Become New with John Ortberg 9. Why the Christmas Story Keeps Spreading 2000 Years Later
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Dec 11, 2025 Discover the fascinating story behind the carol "Angels From the Realms of Glory" and its author, James Montgomery. Explore the contrasting power dynamics in the Christmas narrative, where Jesus' humble beginnings defy worldly expectations. Uncover how true power is rooted in love and self-sacrifice. The podcast encourages listeners to engage in acts of altruism, inviting a deeper understanding of Jesus' message. Each segment highlights the unexpected ways that ancient tales continue to resonate today.
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James Montgomery's Unlikely Journey
- James Montgomery grew up orphaned, became a baker's assistant, and later embraced writing and social causes.
- He returned to the Moravian church and wrote over 400 hymns, including Angels From the Realms of Glory.
An English Composer Joins An Irish Hymn
- Henry Smart, an Englishman who set Montgomery's poem to music, became blind yet contributed musically despite hardship.
- The hymn's creation united unlikely enemies and traditions across national and denominational lines.
Worldly Power Puts The Child Last
- Worldly power ranks Caesar, Herod, priests, and others above a child like Jesus in influence and agency.
- In that society the child is passive and at the bottom of the ladder, receiving actions rather than making them.