Forest Hill PCA Devotionals

Title: O Holy Night

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Advent Devotionals 2025

Date: December 19, 2025

Bible: Luke 4:18-19; Romans 8:20-21

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for Week 3, Day 5 of our Scripture and Carols Advent series. In this final session of the week, we explore the deep theological themes and powerful history behind the beloved French carol, "O Holy Night".

Discover how this "song of deliverance" connects to Christ’s mission to set the captives free, a message that resonated so deeply it became an anthem for the abolitionist movement in the 19th century. We also highlight the carol's unique place in history as the first song ever broadcast over the radio.

In this video:

Scripture Deep Dive: Reflections on Luke 4:18-19 and Romans 8:20-21 regarding the freedom found in Christ.

Historical Context: The origins of the French poem Minuit, Chrétiens and its translation into the English hymn we love today.

Devotional Message: An encouragement to praise the "King of kings" who understands our weaknesses and breaks every chain.

Prayer & Song: A time for worship and guided reflection on the "night divine".

"Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!"

#Advent2025 #OHolyNight #ChristmasCarols #BibleStudy #ChristianHistory #GospelFreedom

Title: Go, Tell It on The Mountain!

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Advent Devotionals 2025

Date: December 18, 2025

Bible: Isaiah 52:7; Matthew 28:18-20

Join Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church for Week 3, Day 4 of our Scripture and Carols Advent series. In this session, we explore the powerful history and biblical roots of the traditional 19th-century African American spiritual, "Go Tell It on the Mountain".

Discover how this stirring call to evangelism connects the prophetic words of Isaiah to the humble shepherds in the Judean hills and, ultimately, to our own Great Commission. We also share the inspiring story of John Wesley Work Jr., the scholar who dedicated his life to preserving these vital oral traditions for future generations.

In this video:

Scripture Deep Dive: Reflections on Isaiah 52:7, Luke 2:20, and Matthew 28:18-20.

Historical Context: The origins of the carol and its publication by the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Devotional Message: An encouragement to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ this Christmas season.

Prayer & Song: A time for guided reflection and worship.

"Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere!"

#Advent2025 #ChristmasCarols #GoTellItOnTheMountain #BibleStudy #ChristianHistory #Evangelism #ForestHillPresbyterian

Title: The First Noel

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Advent Devotionals 2025

Date: December 17, 2025

Bible: Luke 2:8-12; Matthew 2:1-12

Advent Devo #13: The Scandalous Truth Behind "The First Noel"

Why did pagan astrologers travel 1,000 miles to worship Jesus while the religious experts refused to walk five miles? In today’s Advent devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel uncovers the deep history and conviction behind the folk carol "The First Noel."

In this video, we explore:

The Meaning of Noel: What the word actually means (birth announcement) and the song's origins in the Cornwall region of England.

The Magi vs. The Priests: A look at Matthew 2 and the stark contrast between the worshipful Wise Men and the apathetic religious leaders who knew the Bible but missed the Savior.

The Daniel Connection: How the prophet Daniel likely prepared the way for the Magi centuries in advance.

Scripture References:

Matthew 2:1-12

Speaker: Pastor Jason Van Bemmel Church: Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

#Advent #TheFirstNoel #ChristmasCarols #WiseMen #ChristianHistory

Title: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Advent Devotionals 2025

Date: December 16, 2025

Bible: Luke 2:8-20; Galatians 4:4-7

Advent Devo #12: The Hidden Meaning of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"

Have you been singing this Christmas carol wrong all these years? In today’s Advent devotional, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel dives into the rich history and theology of one of the oldest English folk carols, "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen."

In this video, we explore:

The Comma Matters: Why the title isn't addressing "merry gentlemen," but is actually a prayer that God would "keep you merry" (meaning strong and joyful).

Folk Origins: How this song emerged in the 15th century as a way for common people to share the Gospel in the streets, long before it was written down or brought into the church.

Theology of Joy: Looking at Galatians 4 to understand how the "tidings of comfort and joy" are rooted in our adoption as sons and heirs, freeing us from the slavery of the law.

Scripture References:

Luke 2:10-11

Galatians 4:4-7

Speaker: Pastor Jason Van Bemmel Church: Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

#Advent #ChristmasCarols #GodRestYeMerryGentlemen #ChristianHistory #Devotional

Title: Angels We Have Heard on High

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Advent Devotionals 2025

Date: December 15, 2025

Bible: Luke 2:8-15

Welcome to Week 3 of our Advent Devotionals on Scripture and Carols! Today, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel from Forest Hill Presbyterian Church shifts our focus to the joyful announcement of Jesus' birth with the classic carol, "Angels We Have Heard on High".

In this devotional, we look beyond the "tinsel halos" of children's nativity plays to rediscover the true, terrifying glory of the heavenly host that appeared to the shepherds. We also explore the fascinating history of this carol, which originated as an 18th-century French folk song, Les Anges dans nos campagnes.

In this video, we cover:

Scripture: A reading of Luke 2:8–15 and the angels' message of good news.

Fear vs. Joy: Why the shepherds were filled with "great fear" and how the angel addressed it.

Lost in Translation: The theological difference between "good will to men" and the more accurate "peace among those with whom He is pleased".

The Conqueror: How the original French lyrics dramatically describe Jesus as a "Conqueror" and "Liberator" rather than just a baby in a manger.

The Chorus: The meaning of the Latin refrain, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Join us as we prepare our hearts to sing "Glory to God in the Highest" and trust in the Savior who came to conquer sin and death.

This devotional focuses on the 15th-century German carol, "Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming," highlighting its roots in Old Testament messianic prophecy.

Key Points of the Teaching:

• The Prophetic Core (Isaiah 11:1): The hymn is a poetic expression of Isaiah's prophecy that a "shoot from the stump of Jesse" would emerge. Jesse's "stump" symbolizes the royal line of David, which had been seemingly cut down, while the "Rose" represents Jesus, who miraculously springs forth as the promised Messiah.

• The Lineage (Jesse's Lineage): The carol affirms Christ's human connection to the royal house of David, while also acknowledging that as the Son of God, he is older than Jesse and the root of the lineage.

• The Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14): The second stanza is based on Isaiah's prophecy of the virgin birth of Immanuel ("God with us"), linking the event directly to Mary's experience (the Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55).

• The Incarnation's Impact: The final verse summarizes Christ's nature as "True man, yet very God." His coming (the blooming of the Rose) dispels the "gloom with glorious splendor," saving us from sin and death, and acting as our High Priest who "lightens every load."

Title: In the Bleak Midwinter

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Advent Devotionals 2025

Date: December 11, 2025

Bible: Matthew 2:11; Micah 6:8

The devotional analyzes "In the Bleak Midwinter" (1872 poem set to music in 1906) by Christina Rossetti, praising it as a profound expression of Christ's humility and the mystery of the Incarnation.

The teaching focused on three main Scriptural and theological connections:

Humility and Righteousness (Micah 6:8): Jesus' birth in a lowly condition (manger, poor parents) is the ultimate demonstration of God walking "humbly." By leaving heaven to come to earth, Christ began his mission to perfectly embody justice and kindness, ultimately earning the righteousness required of us.

God's Immensity and Condescension (1 Kings 8:27): The line "Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain" is a direct reference to Solomon's prayer, acknowledging God's infinite nature. The astonishing truth of the Incarnation is that this immense, uncontainable God chose to humble himself and take on a true human nature as a tiny, vulnerable baby.

The Gift of the Heart (Matthew 2:11): While the Wise Men offered physical treasures (gold, frankincense, and myrrh), the poem concludes by asking what we can give. The final line, "Yet what I can I give him: Give my heart," emphasizes that the most valuable gift Christ desires from us is our total devotion and affection.

Title: What Child is This?

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Advent Devotionals 2025

Date: December 10, 2025

Bible: Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:11

Summary: What Child is This?

Speaker: Pastor Jason Van Bemmel, Forest Hill Presbyterian Church Series: Advent Devotional – Scripture and Carols

This devotional explores the theological depth and history behind the Christmas carol "What Child is This?"

Scriptural Foundation:

Isaiah 9:6: Identifies the child as both human ("child is born") and divine ("son is given"). The titles "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Everlasting Father," and "Prince of Peace" describe His character and role as the fulfillment of the promise to David.

Luke 2:11: The carol's chorus reflects the angel's message to the shepherds, proclaiming Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord.

John 1: Highlights Jesus' divine nature as the eternal Word made flesh.

History of the Carol:

The Lyrics: Written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix, a marine insurance manager, during a period of severe illness and spiritual awakening. The text comes from his poem "The Manger Throne".

The Music: The lyrics were paired with the 16th-century English folk tune "Greensleeves." Although originally a secular love song with sometimes immoral associations, the haunting melody had been associated with Christmas for centuries prior to Dix's poem.

Lyrical Message: The carol invites believers to recognize the humble infant as "Christ the King." It contrasts His "mean estate" in the manger with His future sacrifice (nails and spear) and calls for worship from all people—peasant and king alike—to "enthrone Him" in their hearts.

Title: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Advent Devotionals 2025

Date: December 9, 2025

Bible: Habakkuk 2:20; Zechariah 2:13

Our 7th Advent devotional is focused on the call to reverent worship in "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence."

Summary

In this devotional, Jason Van Bemmel explores the ancient hymn Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, noting its potential rivalry with Of the Father’s Love Begotten as the oldest Christian hymn still in use. Originating from the Liturgy of St. James—which dates back to the 4th or 5th century and is still used by Syriac and Indian Orthodox churches—the text began as a Eucharistic prayer intended to inspire awe during the Lord's Supper.

The devotional highlights the hymn's scriptural roots in Habakkuk 2:20 and Zechariah 2:13, which call for silence before God's holy presence. This silence represents humility, reverence, and the fear of the Lord, mirroring the posture of angels who cover their faces before God. The lyrics, translated from Greek by Gerard Moultrie in 1864 and later set to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams in the early 1900s, emphasize the Incarnation and the spiritual feeding of believers through Christ's body and blood.

Title: Of the Father's Love Begotten

Speaker: Rev. Jason Van Bemmel

Series: Advent Devotionals 2025

Date: December 5, 2025

Bible: John 1:1-14

Welcome to the second week of Advent devotionals for 2025! Today, we're looking at "Of the Father's Love Begotten," the oldest Christmas carol still sung by the church, dating back to around 410.