Tag: Christmas
This Video is the Cutest Telling of The Christmas Story Ever
Posted on December 23, 2016 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
The heart-warming video has gained quite a few views this Christmas season. Once you watch it, you’ll know why.
The Southland Christian Church in Kentucky asked their kids about the Christmas story and then created a video using their answers. The adorable and charming result speaks for itself. But it also proves that kids know a lot more about Christmas than we give them credit. And, that we should diligently teach the biblical Christmas narrative to our kids.
Watch the video below and enjoy the story of Mary and Joseph as told by some cute little kids.
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Merry Christmas! A Short Christmas Prayer.
Posted on December 25, 2015 in Uncategorized by Nathan Cherry
I don’t know what the first “Christmas” was like. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t called Christmas. And I’m fairly certain that Mary, Joseph, and anyone else involved didn’t quite know what was going on. They knew a baby was being born. They knew God had spoke to them and told them everything would be okay. But beyond that I’m not sure the full impact of that day was realized.
Over the years Christmas has evolved into a day filled with traditions and celebrations that are joyful and festive. Some have to do with that baby born in a manger many centuries ago. Some are simply a product of cultural evolution. Some are…strange (egg nog…really?).
4 Million Views in a Few Days: This Acappella Version of “Mary Did You Know” Will Give You Chills
Posted on December 24, 2015 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
“Mary Did You Know” is one of my absolute favorite songs of all time. I listen to versions of the song with careful scrutiny to determine who has done the song justice and who should never have tried to sing it. (I’ll keep my personal favorite to myself.)
One thing is for certain, Peter Hollens has done an absolutely amazing job with his Acapella version of the song. As he begins to sing, sitting on a church pew, it seems odd that it is just him. I couldn’t help but wonder what caused the video to be viewed a million times in 48 hours. But then, another five “Peter Hollens” join the original to finish the song. As I sat watching one man sing six parts in a flawless performance I was moved. Yes, it’s that good. and yes, you need to watch it.
Enjoy this stunning rendition of a beautiful song with deep theological truth in the lyrics. Let your heart and mind be blessed by the truth of the song.
VIDEO: The Piano Guys Remind Us Why “O Come O Come Emmanuel” is Still an Awesome Song
Posted on December 22, 2015 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
One of my all-time favorite Christmas songs is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” From the melody and harmonies to the theologically rich lyrics, this song is a beautiful reminder that we are still awaiting our promise for Messiah’s return. Consider the first verse and refrain of the song:
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
The song continues to teach theological truth and inspire worship from there. If you too love inspiring music and incredible musical ability, you will love this rendition of the famed Christmas carol. The Piano Guys have a gift for making some amazing instrumental music. This is no exception. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did.
Take 3 minutes to Watch This Stunning A Capella Video Telling the Christmas Story. Yep, It’s That Good!
Posted on December 15, 2015 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
I’m a fan of a capella music. So when I saw this video it was a no-brainer to share it. A recent article shares a brief description of the musicians singing and their purpose for the video:
“Two a capella groups from Brigham Young University teamed up with an interfaith nonprofit to release a stunning version of ‘Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful’ — a rendition that they hope will help people ‘remember the real reason that makes this season so joyful.’ BYU singing groups Vocal Point and Noteworthy joined Faith Counts, a nondenominational organization, to produce the song as well as an associated video:
“As another holiday season comes upon us and life seems to speed up in a frenzy of party planning and gift buying, take a few minutes to slow down and remember the real reason that makes this season so joyful.”
I couldn’t agree more. Slow down for a few moments and reflect on the purpose this season exists. Without the birth of Jesus we would not have anything to celebrate. This video is stunning and I hope you will not only watch it but that you will share it and bless someone else.” Merry Christmas.
One of the Earliest Transcripts of the Historical Christmas Story (Video)
Posted on December 25, 2014 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
If you’ve ever wondered what Christmas is all about. What the purpose of Christmas is. The “transcript” below of the first Christmas shares the inherent meaning that in inseparable from any Christmas celebration. Without the birth of Jesus Christ 2000 years ago there would be no Christmas. But because God came tow earth as a baby in order to die for the sins of mankind, we can celebrate. Not only can we celebrate today, but for those who have placed their faith in the saving, atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross, we can celebrate every day.
The following passage, and video, share the events of the first Christmas. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and honor the true meaning of this joyous day.
Luke 2:4-14 (ESV) – 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
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.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 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.
10 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.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
What’s Christmas All About? Just Ask Linus!
Posted on December 24, 2014 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
This beloved family Christmas movie gets sweeter each year as I raise my own kids. One of the most cherished scenes from the movie is when Charlie Brown, exasperated by all the “commercialism” associated with Christmas, asks “isn’t there anyone that knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus gives Charlie Brown the answer is the scene below. Take a moment to watch, share it with your kids, and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Merry Christmas!
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Amazing Video: The Piano Guys and David Archuleta Singing “Angels from the Realms of Glory”
Posted on December 24, 2014 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
As Christmas day is now just hours away I wanted to share this video of The Piano Guys doing their version of “Angels From the Realms of Glory” along with Peter Hollens and David Archuleta. This is a beautiful video that captures the meaning and purpose for Christmas. I hope that in the few hours left before Christmas you can take a moment or two to quietly reflect on the reason we celebrate Christmas and the inherent religious significance behind it. Without the historical act of Jesus being born in the manger more than 2000 years ago we would have nothing to base our celebration on. Many of the songs and traditional we hold so dear would not exist and others would simply be meaningless. But thanks to that one historical act we can celebrate joyfully each year as we remember the day that God came to earth as a baby.
Watch the video and let it remind you of what this very special day is all about. If the video doesn’t appear automatically, please refresh your browser.
Viral Video: Home Free Singing Their Version of a Christmas Classic
Posted on December 19, 2014 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
When rising a capella group Home Free wanted to record a video for their stirring rendition of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” they chose a church to do it. Considering the content of the song it seems a fitting backdrop. But the church takes second place to the group’s incredible vocal version of this beloved Christmas classic.
It won’t take long before the listener will understand why this video has gone mega viral in just a few shorts weeks (the video had over a million hits just two weeks after Thanksgiving). The five man group blends melodies and harmonies in what can only be described as a symphony of vocal music to create a beautiful rendition of this Christmas carol that is worth every second it takes to listen.
Songs like this are deeply embedded into our celebration of the Christmas holiday. They tell the story of what Christmas is truly all about. “Angels We Have Heard on High” tells about the angels that appeared in the skies to sing and announce the birth of Christ to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14), and the shepherds going to see Jesus in the manger (Luke 2:15-20). It also tells of the little baby born to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The song makes this clear in the last verse: “See Him in a manger laid, Jesus Lord of heaven and earth; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, With us sing our Savior’s birth.”
We love these Christmas songs because in the chaos that can be Christmas they remind us of the true meaning of the season and why we can even celebrate. We are remembering the day Jesus was born as a baby for the purpose of dying on the cross for our sins. These songs ground us in the truth of what Christmas is supposed to be, a celebration of Jesus. And this video by Home Free is just another version of the song that will be enjoyed for generations to come and serve that purpose. Take a few moments to listen, it will be a highlight of your day.
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