In this edition of the UCC Binghamton Forecaster, the Rev. Dr. Arthur Suggs shares some witty and soul-stirring reflections on some of the traditional Advent and Christmas hymns, including an uncle named Harold (Hark the Herald Angels Sing), and Mary, the First Theologian (What Child is This, Who, Laid to Rest).

About In the Bleak Midwinter, Pastor Art shares this: “Christmas occurs right after the Winter Solstice. And this is not a coincidence. And this hymn serves as one of the deepest, yet most subtle, reminders of the light breaking forth when it is darkest, of warmth breaking forth when it is coldest.

The “earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone” is symbolic of when life is hard, operating at a primal, Jungian level in our souls. So also the image of a tender newborn, asleep on the hay, with a radiant Mary looking on, instills a message of love, hope, peace in our souls, softening the ice and iron.”

Read the rest of the reflections, and other notes from the church family, here:

Download the January 2018 Forecaster (PDF)

Featured Image Credit: Star of Bethlehem, 1885-1890, Edward Burne-Jones.