The Witness of Bethlehem

[Verse 1 - Luke 2:11]
I saw the sky 
that holy night,
The heavens blazed 
with living light.
The shepherds ran, 
their voices cried,
“The Savior’s born! 
The Lord Most High!”
I followed close — 
to stable fair,
And bowed before 
my Maker there.

[Chorus]
Down from glory, 
light of grace,
Down to earth, 
my hiding place.
Heaven’s mercy, 
child of man,
God with us — 
Emmanuel.

[Verse 2 - Zechariah 9:9]
Years went by,
I saw Him come,
Riding to 
Jerusalem.
Crowds were shouting, 
“Blessed be!”
I wept for them — 
they could not see.
The same who healed 
with gentle breath
They hung up high 
and cursed in death.

[Chorus]
Down from glory, 
light of grace,
Down to earth, 
my hiding place.
Heaven’s mercy, 
child of man,
God with us — 
Emmanuel.

[Bridge - Matthew 28:6]
Then morning broke — 
I heard them say,
“The tomb is bare, 
He’s gone away!”
I ran to see — 
the grave was still,
The prophets true —
The Law fulfilled.
He stood alive — 
my Lord, my friend,
The One who came 
did rise again.

[PreChorus]
Up from darkness, 
up from pain,
Up to glory, 
Christ now reigns.
Born to die 
Born to save,
Hallelujah 
to the Lamb!

[Chorus]
Down from glory, 
light of grace,
Down to earth, 
my hiding place.
Heaven’s mercy, 
child of man,
God with us — 
Emmanuel.

[Tag]
I saw the child, 
I saw Him die,
I saw Him risen, 
glorified.
From Bethlehem 
to Heaven’s throne —
He came down… 
and rose again.

I heard him cry, 
I watched him die, 
I saw him rise
I saw him rise.
I heard him cry, 
I watched him die, 
I saw him rise
I saw him rise.
I saw Him rise
I saw Him rise!

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When Angels Came to Jerusalem

[Verse 1]
I lit the lamps inside the temple’s glow,
Whispered prayers the world forgot to know.
Years went by, the heavens seemed so still,
Yet I kept faith upon that hill.

Then through the hush — a shining voice appeared,
Said “Fear not, priest, the Lord has heard you clear.”
Old hands trembled, hope took flame again,
Could it be the time foretold to men?

[Chorus]
When angels came to Jerusalem,
The silence broke like dawn through gray.
Prophets’ words began to bloom again,
And faith found light that day.
A child was promised — joy to come,
Though I could scarcely speak His name…
Oh, I knew the world was changing fast
When angels came.

[Verse 2]
They said the barren would bear a son,
The voice to call, “Prepare the One.”
And though my doubts sealed up my tongue,
My heart still sang what couldn’t be sung.

Then news from Nazareth softly spread,
A virgin’s child — Messiah ahead.
Oh Jerusalem, your streets will ring,
The King is near, the King will sing.

[Chorus]
When angels came to Jerusalem,
The stars bent low to light the way.
Every fear I’d ever known grew dim,
In the glow of Christmas day.
A priest, a father, trembling still,
But joy burned brighter than my shame…
I saw the promise come to life
When angels came.

[Bridge]
Now every candle in the night reminds me,
That mercy found a way to bind me.
From doubt to faith, from fear to flame,
The God I served — He called my name.

[Final Refrain]
When angels came to Jerusalem,
The holy hush was swept away.
Heaven’s voice and human hearts began
To sing what prophets say.
And though I’m old, my soul is new,
I’ll praise the Child who broke my chains—
Oh, I believed… and found the truth,
When angels came.

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The Tree

[Verse 1]
We celebrate this Christmas time,
With gifts under a tree.
So of't I've wondered why it's so 
And what it means to me.
It's said that once, so long ago,
Boniface came to town;
And saw the tree was idolized,
And so he cut it down.

[Chorus]
But I see Shepherds gathered round,
A string of garland shows.
I see the magi's gifts displayed,
Hung gently, balls and bows.
I see the angels choir above,
Calling us to see.
And standing back, the tree itself,
Shows holy Trinity.

[Verse 2]
For what are symbols if they fail
To teach us of our Lord.
And then become traditions held
Without our God adored.
We turn our eyes to things of man 
Our heart is gently swayed;
To see this thing with sinful eyes,
And miss glory displayed.

[Chorus]
But I see Shepherds gathered round,
A string of garland shows.
I see the magi's gifts displayed,
Hung gently, balls and bows.
I see the angels choir above,
Calling us to see.
And standing back, the tree itself,
Shows holy Trinity.

[Bridge]
Christ was born on Christmas day
To call all men to Him.
And so we gather round a tree,
And share a Christmas hymn.
And glorify our God above,
Who sent His Son to die;
His light shines bright on darkest day,
A gift of eternal life.

[Tag]
Ancient practice 
Means to me
My saviour
On a tree
We celebrate
His gift to us
We celebrate 
His love.

[Chorus]
But I see Shepherds gathered round,
A string of garland shows.
I see the magi's gifts displayed,
Hung gently, balls and bows.
I see the angels choir above,
Calling us to see.
And standing back, the tree itself,
Shows holy Trinity.

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Christmas I've Had

[Verse 1]
I've never had a roasted chestnut.
I've never had plum pudding. 
The closest I've been to a hallmark Christmas,
Is candy canes and hot chocolate.

I've never been to Bethlehem.
I've never lived just like Mary.
I closest I've come to seeing Jesus,
Is when I asked Him in my heart.

[Chorus]
Come to Bethlehem and see
Baby Jesus, carpenter's son.
The Messiah of all people,
Christmas the birth of a King.

[Verse 2]
I've always wanted presents under the tree.
I've always wanted the snow.
The closest I've been to a hallmark Christmas,
Is shopping mall Santa's knee.

I've always wanted to see the Lord.
I've always wanted to sing His name.
I closest I've come to seeing Jesus,
Is seeing Him up on the cross.

[Chorus]
Come to Bethlehem and see
Baby Jesus, carpenter's son.
The Messiah of all people,
Christmas the birth of a King.

[Bridge]
Jesus, I've seen Him die.
Jesus, I've seen Him arrive.
Jesus, I've seen Him rise.
And that is what's special
This Christmas day.

[Chorus]
Come to Bethlehem and see
Baby Jesus, carpenter's son.
The Messiah of all people,
Christmas the birth of a King.

[Tag]
The Messiah is here.

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What Does Christmas Mean

[Verse 1]
What does Christmas mean?
Is it time we spend with family?
Is it the celebration of a child?
Is it traditions which are dear to us?
Or is it something else?

[Verse 2]
What does Christmas mean?
Is it an old man in a sleigh?
Is it snow, or bells, or carols sung?
Is it gifts under a tree?
Or is it something else?

[Chorus]
It is God with us,
Emmanuel!
It is our salvation,
Jesus!
It is the anointed one,
Messiah!
Wonderful counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace,
A baby born in poverty,
Our glorious God,
Who was born,
Born to die for me.

[Verse 3]
What does Christmas mean?
Is it angels with awesome song?
Is it the prophesy we know?
Is it the perfect time and place?
Is it a plan for you and me?

[Chorus]
It is God with us,
Emmanuel!
It is our salvation,
Jesus!
It is the anointed one,
Messiah!
Wonderful counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace,
A baby born in poverty,
Our glorious God,
Who was born,
Born to die for me.

[Bridge]
See the child,
Fall and worship.
See the child,
The light of the world.
See the child
See the face of God

[Chorus]
It is God with us,
Emmanuel!
It is our salvation,
Jesus!
It is the anointed one,
Messiah!
Wonderful counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace,
A baby born in poverty,
Our glorious God,
Who was born,
Born to die for me.

[Tag]
Wonderful counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace,
A baby born in poverty,
Our glorious God,
Who was born,
Born to die for me.

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This Christmas Day

[Verse 1]
On snow-covered streets, light gently lay
No angels sang, the night was still.
In windows bright were toys and things
But this does not the hollow fill.

[Chorus]
We've lost the love,
We've lost the spark.
We're chasing dreams,
Yet feeling dark.
If Christmas brings
Hope to all men,
Why are we lost,
What good's it then?

[Verse 2]
I heard a voice sing "Silent Night",
Yet all around was angry sound.
We've lost our way by doing right, 
The son of God this night came down.

[Chorus]
We've lost the love,
We've lost the spark.
We're chasing dreams,
Yet feeling dark.
If Christmas brings
Hope to all men,
Why are we lost,
What good's it then?

[Bridge]
What does it mean?
This peace on earth.
Why don't we worship 
Holy birth?
If God came down,
Where is he now?
And did He come
To this small town?

[Tag]
Oh, little child 
of Bethlehem 
The light of God, 
come down to us
Open our hearts
To find a way,
To worship You,
This Christmas day.

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The Father Gives

[Verse 1]
How is it I can be the man 
chosen to raise a king?
What do You see, in who I am,
to teach the Son of man?
Yet, You chose me to be the one,
who listens to Your voice.
But I am scared, Lord God, I'm scared,
To train this little boy.

[Chorus]
Father above, what grace You show,
to trust Your Son to me.
I see His face — Your light on earth,
a gift of mystery.
My hands are rough, yet You have planned,
this night through history.
The Father gives, the father stands,
in awe this Christmas day.

[Verse 2]
The angels came and spoke Your name, 
to comfort and to guide.
To take this role, to be the one,
To look into his eyes;
And teach Him to do all those things
He knows, the faith and trust.
But look at me, I'll bend my knee,
and praise You, Messiah!

[Chorus]
Father above, what grace You show,
to trust Your Son to me.
I see His face — Your light on earth,
a gift of mystery.
My hands are rough, yet You have planned,
this night through history.
The Father gives, the father stands,
in awe this Christmas day.

[Verse 3]
A father's love and sacrifice 
gives all He has, and more.
To hold his child and see them grow
But feel the sting of pain.
A father lets His children fall
To see them rise again
But did I know how true that was, 
for the child in cradle laid.

[Chorus]
Father above, what grace You show,
to trust Your Son to me.
I see His face — Your light on earth,
a gift of mystery.
My hands are rough, yet You have planned,
this night through history.
The Father gives, the father stands,
in awe this Christmas day.

[Bridge]
What kind of night, what kind of grace,
that God should sleep so near?
My heart is full, my hands still shake,
with wonder, love, and fear.
I see myself within this plan,
so small, yet chosen too.
If You could trust this child to man,
then I can trust in You.

If You could trust this child to man,
then I can trust in You.

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Something is Happening

This is a Christmas cantata with full choir and orchestra. No solos, Chorus is a fun back and forth among the voices as expected in a musical on a famous street in New York.

[Chorus]
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Shepherds shouting, "He is here!"
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Angels singing, "Have no fear!"
Oh, little town of David,
What is this glorious thing?
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Is this our promised King?

[Verse 1]
How long our promised Savior,
Was told through prophets old.
Our king and our Messiah,
A warrior, strong and bold.
What's so special about a stable,
What's so special about a child?
We want a glorious leader,
Not a baby, meek, and mild.

[Chorus]
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Shepherds shouting, "He is here!"
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Angels singing, "Have no fear!"
Oh, little town of David,
What is this glorious thing?
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Is this our promised King?

[Verse 2]
And now the still is broken,
By visitors from abroad.
They talk of skies on fire,
They speak of finding God.
What's so special about a stable?
What's so special about a child?
Would God reveal Himself to them,
To Gentiles filthy and wild?

[Chorus]
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Shepherds shouting, "He is here!"
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Angels singing, "Have no fear!"
Oh, little town of David,
What is this glorious thing?
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Is this our promised King?

[Bridge]
He made a promise with Adam,
Abraham and Israel, too.
The prophets promised freedom,
His special ones, the Jews.
Covenants, You gave us
Laws and reverent ceremony.
Feasts and traditions guide us,
We've waited long for Thee.

[Chorus]
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Shepherds shouting, "He is here!"
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Angels singing, "Have no fear!"
Oh, little town of David,
What is this glorious thing?
Something is happening in Bethlehem.
Is this our promised King?

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More Than Tinsel 

[Verse 1]
Does it ever seem the Christmas story
Is bigger than what is told
The angels sang, the shepherds ran
And heaven was unfurled
Yet all we do on Christmas day
Is focus on ourselves
When God above sent His Son down,
To save the world from sin

[Chorus]
Oh, I believe on Christmas day
We should spread the word
That God came down to live with us
His perfect promise shared
He left glory to look for me
So that I may be saved
This sinful man deserved to die
If not for Christmas day

[Verse 2]
That holy night in Bethlehem
The stars all held their breath
While Mary sang a quiet song
And Joseph clung to faith
No trumpet sounded for the King
No palace, robe, or throne
Just heaven wrapped in human skin
And mercy newly born

[Chorus]
Oh, I believe on Christmas day
We should spread the word
That God came down to live with us
His perfect promise shared
He left glory to look for me
So that I may be saved
This sinful man deserved to die
If not for Christmas day

[Verse 3]
The shepherds heard the angel choir
The fields were filled with light
“Good news of joy for all the world
The Christ is born tonight”
They ran to see the promised One
So helpless, yet so strong
The Hope of every longing heart
Arrived before the dawn

[Chorus]
Oh, I believe on Christmas day
We should spread the word
That God came down to live with us
His perfect promise shared
He left glory to look for me
So that I may be saved
This sinful man deserved to die
If not for Christmas day

[Bridge]
Emmanuel, God with us
The mystery made plain
Eternal Love stepped into time
To walk among our pain
It's more than tinsel, lights, and cheer
More than songs we sing
It’s heaven’s gift to broken earth
The birth of Christ the King

[Chorus]
Oh, I believe on Christmas day
We should spread the word
That God came down to live with us
His perfect promise shared
He left glory to look for me
So that I may be saved
This sinful man deserved to die
If not for Christmas day

[Tag]
So let us worship, let us tell
What heaven chose to say
God came near, and love was born
That first Christmas day

[Closing]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah 
Christ is born for us today
Hallelujah, Hallelujah 
This is a hallowed day
Hallelujah, Hallelujah 
Hallelujah, Hallelujah 

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 In this episode of Teleios Talk, Wendell Martens opens with a provocative question rooted in personal experience: what does true Christian peacemaking look like when violence threatens those we love? From high-school memories of non-resistance to reflections on nationalism, Remembrance Day, and loyalty to the state, we dig into the deep tension between cultural expectations and the way of Jesus. Can a disciple of Christ both honour soldiers and still reject the sword? Or must we choose between defending ourselves and embracing sacrificial love?

We explore how nationalism shapes Christian identity, and how Remembrance Day, war history, and modern politics complicate the believer’s allegiance. Looking at Scripture, the early church, and Anabaptist heritage, we reflect on how followers of Jesus have historically responded to war, violence, and national duty. From Roman soldiers to WW2 conscientious objectors, from Calvin to Charlemagne — the question stands: does our loyalty belong to the nation, or to Christ and His Kingdom?

Together we wrestle with a difficult but necessary question — Should I stay or should I go? Should Christians defend their nation with force, or lay down the sword and walk the road of peace? We’ll examine “swords into plowshares,” Biblical shalom, pacifism across denominations, and the calling to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Join us as we challenge idols of power and rediscover the cross-shaped pattern of Christlike peace in a world of militarism and nationalism.

Check out our books and small group studies: 

"Eating with God", https://a.co/d/exc23Hz

“Perfect God, Impossible Me”, https://a.co/d/14mVNRC

and "Six Good Questions" https://a.co/d/ez96HkL

Here is our Children’s book “West Coulee Banks”

https://a.co/d/6eG3fVJ

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