Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

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

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

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

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.

Sermon on Hebrews 2:1-9, preached from home on a snow day.