Church Calendar: Mandated or Helpful?

In continental Reformed history, there has been the practice of mandating special 'holy' days. Church orders specified that the church was required to observe these services. Today, in the United Reformed Churches in North America, we have the freedom to observe them, but they are not 'required'. “Special services may be called in observance of Christmas Day, Good Friday, Ascension Da, as well as in times of great distress or blessing. Attention should also be given to Easter and Pentecost on their respective Lord’s Days” (Church Order, article 37).

What are the benefits of keeping to a schedule that follows the church calendar? These are a few.

Thoughts on the Church Calendar from Danny Hyde.

What do you think of Christmas?

We all know about the real Christmas. Don't we? Mary and Joseph. Away in a manger. Donkey. 3 wise men and the shepherds. Of course you do. But do we really know what it's about? Here's a short film to answer that question.

That's Christmas

Sons of Korah Psalms 148

Another great song to put you in a good mood... Some scenes are, well, perhaps a bit hokey, but mostly there's beautiful scenery.

More Snow!

We woke up this morning to a thick layer of packing snow. Everyone is having a ball. Even Stormy.

Do You Pray?

READER,
I OFFER you a question of the deepest importance. It heads the page before your eyes. It is contained in three little words,—Do you pray?
The question is one that none but you can answer. Whether you attend public worship or not, your minister knows. Whether you have family prayers in your house or not, your relatives know. But whether you pray in private or not, is a matter between yourself and God.
Reader, I beseech you in all affection to attend to the subject I bring before you. Do not say that my question is too close. If your heart is right in the sight of God, there is nothing in it to make you afraid. Do not turn off my question by replying that you say your prayers. It is one thing to say your prayers, and another to pray. Do not tell me that my question is unnecessary. Listen to me for a few minutes, and I will show you good reasons for asking it.

Read the rest: Do You Pray? J.C. Ryle

Dubai Fountain - "Baba Yetu" by Christopher Tin

The Lord's Prayer in Swahili. Also music for the game Civ IV

Rebel's Guide and Man Up

Here a couple of interesting videos. For some reason I am unable to post the video from YouTube right onto the blog, but you can click the links below to view them.


This one is the story of the hymn "Just as I Am" Rebel's Guide


The other is some music from LaCrae who is Reformed and is reaching a certain generation. It may not be your style (it isn't mine, though Luke likes it). But it is good to be aware of, if you're not. Man Up

(Rich)