Justus Wah

Jesus in the Christmas Carols Assignment

St. Andrew’s Cathedral (Singapore)

Christmas Eve Service

Christmas Carol – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, also known as God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, is an English traditional Christmas carol. The actual author of the song is unknown. Along with that, little is known of when the song is written. However, in the earliest known publication of this carol (in 1760) this song is described as “a new Christmas carol”, which suggests that this song originated in the mid-1700s. This song was officially published by William B. Sandys in 1833.

This carol places an emphasis on the angels and shepherds of the traditional Christmas story. In fact, this song actually celebrates many aspects of the Christmas story. First, it celebrates the birth of baby Jesus himself, evident in the first verse of the song. Then, it celebrates the angel’s coming and foretelling of the birth of Jesus Christ, to the shepherds. It also celebrates the joy of the shepherds, when travelling, and then finally finding baby Jesus in the manger. Lastly, this song celebrates the identity of Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior, such that we may all be “saved from Satan’s power”, when we “have gone astray”. Interestingly enough, all of these aspects that this song have celebrated are in the Christmas scriptures (Luke 2). These celebrated aspects can be found in the 1^st to 21^st verses of Luke 2.

In this carol, Jesus is portrayed as the Son of God, and our Savior. In fact, he is referred to as a “Savior” at least three times in the carol. Once in this carol, Jesus is referred to the Son of God. Interestingly enough, he is also referred to as a “blessed Babe” once in the song.  With all this in mind, this carol highlights Jesus’ role, of saving “us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray”. Jesus’ birth brings freedom to “all those who trust in Him”, from “Satan’s power and might”. In addition, this song highlights the “tidings of comfort and joy”, by repeating two lines in every verse. “O Tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy”. This highlights that Jesus not only brings us freedom from Satan’s evil wrath, but a sense of comfort and joy as well.

My Shema:

3 Characteristics of my God: Loving, Caring, Just

Personal Experience: Throughout my life, my God has been there for me time and time again. There have been many times where I felt like things were getting extremely difficult, and there is nothing that I can do about it. For example, when I first moved to Korea, I was devastated - I had left everything that I was comfortable with behind, and had to make new friends, get used to a new surrounding, and climate. However, it was in Seoul that I really started to lean and God, and truly experience his love for me. When I started to further understand what he has done for me, and how much he would do for me, I gladly humbled myself to serve him. I then took a positive attitude towards life, and, with his help and care, manage to finally feel like Korea is home. My God is caring, and just in this way.

Remembrance/Reverence: I remember my God through many methods. I often sing songs of praise, both to worship him and to remind myself of what he has done for me through the blood of Jesus Christ. I go to church every Sunday, and try to pray daily. Furthermore, I read the bible, and go to discipleship, which really keeps my faith together. I also have a picture of a cross as the background cover on my phone, so that I am constantly reminded of my God.

Shema:

My dear God, you are almighty, powerful, and knowing. Your ways are perfect, and you care so much for me. I don't know if I can ever repay your unconditional love for me. You are my father, teacher, master, and leader. You love me more than anything, and I will do very best to serve you. 

 http://www.artisansofthevalley.com/ws/cs/ws_cs_totem1b_l.jpg

Stances of stone and wood

Remind us of the

world beyond, and what we owe to

The great one.

O great one, may we please you.

For the holy water of life

From the Cuautitlan River

Is your gift to us.

Now, we may drink.

Now, we may farm.

Now, we may live – if you so allow.

O great one, may we thank you.

Cry you might, O great one.

When your tears reach us;

We know we sadden you. Yet,

Unconditional is your love.

Angry you might be, O great one.

When your fist strikes the ground; and

We pay for our mistakes.

We know we anger you.

Yet, unconditional is your love.

O great one, may we apologize to you.

We speak the holy words together;

Those that you ask of us:

Great you are, the provider of all.

Great you are, the provider of all.

Great you are, the provider of all.

O great one, may we worship you.

O great one, with our souls we stand;

our unworthy souls.

Yet, your love enables us, to ask for life.

To have food, water, and protection. For the survival of

Our culture, such that we may serve you better.

O great one, may we ask you?

Gandhi: Hindu and Activist Reflection

Quote 1

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.”

I believe that the final third of the movie really summarized this quote, through Gandhi’s actions. Because he believed that the culture of India was hugely influenced by the hearts and soul of the people, he would not have the two differing religions of India riot against each other, for their own cause. Gandhi emphasized the fact that “Islam and Hinduism are the right and left eye of India”. To accentuate his cause, he began to fast, hoping that the people would see and understand his desperacy for the people of India to find peace with each other. He was extremely serious about fasting – to the point where he said that he would not stop, until he was assured that the fighting would never start again. He stuck to his word, and almost died. Gandhi truly did believe that the hearts and soul of India really defines its culture. In this case, he wanted India’s culture to be reflected up on their actions. The hearts and soul of the people of India (both Muslim and Hindu) were obviously troubled – due to disagreement after disagreement. Gandhi wanted to set their hearts and soul straight, and call for peace. He expected this to reflect in their culture after re-focusing their hearts and soul of the people for what they really want – freedom, equality, and happiness. If they had hate and resentment in their hearts for each other, there would be nothing of a culture left. Gandhi perfectly knew this, and because of his love for the country and its people, knew that he had to be prepared to die for this cause.

Quote 2

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end, they always fall-- think of it, ALWAYS.”


Gandhi’s actions did really support and describe this quote effectively. Firstly, the first part of the quote was Gandhi’s emphasis throughout India’s quest for home rule. “The way of truth and love” refers to non-violence, in which Gandhi performed so well, until he earned divine respect from both the people of India, as well as the British (eventually). Obviously, Gandhi strongly believes this. I think one part of the movie where I felt truly exemplified this theme was when Gandhi was burning the passes back in South Africa. Here, he received severe injuries from the British soldiers, as he was clearly stating his dissatisfaction with the pass law. He burnt the passes in front of them, and they were clearly agitated by this. As a result, the British soldiers started to beat him. I think this would be one of the clear moments “when he despairs”, and he would be constantly reminding himself throughout the beating that “the way of truth and love has always won”. Also, throughout the movie, Gandhi’s optimism and attitude was relentless. Despite the many setbacks that he continued to face throughout the move, he stuck to it – which leads back to his quote, and his belief that that of murderers and tyrants may seem invincible, but would always fall in the end. Always . This was shown whenever Gandhi was thrown into prison so many times throughout the movie. He refused to give in to the British demands, and was willing to accept punishment for it, as he felt they were unjust laws.

My experience with Yoga on Wednesday was an extremely eye-opening experience for me. Firstly, I got to experience what it was to put my body under a different kind of situation, from what I am normally used to. Normally, I am used to stretching my main muscle groups, and training or playing a game of football afterwards. However, this was completely different. This time, I felt good, and managed to really focus on the specific parts of my body that I was asked to focus on. While lying down in the darkness, it was an extremely peaceful atmosphere – perfect for clear thoughts, and true focus. I do now in fact understand the purpose of yoga rituals within the Hindu religion. The Hindu religion does have an emphasis on discovering your inner self, which will give you a better understanding of the spiritual world. During this yoga experience, I did really manage to control my breathing, and set my mind on the body parts that I wanted to focus on. Normally, breathing would seem like an involuntary act – most of us do not even remember ourselves breathing, unless we are hugely panting, or extremely tired. I used to think I had full control of my body and air supply, but with this yoga experience, I do believe that I have finally felt what it’s like to experience a full control of my body, and have a better understanding of what I can and cannot do as a result of this yoga experience. 

Buddhism Reflection

After the meditation exercise that we carried out as a class, and the visit to the Bongwansa Temple, I felt that I really did gain more insight, depth, and understanding to the Buddhist religion. The meditation difficult was difficult, due to the mountainous and demanding task of focus, at the time of day where many of us are somewhat tired, and exhausted. Because the visit to the Bongwansa Temple was on a Monday, I thought that affected my concentration level as well. However, I believe that the most important factor which contributed to the difficulty of the meditation exercise was the fact that I am not used to meditation. Despite all this factors, the meditation exercise was helped by the peacefulness and serenity of the surrounding environment, especially in the temple. I thought this was definitely beneficial and crucial to our understanding of the Buddhist religion, as so much of it requires focus and concentration. The Buddhist temple was very quiet – I am absolutely certain this helped each and every one of us during our meditation exercise. Because of this peace that the temple offered, the atmosphere was more appropriate for meditation – there were not many distractions, which definitely lead to me learning more about myself, Buddhism, and meditation.

From this exercise, I learned many things about myself, the world, and Buddhism as well. I learned that Buddhism has a very huge emphasis on the psychological aspects of the religion, highlighted in many of the 8-fold path steps, as well as the process of meditation. This mental prominence is highlighted through the insight of Siddartha Gautama, and his meditation under the fig tree, in which he came upon the four noble truths. Another thing I learned about Buddhism was that it demands a lot, by removing all desires. I found this extremely hard to do, and ultimately came upon the reflection and idea that my desire to get rid of all desire is a desire. Despite this confusion, I still learned something – that removing all desires was a near-impossible task. In comparison, I learned a lot about myself through this activity as well. I learned that I have a lot to learn in terms of full concentration, and can improve myself through the 8-fold path. Despite not having Buddhist beliefs, I do agree with some of the concepts that it encourages about having right thought, views, concentration, and effort (some of the 8-fold path steps). After this activity, I realized how hard it was for me to concentrate, and will seek to improve this. I also learned that I should work towards treating people right, and being grateful. I realized this while being encouraged to be thankful, and think of ways to be grateful in the meditation activity. Overall, this was a very reflective exercise for me, and I would definitely recommend it to my friends for self-exploration, and for first-hand experience of the Buddhist religion.