Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence is from the Liturgy of St James (4th century), one of the earliest extant liturgies of the Christian Church. Orthodox Christians often recite it on the Sunday after Christmas, or as part of the Christmas Eve service. It is a beautiful Advent hymn, which focuses our attention upon the King of kings and Lord of lords, and His descent to earth to vanquish the powers of hell. Biblical references upon which the hymn is based  include John 6:51; John 1:5,9; Isaiah 6:1-3; Revelation 4:8; and Revelation 19:1-6. On this eve of Christmas, listen in awe and wonder as you prepare for the Coming of Jesus Christ:

Child with Four Names- part 2

Part 1 is available here

Isaiah 9:6 powerfully describes both the nature and character of the promised Messiah. First his nature:  a “Child that is born” (born of a woman, emphasizing his humanity- one of us, Heb.4:15); a “Son that is given” (Isaiah 7:14- “a virgin shall conceive and bring forth a Son, emphasizing his deity); a “government will be on his shoulders” (a royal lineage, emphasizing his authority). Secondly, we read about his character described by a series of four compound names beginning with Wonderful Counselor (lit. a wonder of a counselor). The next name is Mighty God (el gibbor).

The Child with Four Names

Isaiah 9:6 is one of the most pregnant (excuse the pun) verses in the Bible describing the promised Messiah. First his nature:  a “Child that is born” (born of a woman, emphasizing his humanity- one of us, Heb. 4:15); a “Son that is given” (Isaiah 7:14- “a virgin shall conceive and bring forth a Son, emphasizing his deity); a “government will be on his shoulders” (a royal lineage, emphasizing his authority). Secondly, we read about his character described by a series of four compound names beginning with Wonderful Counselor (lit. a wonder of a counselor).