Angels we have heard on high
“Glory to God, Glory to God,” are the first words in the video, sung quietly by the artists as they play a piano in a most unique fashion. The video, “Angels We Have Heard on High (Christmas w/ 32 fingers and 8 thumbs),” features four musicians grouped around a piano, each playing a different part of the instrument.
O Come, Emmanuel
An excellent piano and cello version of O Come, Emmanuel by the Piano Guys.
(Note: Enjoy the music, no endorsement of Morman Church).
Stories of God’s Grace: Meet Derrick
It’s always amazing to see the Lord at work redeeming and sanctifying a people for Himself.
Please see this short clip of the power of God’s grace in the life of Derrick.
“Nobody knows more than me that I have absolutely no right to be such a recipient of such grace.” —Derrick
Lighthouse ~ December
Monthly Newsletter of Horeb Mar Thoma Church
Message from Rev. Larry Varghese, Vicar
Dearly Beloved in Christ,
It’s Christmas time again. The string lights have come out and the debate between “to tree or not to tree” has begun. It’s quite easy to be caught up in the commercial aspect of Christmas; the endless sales and bargains. We Christians aren’t immune to it. The danger with this advertisement driven holiday season is we shift our focus to the next latest and greatest thing on the market. As I look back I can remember certain decorations which were hung from my home parish’s church ceiling. I can even remember some of the Christmas songs our choir sang years back. The decorations and songs of course varied over the years. The message however has stayed the same. It seems especially the case in today’s society that “new” is preferred over “tried and true”. New car, new phone, new spouse…
There was a time when the message of Christmas was radically new. Well, that shouldn’t have been the case because there were numerous prophecies foretelling Jesus’s birth, and so the people of Israel should have been ready. But nonetheless, it was a wonderful surprise to the world. God, here on earth – what a bizarre concept. The Jewish idea of God over the course of their history became a progressively elevated one. When God, at the appointed time, sent his son into the world he was basically announcing “Hey, I’m not some far off and aloof figure. I’m right there with you. For every tough situation you’ve gone through, look I’ve gone through it too. Loneliness, physical pain, mental anguish, hardship, persecution, betrayal – you name it, I’ve experienced it (Hebrews 4:15). I’ve shared in your life (or more accurately lack of life); now share in my life (real, eternal life)!” Even though that same message is repeated every year from different angles it’s truth is so profound and life-altering that we dare not exchange it for an iPhone.
This advent season set apart some time and recall the Christmas message of hope and joy. Our church practices a 25 day lent from December 1-25th. Set aside something that you crave and shift that passion over towards reconnecting with Jesus. May God bless you this Christmas season. Wishing you a meaningful Christmas and a blessed New Year in advance.
Rev. Larry Varghese.
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How Long (Love Constrained to Obedience)
A wonderful hymn by William Cowper sung by Pacific Gold
Love Constrained to Obedience
To see the law by Christ fulfilled
And hear His pardoning voice,
Changes a slave into a child,
And duty into choice.
No strength of nature can suffice
To serve the Lord aright:
And what she has she misapplies,
For want of clearer light.
How long beneath the law I lay
In bondage and distress;
I toll’d the precept to obey,
But toil’d without success.
Then, to abstain from outward sin
Was more than I could do;
Now, if I feel its power within,
I feel I hate it too.
Then all my servile works were done
A righteousness to raise;
Now, freely chosen in the Son,
I freely choose His ways.
“What shall I do,” was then the word,
“That I may worthier grow?”
“What shall I render to the Lord?”
Is my inquiry now.
William Cowper
Family Night 2013
The 2nd Annual Family Night of the Horeb Mar Thoma Church was held at the Acker Hall of the GGUMC on Sat, Oct 5th 2013. It was a time to celebrate the blessings that our Lord has given to us as individuals, families and our amazing Parish. Thank you one and all for your participation, organization and donations.
Church Retreat – God’s Kingdom and our Families
The first annual church retreat of the Horeb Mar Thoma Church was held at the Pine Valley Bible Conference Center, Pine Valley, CA on September 20-22, 2013. The theme for this year was God’s Kingdom and our families and the sessions were led by Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi who is a Christian philosopher, a bible teacher and an author of more than 19 books and titles. We were privileged to have him in our midst and refreshing to hear how the concept of marriage was God’s vision and how it ties into His own being.
Saturday Evening Session – Sept 21st
Sunday Sermon – Sept 22nd
Question and Answer Session
Sevika Sangham Day 2013
The Horeb Mar Thoma Church celebrated the first Sevika Sangham Day after the formation of a parish. The theme of the day was “Motherhood Participation in the divine Plan”. Roshin kochamma on behalf of the Sevika Sangham gave the sermon. The members of the parish participated in traditional kerala dinner after the service.
Defining Moments: My Hope America with Billy Graham
From a musician, to a football hero, to an illusionist, defining moments shaped their lives. Billy Graham addresses the theme of time and the moments that matter most. This video is from My Hope America with Billy Graham which is a massive effort to reach people with the gospel. In November, Christians across the country will open their homes to share this video with unchurched and unreached people. Preview the video now. Contact your pastor and church leaders and get them involved. We want to see many people come to faith in Jesus through this extraordinary event. For additional information, visit myhopewithbillygraham.org or 1-877-769-4673