tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7349070.post1379565873419970904..comments2023-08-29T05:36:46.228-06:00Comments on cyber spirit cafe: The messy truth of ChristmasDoug Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12830571125611956474noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7349070.post-82802736991497345142010-01-06T17:41:02.457-07:002010-01-06T17:41:02.457-07:00I have to admit I was struck by Fraser's comme...I have to admit I was struck by Fraser's comment on "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." Okay, I'm not a Methodist, but I didn't think John Wesley was a heretic! I thought maybe his original text had been changed by some well-meaning goof, until I looked it up. Indeed, much of the text has been messed with, but "veiled in flesh" is there in the original.<br /><br />I get what Fraser means -- "veiled" suggests that Jesus' true nature is hidden from us, that he is only putting on flesh and not really made of flesh. But the following lines don't continue the fallacy -- he is the "incarnate deity" and appears "as man with men." <br /><br />Do you think that one (perhaps poor) word choice renders the whole carol heretical? Would it be any better to change "veiled" to "clothed" or not? Does it really matter?<br /><br />~Deana<br /><br />P.S. I don't have any particular interest in rescuing this song from the accusation of heresy. It's not one of my favorites, though I have always enjoyed it for its sheer familiarity. But this gives it an interesting new twist!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7349070.post-70498523377781619752010-01-06T17:23:11.643-07:002010-01-06T17:23:11.643-07:00Thank you for this post, Doug. This kind of realis...Thank you for this post, Doug. This kind of realism is one of the only things keeping me connected to the church right now, and it is too, too rare. Let us always remember that Jesus not only pooped in his swaddling rags, but that Mary and Joseph might have appreciated the magi's gifts of frankincense and myrrh more than the gold, as they could be used immediately to cover up the stink of their surroundings!<br /><br />~DeanaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com