December 24, 2024 / Tell it like the Angels

Hey, Calvary Fremont –

This just in: Bishops within the Church of England have raised concerns that certain Christmas carols might be “problematic” because of their explicit references to Jesus as the “true Messiah.” The Birmingham Diocese recently communicated to its clergy the need to reassess the language used in hymns to create an “inclusive” environment during the festive season.

Like Dave Barry used to say, “You can’t make this stuff up.” Whereas angels trumpeted the birth of Jesus and referred to Him as Savior and Christ (Messiah) and Lord (Luke 2:11), some Bishops within the Anglican Church are offended by this and tell us that this sort of language is inappropriate for the cultural moment we are in. People might really think that we think that Jesus is better than all the other spiritual options available to our sophisticated culture. I know – how preposterous to think that Jesus isn’t one among many, but is the One above All! We don’t want to come off as theological snobs or intellectual Neanderthals. We need to soften the language of our Christmas Carols so as not to offend the sensitivities of those scandalized by our adoration of Jesus Christ.

This is what is going on right now in some Church of England Parish. Somewhere, there is a  “Committee for the Propagation of Inclusive Christmas Carols.” Some smart-alecks call it the “Committee for the Castration of the Christmas Angels.”

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land

Anglican Bishops were wringing their hands.

“What if we offend, what if we exclude?

We don’t want to spark an ecumenical feud.

The Hindus and Buddhists and Muslims and Jews

Will all think that Jesus is best in our view.

We cannot, we must not, we shall not have that.

We’ll tell them that Jesus belongs to the frat

Of all other prophets who taught us to pray.

There’s no wide or narrow, there’s so many ways.

He is one among many, not one above all,

So Jesus can stay, but Christ, He must go.”

‘Tis the night of the Judgment and in Shadow Lands

Anglican Bishops are wringing their hands.

There is grinding of teeth and a great wailing sound,

But for the Bishops no repentance is found.

Standing before the Great Judgment Throne,

They knew where they were and what they have done.

“Tell Me, dear Bishop,” God’s great voice was heard.

“What gave you the right to alter My Word?

The angelic messengers pointed to Christ,

But you changed My Word and you hid the Light.

You now stand before Me and long just to hide

For you didn’t fear God and Christ you denied.

When you are faithless faithful I remain,

But when you deny Me, I don’t know your name.”

‘Tis the night before Christmas – tell it like the Angels and not like the Bishops.

Be blessed and stay healthy and follow Jesus.

Christ has come! Merry Christas! Pastor Tim