watching the first shoots make their way through the melting snow, pushing upward to the growing daylight hours and the warming of the sunlight, the green so vibrantly juxtaposed against the dirtied snow.
Thanks be to God for the gift of hope we have in Christ’s birth!
This Flower, whose fragrance tender, With sweetness fills the air
DR. LEXI BRYANT
Assistant Professor of Music Theory, College of the Arts
DECEMBER
John 1:1-3
Of the Father’s Love Begotten 03
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
In the Ayayo household, circa 1970s, we had many vinyl Christmas albums, recorded by the likes of Nat King Cole, Robert Goulet, and Alvin and the Chipmunks. They were about Santa and sleigh rides, parties and presents, trees and tinsel. After I (Michael) received Jesus Christ in college, Christmas carols and hymns took on greater significance because they sang of the birth of my Lord and Savior. Yet I did not hear what would become my favorite Christmas song until a dozen years later.
“Of the Father’s Love Begotten” was originally written in Latin in the fourth century, set to a thirteenth century plainsong, and translated into English in the nineteenth century. It is more musically and lyrically challenging than any of the Christmas tunes of my youth. It is also more biblically and theologically grounded.
The hymn opens by declaring that Jesus is “of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be...” This echoes the opening of John’s Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” Successive stanzas point to Christ’s role in creation (“At His word the worlds were framed...”), His incarnation (“He was found in human fashion”), His mission (“the world’s Redeemer”), and His exaltation (“All dominions bow before Him and exalt our God and King”). Each stanza emphasizes that the truths presented stand “evermore and evermore.”
One day, all records, cassettes, CDs, and even Spotify will be silenced forever. Instead, all of us who serve the Alpha and Omega will extol, Christ! to thee with God the Father, and O Holy Ghost, to thee, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be; honor, glory, and dominion, and eternal victory—evermore and evermore.
MICHAEL AND DR. KARELYNNE AYAYO
Michael: Adjunct Instructor, School of Ministry
Karelynne: Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, School of Ministry
DECEMBER
04
Romans 8:1-2
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
O Holy Night
“Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!”
Every December, when the first notes of “O Holy Night” ring out, something stirs in my soul. It is more than nostalgia—it is reverence. I picture the shepherds, rugged and weary, startled by brilliant light and song. Their ordinary night interrupted by a touch of heaven: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy…” The thrill of hope was not a lyrical phrase to them; it was deeply personal. Hope was no longer just a longing; it had a heartbeat. A face. A name: Jesus.
Hope is bold and daring. It believes light can break into darkness. For the shepherds, hope meant that the long-awaited Messiah had come for them. For us, Romans 8 echoes this hope fulfilled: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” What greater thrill than to know we are no longer enslaved to sin, but free! Praise be to God!
“O Holy Night” is more than a Christmas carol. It captures the collision of heaven and earth, of holiness and humanity. In an instant, the cries of a baby became the anthem of redemption. This is why we fall on our knees—not out of fear, but in wonder.
In a world that often feels like a long, dark night, Christmas reminds us of a holy interruption. The light still shines. The hope still thrills. And the invitation still stands: come and adore Him.
DR. DANA A. STRACHAN Dean, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy
DECEMBER
Luke 2:14
“‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.’” (KJV)
Silent Night
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the world was far from silent. Rome’s commands echoed through the land, travelers crowded the roads, and hearts were restless under the weight of expectation. Yet into that noise came a holy stillness—“‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.’”—Luke 2:14 (KJV)
The birth of Christ was not the absence of sound, but the presence of peace. Like gentle “white noise” that softens the jarring clamor around us, the holiness of that night absorbed humanity’s dissonance—fear, despair, and striving—and replaced it with the hum of divine assurance. The cries of a newborn Savior became the steady rhythm of hope that continues to quiet our souls today.
When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we receive more than forgiveness; we receive focus. His Spirit becomes the steady tone beneath life’s chaos, tuning out the shrill distractions of self-reliance and worry. The world shouts that we must control, perform, and prove ourselves. Christ whispers, “Be still.” His presence drowns out the anxious noise with the pure sound of grace—a peace that “surpasses all understanding.”
Just as white noise blocks unwanted sounds so we can rest, Christ silences the inner clamor that keeps us from true rest in God. The manger becomes our reminder that holiness entered the ordinary—straw and dust, fear, and confusion—to bring calm to every heart willing to listen.
In a world filled with restless voices, may we let the song of “Silent Night” play within us: “Sleep in heavenly peace.” For peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Jesus—the Holy One who still quiets the noise.
LAURA C. BISHOP
Executive Vice President for Advancement
DECEMBER
06
Luke 2:8-9
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.”
While WatchedShepherds Their Flocks
I grew up in rural central Kenya. In the evenings, after school, I had to go to our farm a distance away, across the stream, to cut grass and bring it back home for the cows. By the time I took the trek back home, I would have to find my way in pitch dark, through dense bushes, across a swift flowing stream. One consolation on those nightly treks?
The flicker of fireflies, glowing in pitch dark like a million teeny tiny stars that guided my way home.
The hymn “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” has a particular resonance to those who have rural lifeworld experience. The absence of electric floodlights catapults us away from our taken-for-granted, electric-light-saturated comfort into the world of ancient and primal sensibilities. There, the often-unforgiving physical dark is shrouded
with potential and possibility of corporeal threats, even evil. Sometimes, not even a floodlight does any good, for the thief who comes to kill and destroy (John 10:10), does present as an angel of light (1 Cor 11:14).
As a child, I remember bandits who knocked down and robbed a traveler by flooding his face with torchlight. So light or no lights, the shepherds are rightly terrified. In Luke’s telling of the Christmas story, the shepherds, and us with them, are quickly assured, for they, like everyone in their time, have been expecting Messiah. The “Desire of Nations” is finally here.
“Fear not,” says the angel, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” In time, the shepherds would come to know, as would all who heard Him, that this was the good, real shepherd, who has come that we may have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). And in Him is “life, the life that is the light of all mankind, is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1: 4-5).
So, whatever the darkness, or masquerading light that overwhelms our perceptions, our lives or our world today, hear these words:
Fear not! Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind.
DR. WANJIRU GITAU
Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and World Christianity, School of Ministry
DECEMBER
Luke 2:13-14
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” (KJV)
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear 07
Edmund Sears penned these words in 1849. Amid personal grief and national turmoil—the MexicanAmerican War raged—he mourned his father’s recent death. Yet in that ache, he heard the echo of heaven’s melody, a promise piercing the silence. It’s the same hush that fell over the Judean hills on that first Christmas night, captured in Luke 2:13–14 (KJV): “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
In my youth, Christmas Eve sparkled with anticipation, starting with unwrapping one gift from Grandma Boo— always new church clothes. When I was 10, she sent a beautiful red plaid dress, captured forever in a photo of
me standing with Dad by the tree, his smile as warm as the lights. Old enough at last, I joined Mom and my brothers for Midnight Mass, the Florida night clear and starlit, no chill in the air but hearts full of glow. There, Dad played his guitar in the choir, his voice blending with the congregants’ in a tapestry of harmony. Hearing him sing “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” always brought tears of joy to my eyes—the beauty of it all, the angels’ song alive in our midst. Surrounded by family, voices rising like a gentle wave, God’s peace washed over us, not as distant echo but intimate embrace. In that sacred space, heaven bent low, and we were wrapped in its favor.
Sears knew this truth: the carol isn’t just a lullaby for sorrow—it’s a serenade for souls alive with wonder. In our treasured moments, the harps still hum, drawing us nearer to the Christ whose birth silences the night with song.
Reflection Idea: Carve out a midnight pause this season—perhaps under Florida’s clear skies or by a window. Hum “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.” Recall a family melody that stirs your heart, like a father’s voice or a grandmother’s gift. Echo the angels’ words from Luke. Where does God’s favor rest in your joys? Let it tune your tears to praise, a forever-treasured harmony.
DR. KATIE LENTZ
Senior Director of Enrollment and Student Experience Operations
DECEMBER
Luke 2:11
The First Noel 08
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
“The First Noel,” or the first “good news,” refers to the angels’ song to the shepherds in the fields. What a beautiful idea that the first people to hear heaven’s melody weren’t born of royalty or of great status. They were humble shepherds just participating in their nightly routine.
As a musician, I can imagine that exact moment. I imagine it as the most beautiful sound the world has ever heard. One moment, the night was still, but the second, angels were breaking through, proclaiming the Lord’s glory and story of redemption. It makes me think about how God uses sound to reach people: a single note, voice, or song can carry His presence in ways that spoken word alone cannot.
And the shepherds didn’t simply hear the glorious chorus. They listened and responded. They left their fields to go see Jesus for themselves. This is where the heart of worship begins: to desire God, to hear His voice, and to move toward Him.
Like the shepherds two thousand years ago, I want to be attentive when the Lord speaks. Even amid the quiet and most mundane moments, I want to allow His good news to shape my life and my contributions, both musically and personally.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me to listen for Your voice and allow my life to echo the good news of your Son’s arrival. Amen.
EMMIE TURNER
Student, B.A., Popular Music Industry
DECEMBER
09
Luke 2:10–11
“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
When is the last time you heard the word “hark” used in a conversation? This old English word has a beautiful meaning: to “pay attention closely.” In his timeless Christmas hymn, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Charles Wesley invites us to pay close attention to the angelic herald who brought a world-changing message to a group of unexpectant shepherds tending their flock near Bethlehem on a starry night.
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”—Luke 2:10-11
The angel’s breaking news story cuts through the monotony of the shepherds’ night. Unlike the news of our time, this news brings great joy. Think about that: when the gospel is properly understood and received, it naturally produces “great joy” in those who receive the message. Wesley’s hymn reveals the cause of this exuberant joy—“glory to the newborn King: peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”
The joy of the gospel results from the transformation Jesus brought—sinners have been reconciled to God. Once alienated and at enmity with Him, we are now brought near, adopted into His family, and granted everlasting peace through the blood of His Son. Death has lost its sting, sin has lost its power, His Spirit dwells within us, and our Shepherd-King has purchased our salvation. Truly, the Christian has countless reasons to be joyful!
Are you living in that joy today? When you think about Jesus, does gratitude rise in you? If not, take a moment to hark —fix your attention on Christ. Let the truth of the gospel cut through the noise of life and remind you who you are: forgiven, loved, and reconciled. Glory to the newborn King!
DR. JAY JACKSON
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy
DECEMBER
10
Habakkuk 2:20
“But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.”
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
John 6:51
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
There is a sacred stillness that descends when the soul becomes aware of the presence of God. It is a reverence too deep for words, a silence filled not with absence but with awe. The hymn “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” calls the heart into that holy quiet, reminding humanity of the mystery of God.
Such silence feels rare in a restless world. Life rushes forward, and the mind seldom finds rest. Yet the prophet Habakkuk whispers a timeless truth: when the Lord is present, stillness becomes an act of faith.
This carol captures that very moment when creation itself seems to pause, holding its breath before holiness. Imagine a lone figure listening in dim light, the melody unfolding softly like a prayer. In that quiet, the Lord of all creation has come near. The One who shaped the stars has become the living bread for a hungry world. This truth overwhelms the heart. It is the silence of worship, filled with gratitude, humility, and love.
In this Advent season, may every believer enter that sacred hush, pausing to breathe and to behold the mystery of Emmanuel, God with us. For in holy silence, we discover not distance, but intimacy.
DR. FABIO ALVES
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy
DECEMBER
Psalm 98:4-5
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!”
Joy to the World! 11
Where I grew up, in Upstate New York, December meant cold, dreary mornings and dark, windy nights. The world was gray, and the air wasn’t quite cold enough for the snow to stick, so it turned to yucky, muddy slush.
Yet, looking back, Christmastime only meant this season of immense magic. I remember this one spot in my dining room where you could stand and be absolutely cascaded in light: the glow of the bulbs on the Christmas tree, the flickering of the candles in the windows, and the twinkle of the neighborhood lights. In that spot, it was impossible to feel anything but pure joy at the idea of Christmas.
I like to think that all those years ago, Mary and Joseph felt the same thing, standing in that one spot in the stable. For them, it was impossible to feel anything but joy as the Light of the World lay before them. It didn’t matter, the bleakness of everything else around them. The Savior of the world had been born. Earth had received her King. No more would sins and sorrows reign. There was joy to the world, joy in the world, and joy for the world.
I think about this every year when I watch my favorite Christmas movie: “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” In it, Charlie Brown cries out to his friends asking if anyone knows what Christmas is about. In return, Linus stands on stage and tells the story of a King who came to save the world. He says, “Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people.” That is what this season is all about. The great, insurmountable joy and light that is for all people in the arrival of a holy and wonderful Lord.
GRETCHEN WHITMAN Student, B.S., Medicinal & Biological Chemistry
DECEMBER
12
Luke 2:8-20
“…And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’…”
Angels We Have Heard on High
Translated from French to English in 1862 by James Chadwick, “Angels We Have Heard on High” recounts the story in Luke 2:8-20. On a hill just outside Bethlehem, simple shepherds kept watch beneath a sky quiet enough to hear the heartbeat of the stars. Suddenly, the night split open with light. The angel of the Lord stood before them, declaring that a Savior had been born. As if the evening couldn’t get any more bizarre, the voices of the whole angelic choir spilled across the sky singing, “Glory to God in the Highest.”
“What did we do to deserve this honor?” they must have wondered. The shepherds were humble, overlooked by society, and probably in need of a pedicure. Yet God, as He so often does, chose the lowly to bear His message. Following the angel’s directions, the shepherds looked for this divine baby, finding Him “in a manger laid,” as they had been told. Once they confirmed the angel’s message, they went across the countryside, joyously singing the song that the angels had first sung to them. Just like the angels, the shepherds not only proclaimed the birth of Christ but also beckoned others to “Come to Bethlehem and see.”
There’s an old Russian saying that U.S. President Ronald Reagan popularized in the 1980s: “Trust but verify.” This hymn reminds us that faith in Christ is not blind, but one that invites us to look, touch, and know. Just as the angels invited the shepherds to see—and the shepherds invited others—we are called to extend that invitation. For when we come and see, when we truly behold Him, then one by one we can all add our voices to the chorus of saints and angels that sings Gloria in Excelsis Deo, “Glory to God in the Highest.”
NATHAN JOSEPH Student, B.A., Ministry Leadership Studies
DECEMBER
13
Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Peace on Earth, Even in a Cracked World
When I was a child, my family would drive through the winding country roads to my grandparents’ house for Christmas Eve dinner, passing a weathered old barn on the hillside with a message that lit up the night sky: “Peace on Earth.” The letters glowed white against the roofline, spilling over onto neighboring farms. Each year, these words proclaimed what a young child like me could not understand, yet they always brought a quiet stillness to the chatter and excitement in our car.
Years later, when I hear the carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” I think of that glowing sign. Written during a time of war and grief, the song declares a truth that still resonates today; “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.”
Even when the world feels fractured, God is awake, present, and working to bring peace. Though we may lack understanding, we can allow this truth to bring quiet stillness to our hearts. Like that barn in the night, the carol reminds us that hope and goodwill prevail.
Isaiah 9:6 calls Jesus the “Prince of Peace,” and John 14:27 promises, “Peace, I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” This peace doesn’t erase hardships or calm every storm; rather, it rings through the cracks, steady and unwavering, alive in this present moment.
This Advent, may we hear the bells in our own lives, in the small moments of grace, the words of kindness, and the lights shining in the darkness. Even in a cracked world, God’s peace continues to proclaim, “Peace on earth, goodwill to all.”
Like the barn, like the carol, like Christ Himself, it shines into the night, reminding us that hope endures.
CRYSTAL TWADDELL
Learning Management Systems Specialist, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy
DECEMBER
Philippians 2:6–8
“…though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men…”
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne 14
“Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” is an old Christmas hymn that many today are not familiar with. When I was a young girl, my father pastored a small congregation in Massachusetts with a rich singing history. Each Christmas, because he had a beautiful baritone voice, he was asked to sing this hymn. I remember the first verse’s lyrics well: “Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown, when Thou camest to earth for me; But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room for Thy holy nativity...” The subsequent verses continue the theme of Christ’s humility and incarnation, living among those, who, “with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn… bore Thee to Calvary.”
The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2:6-8,
… Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
The entirety of Christ’s ministry on earth, from His birth to His ascension, is that of a humble, obedient servant of the Lord. The more time I spend in the Word and in prayer, the more I see my failure to be like Christ. I struggle with my wants, habits, and the desire not to be inconvenienced by serving others. During Advent, let us remember Christ’s purpose on earth, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). May we all endeavor to be Christ-like, seeking to please God by joyfully serving others and Him.
LARI BECKLEY
Administrative Assistant to the Dean, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy
DECEMBER
Luke 2:17–20
“And when they saw [Him], they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”
Go Tell It on the Mountain 15
Proclaiming the Birth of Christ
From the rich soil of a people acquainted with sorrow, yet sustained by divine hope, comes the African American spiritual, “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” This song, born of the experience of enslavement, proclaims liberation as an act. Its refrain, “Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere,” is a testament of faith, echoing the Lukan shepherds who, after encountering divine glory in a Bethlehem field, could not keep silent. Scripture tells us, “When they had seen Him, they made known the saying” (Luke 2:17). Theirs was not quiet contemplation but unquenchable declaration.
In the hymn’s poetic vision, the mountain becomes a metaphor. It signifies any visible place where the good news must be lifted high. For those who first sang it under oppression, the act of “telling” was a defiant cultivation of freedom. From within bondage, they announced a Savior who redefines worth, restores dignity, and redeems the human story.
The shepherds’ return, “Glorifying and praising God” (Luke 2:20), models a sacred rhythm: authentic revelation seeks expression. This Christmas, we are invited to reclaim the courage of testimony. The gospel, by its nature, asks for a voice to “go tell it.” It means to stand as witnesses in our own fields—on the hills of education, justice, family, and faith—and to join the angelic announcement.
This simple carol reminds us that true joy must not be stashed but shared. The news that shattered the shepherds’ night still calls us to proclaim the dawning Light, our Savior, who transforms the world.
MARCUS DAVIDSON
Adjunct Professor, School of Ministry
DECEMBER
Away in a Manger 16
Luke 2:7
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
When my children were small, we owned a toy nativity scene that was set up during Advent. On the top was a button that played “Away in the Manger,” and like all objects that make light and noise in a house of children, it was pressed repeatedly.
While I would attempt to play the story out traditionally with Jesus in the manger between Mary and Joseph, and the shepherds and angels arriving at the proper time, my children often had other ideas: Jesus is captured by dinosaurs and rescued by a giant Batman. Jesus is on the roof and Darth Vader flies in to grab him.
There were times I had to stop myself from saying, “That’s not how the story goes!” as I once again retrieved baby Jesus from the couch. I mean, this is Jesus. The Son of God. Our Savior. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Why is He in the couch cushions between old candy wrappers and stale Goldfish?
And yet.
Maybe that is how the story goes.
Not the part about Christ kidnapped by raptors, of course, but about God being touchable, holdable, passed from one pair of human hands to the next in the mess of creation. The God of galaxies made small enough to be carried and laid in a manger, mixed with the hay and the dirt and the dried saliva of livestock.
Amid the chaotic play while that song plays for the thousandth time, I am reminded of the distance that God crossed in love to be here. The One who holds all things together is held and laid in a manger, not in power, but in humility. God steps into the disorder, even between the couch cushions of our lives, in love and for our salvation.
Yes. This is exactly how the story goes.
SCOTT ROWAN Senior Director, Graduate Admissions
DECEMBER
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
Good Friends,Christian Rejoice 17
This hymn—its message—is for all people. Originally written in German and Latin, “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” was set to folk music so that the peasants, and not just the educated, could sing about the joy of the gospel. At the Moravian Mission in Pennsylvania in 1745, it is recorded that the hymn was sung in thirteen different languages simultaneously. What an exuberant call to worship! Let us praise Him with singing and dancing in celebration of the birth of our Savior!
Verse two of the hymn says: “He has opened heaven’s door, and we are blest forevermore.” The hymn is about joy; joy that is for all people (Luke 2:10). C. S. Lewis distinguishes joy from happiness. While happiness is based on our circumstances, joy is unchanging. Joy can ground us in times of sorrow.
It is for this reason that Paul writes “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4) when he is imprisoned on account of his faith. He understands that, while his circumstances are grim, his hope is sure. Verse three of the hymn says: “Now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall. Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!”
This Christmas, let us rejoice in our salvation! Because of the incarnation of Christ, we have access to the throne room of the Most High God. He hears our prayers, He cares for us, and He promises us an eternal inheritance with Christ. We who have fallen short are redeemed by Jesus Christ. We who remain upon the earth have an eternal hope. We have so bright a light to look upon that all else fades in comparison. Truly, truly, “Christ was born for this!”
BETHANY WOLECK
Student, B.A., Dance and B.A., English
DECEMBER
18
Luke 2:16-19
“And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger…”
What Child Is This?
After hearing the news of the birth of Jesus, the shepherds ran without hesitation to greet him. Dust rose as they hurried through the quiet streets of Bethlehem. The message was too astonishing to ignore.
Upon finding Him, time stood still. A tiny baby, wrapped in cloth, rested peacefully in His mother’s arms before a makeshift cradle. “What Child is this?” they must have whispered to themselves. “What kind of King chooses straw for a throne and animals for attendants?”
Mary looked up at them, her eyes weary yet shining with something divine. She did not speak much. She didn’t have to. She simply held Him close, treasuring the moment, tucking it deep into her heart.
The shepherds couldn’t stay silent. They left that stable telling everyone what they had seen. Their rough voices carried the message through the night: “The Messiah is here! The Savior has come!” And everyone who heard it was amazed.
Meanwhile, Mary pondered. The shepherds proclaimed; Mary reflected. Both responded to wonder in their own way—and both taught us something vital.
There are moments in our walk with God when we must run out like the shepherds, proclaiming the good news of Jesus boldly and joyfully. There are also times to sit quietly at the manger, like Mary, letting the reality of who Jesus is sink deeply into our hearts.
This, this is Christ the King.
The Child in the manger is the answer to every longing, the light for every darkness, the peace for every restless soul.
As the carol asks, “What Child is this?”—pause. Step into the scene. See the rough hands of shepherds in worship. Hear Mary’s soft breathing as she treasures the mystery of God made flesh. Let your heart join in awe.
MICHAELA FRY Development Coordinator, Office of Advancement
DECEMBER
Luke 2:6–7
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly 19
“And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
A Musician’s Reflection
The Advent season is a cherished time of year. For a lifelong musician, a significant time of year. Long before the holiday hustle, the preparation of Christmas music offers a necessary pause. I find sanctuary in the depth of the music, reflecting on lyrics that bring the Nativity story to life.
The Nativity story became extraordinary the year we became parents. That first Christmas, with our own months of anticipation and nervous expectation, brought a sense of awe. The enormity of love for our newborn son magnified the reality of God’s boundless love for us.
The Lord of all sent His Son to be born in the world, not in comfort, but in a stable, laid in a manger, “because there was no room available for them.”
I remember the surge of love, the sheer joy, and enormous responsibility of caring and providing for a newborn. To contemplate Mary’s predicament, finding herself with no proper shelter, no bed to lay her Son’s head.
The 1920 English translation of the Fourteenth Century Polish Christmas carol, W Żłobie Leży (In the Manger He Lies), “Infant holy, infant lowly,” beautifully captures the simplicity of a night that forever changed the world. The birth of Jesus in a stable, among animals and shepherds.
Infant holy, Infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall Oxen lowing, little knowing, Christ the Babe is Lord of all. Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping Vigil ‘til the morning new Saw the glory, heard the story tidings of a gospel true
Thus rejoicing, free from sorry, praises voicing, greet the morrow: Christ the Babe was born for YOU.
This carol is, like so many others in the repertoire of our faith, timeless beauty we hold in our hearts as we await its message each Advent. A gift received—the gift of salvation—is the Child born for us, unmerited love we could never repay.
SONIA SANTIAGO Assistant Professor of Music, College of the Arts
DECEMBER
Micah 5:2
O Little Town of Bethlehem 20
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.”
Luke 2:4-6
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem... And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.”
In 2019, I had the privilege of traveling with my family to the Holy Land, where we explored Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Galilee. Around every corner, ancient ruins sat in the shadow of bustling cities. It was hard to imagine the simple birthplace of the King in the hustle of our modern-day world. At each stop, I would try to find a place to pause, read scripture, and pray. In these moments of silence and reflection, the Old and New Testaments came to life. The books of Micah and Luke tell of this real place where my King arrived through humble beginnings in a manger to redeem the world.
In the popular hymn, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” author Phillips Brooks paints a picture of the silent and meek arrival of our Savior when he penned, How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is giv’n! So, God imparts to human hearts the blessing of His heav’n. No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.
During this holiday season as we gather with friends and family, sing songs, and give gifts, let us not let the hustle and bustle of Christmas activity overshadow the profound significance of our humble King quietly entering the world to provide redemption and salvation for all.
KARA WENGER Associate Vice President, Student Life
DECEMBER
Matthew 2:1-11
“…And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
As With Gladness Men of Old 21
Epiphany reminds us of the great revelation of Christ to the world—the moment when wise men from distant lands followed a star and found the newborn King. In their journey, we see a picture of all people being drawn to the light of Christ.
“As with gladness men of old, Did the guiding star behold… So, most gracious Lord, may we, ever more be led to thee.” These hymn lyrics capture the heart of Epiphany: the desire to keep following Christ long after the Christmas lights fade.
In many Christian homes—especially in German tradition—families mark their doorways with chalk: 20 + C + M + B + 25, praying Christus Mansionem Benedicat— “May Christ bless this house.” It’s a beautiful reminder that even as we move into a new year, we are invited to welcome Christ’s presence into every room of our lives.
The Magi brought treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We bring hearts ready to worship. May this Epiphany lead us to see Christ more clearly—in our homes, our work, and in those around us—and to follow His light ever more faithfully.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Light of the world, guide us as You guided the Magi. Bless our homes and hearts, and lead us ever closer to You. Amen.
DR. BRYAN FROEHLE Professor of Practical Theology, School of Ministry
DECEMBER
Luke 2:15–16
“…The shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’”
Sing, Choirs of Angels 22
Have you ever sung in a choir? Maybe that’s been a part of your experience. For me, I had some of my most memorable experiences singing in a choir when I was a freshman in college. I was required to sing in a large choir of three hundred students of all majors and interests brought together to practice and perform some of the major compositions of the western tradition. We began with “Messiah” by Handel. In the subsequent semesters, we performed “A German Requiem” by Brahms, as well as works by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Verdi, and many of the major composers influencing history.
Near the end of my first semester of this new experience, this group of a few hundred joined four other choirs and a full orchestra for a Christmas presentation at a historic church in Chicago.
When I first walked into this church, I was amazed to see a place with 4,000 seats and the ability to project a speaker’s voice from the pulpit without any amplification. The sanctuary had spotlights on the organ pipes and was adorned with garland, Christmas lights, red bows, and a light dusting of flocking and tinsel. It was a sight!
The audience was given battery-operated candles to hold for the length of the concert. Toward the end of the musical celebration of Christ’s birth, something special happened that will stay with me for the rest of my life: Hundreds of choir members and 4,000 attendees illuminated their candles and joined the orchestra, singing together:
Sing, choirs of Angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
“Glory to God, all glory in the highest;” O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
This moment drew near to what we will experience when we join the heavenly host, the great cloud of witnesses, in the work of heaven. According to the Scriptures, we will all sing. We will all join the choirs of angels. We will join the great cloud of witnesses. We will sing praises to God with a choir so large that no one can number, singing “Come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!” I can’t wait to get at it!
DR. STEPHEN JOHNSON Provost and Chief Academic Officer
23 DECEMBER
Matthew 2:1-2
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” (NIV)
We Three Kings
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”—Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV)
As Monty Python used to say, “And now for something completely different.” Magi—wise men and priests—saw a star and headed west with a purpose. That purpose was to worship the King of the Jews. What’s different about that?
King Herod was already a king who held power over the Jews, but the Magi didn’t worship him.
In the hymn “We Three Kings” by John H. Hopkins, the author points out to what is different: “Glorious now behold him arise; King and God and sacrifice: Alleluia, Alleluia, sounds through the earth and skies.” The Magi understand that Jesus is King, God, and that He will pay the ultimate price for our sins.
The Magi bring gold to crown Jesus King. They bring frankincense to worship Jesus as God. They bring myrrh, a perfume used in burial rituals, to signify the sacrifice that Jesus will make on humanity’s behalf. While the Bible doesn’t specifically note the number of Magi, it does specify these three purposeful gifts of the Magi. These gifts signify who Jesus is and what He will do.
As we too ponder how we may give purposeful gifts to our loved ones this Christmas, Mr. Hopkins’ refrain helps us remember to never cease following the light of the world.
O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.
May we all continue to seek to be guided by the light of Christ.
DR. BRIAN STROW
Dean, Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business
DECEMBER
Matthew 2:11
O Come, Let Us Adore Him 24
“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
Psalm 96:9
“Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!”
I vividly recall Christmas Eve services from my childhood in northern Ohio. At 11 p.m., we would make our way through the light snow as we gathered as a community to sing carols, hear the Christmas story, and read from the Scriptures. The hymn, “O Come, Let Us Adore Him,” still takes me to those moments. When I close my eyes, and I sing the words, it also brings to mind the story in Matthew where the visitors from the East “fell down and worshiped Christ.”
“And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”—Matthew 2:11 (ESV)
Like the Magi, we are invited to enter, bow down, and offer our gifts to Christ. As the hymn lyrics state, “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,” we approach not in perfection but in hope because Christ, our Savior, has come. We come with hearts full of wonder, ready to behold Him, “born the King of angels.”
Psalm 96 calls us to “worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” This is the essence of Advent—not about finishing tasks or perfecting plans, but about true worship. Adoration is simple. We bring our most valued treasure: our undivided attention, especially during a season that can be filled with the demand for our focus.
This Christmas Eve, many of us will gather at church or with our families. When we sing “O Come, Let Us Adore Him,” let us offer more than just our voices. As a University community, may we bring our best thinking, our care for students, and our love for the community as a part of our worship, honor, and adoration of Christ. May this season of worship lead us to embody Christ’s love in this season and beyond.
DR. DEBRA A. SCHWINN University President
Thank you for your generous support of Palm Beach Atlantic University. Your partnership with us makes a transformative Christ-first education possible for PBA students! May this Advent Guide bless and encourage you during the Christmas season.
