opc blog

words of welcome, challenge, and growth

Archive for the 'devotional' Category


Postlude: How Can I Keep From Singing?

My life flows on in endless song; Above earth’s lamentation I hear the sweet though far off hymn That hails a new creation: Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul— How can I keep from singing? What though my joys and comforts die? [...]

Overwhelming Joy: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Epiphany of the Lord “. . .  they were overwhelmed with joy.” (Matthew 2:1-12) Glorious now behold Him arise,     King and God and Sacrifice;     Alleluia, Alleluia     Sounds through the earth and skies. (“We Three Kinds of Orient Are” PH#66) Lots of things seem poised to overwhelm us on January 6:  staggering bills [...]

Nunc Dimittis and Twelfth Night: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people; A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. (Luke 2: 29-32, Canticle of Simeon or Nunc Dimittis) [...]

Go Tell It on the Mountain: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Songs of Celebration Christ is born and it’s time to celebrate! Allow yourself to unapologetically celebrate the full Christmas season, from Christmas day to the day of Epiphany! As you celebrate with family and friends this Christmas season, imagine yourself traveling with the three wise men to see the baby lying in a manger. Think [...]

His Yoke is Easy and His Burden is Light: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Saturday, January 3   His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. (Matthew 11:30)   Reflecting on this verse is a gift.  If we can take time this holiday season and truly be thankful for our many blessings, realize how very blessed we truly are, Christmas will come. Even if we didn’t get everything [...]

He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd: How Can I Keep From Singing?

    He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (Isaiah 40:11) Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. [...]

The Eyes of the Blind Shall be Opened: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. (Isaiah 35:5-6)   The OPC youth group was asked to reflect on this verse. They were asked to write what they believe Christ is inviting them [...]

Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen. (Zecharaiah 9:9-10)   Do you ever look around and just wonder?  Do you wonder at the world, at its wars, at its injustice? Do you [...]

Glory to God, Peace on Earth, and Goodwill: How Can I Keep From Singing?

Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men. (Luke 2:14)   This passage takes place as a number of shepherds who are watching their flock at night.  Angels of the Lord put on a spectacular show and come to the shepherds urging them to find their Savior, which is [...]

A Multitude of Heavenly Host, Praising God:How Can I Keep From Singing?

  And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying: (Luke 2:13)   The angels are saying “Thank you for a new baby!” They were talking to shepherds. Shepherds guard sheep from hungry wolves. All God’s people are angels. –OPC’s Godly Play class Artwork by Amelia Beebe, [...]