Of the Father’s Love Begotten

This past Lord’s Day we sang a hymn a cappella called Of the Father’s Love Begotten. Besides being a particularly beautiful tune (in spite of my singing a cappella) and having glorious theology wonderfully phrased in english, it has an impressive history.

I’ve been reading ahead for next semester in some of the courses for which I am registered. One required text is Mark Noll’s Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity. Through the first quarter of the text, it is delightful – and I expect the rest to follow suit. Regardless, the third chapter is introduced with a poem written by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius of the same title as our hymn. Clearly the hymn’s forebear is this ancient poem. Compare the two, and consider that we’re singing the same praise that was lifted up 1600 yrs ago.

 

Hooray! (For Reformation Day)

We all know it is upon us, that time of year when every store is stuffed to the gills with garbage resembling the dead and diseased. I am of course refering to Halloween, that season provoking my general contempt. Now, before you think I am some crazy theonomist, allow me to share- I like wearing costumes, eating candy, and I’m not a theonomist. I’m not going on to some diatribe about how Halloween is evil.

Rather, I am excited about a new day for me. That’s right, I’m refering to Reformation Day. I’m excited because it is a reality, and it actually commemorates something that happened on October 31st – Luther’s nailing of the 95 Theses to the Wittenburg church door.

I know one of the elders at my church celebrates this day with his family, and I hope this post can drum up some support. Without consulting my wife, I’m announcing a Reformation Day Party at my place October 27th at 8PM (it’s a Friday, I know.) So, if you are interested in hearing all 95 theses, dressing in period (the 16th century), and raising a glass (stein?) in thanks for the purifying work God kicked off in his church with that action nigh 500 years ago, join me in saying

— Hooray for Reformation Day! —

Let me know in the coments if you are interested in coming.

 

Name Game (Participation Required)

As my roommate and I were “tropical plant” shopping we came across some T.U.L.I.P Bulbs, which I had to buy. I must say Tulips aren’t the most beautiful flowers, in my opinion, but they do have the best name. I’ve decided to plant five of them in a pot and name them. Four of the names are going to be Calvin, Edwards, Owen, and Spurgeon. I’m taking suggestions on the fifth, so please give me a name and reason why they are worthy of pot hood.

Criteria:
1. Must be dead
That’s it and that’s all!