Lutheran Witness: December 2019

In its December issue, The Lutheran Witness explores the arts of Christmas, under the theme “We wish to see Jesus.”

Contents

From the President: Visiting friends and partners in the Gospel

Features:

Come, Lord Jesus! The What and Why of Advent Preparations — Benjamin Tyler Holt

Chrismons: Signs and Symbols Worth Studying — Megan Schultz

The Things That Cannot Be and Are — Travis Berg

Six Myths About Christmas Hymns — Jon D. Vieker

On ‘Adoremus’ — Edward Riojas

Departments:

world views: A monthly news column from Gene Edward Veith

searching scriptures: What Is Man? — Jonathan Boehne

bene+diction: Keeping the Feast — Stacey Egger

From the editor

Tradition and antiquity are welcome as the celebration of Jesus’ birth approaches. Sure, some employ the sacred to increase their year-end revenue. Of course, many who sing and even speak about Jesus’ birth have no attachment to Him as Savior and Lord. Not every house with Christmas decorations professes Joshua 24:15. Our churches will be filled with people that our regular attendees won’t recognize.

While many decry the secular nature of “Christmas” these days, there remains room to rejoice. This season provides an opportunity for the church to proclaim Jesus. Much of the artwork and songs that ornament the Christmas season were produced to teach Christ to the world.

This issue examines the arts employed at Christmas. Decorations, poems, hymns and other artwork play an important role as the church proclaims Christ and teaches the message of God’s love through the sending of Jesus as the Savior of the world.

No matter your taste in art or your personal favorite Christmas hymn, the words of Scripture occupy our hearts and minds this Advent and Christmas season. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

In His mercy,

Kevin Armbrust
Interim Managing Editor, The Lutheran Witness