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The Glory of Western Civilization: A Christmas Inheritance They Must Not Destroy

The soaring arches of a cathedral and the high, pure voices of an English Christmas choir inspire Bill Whittle, Scott Ott and Stephen Green, to reflect on our inheritance in a western civilization that finds its fountain in immutable, enduring, divine principle.

The Glory of Western Civilization: A Christmas Inheritance They Must Not Destroy

The soaring arches of a cathedral and the high, pure voices of an English Christmas choir inspire Bill Whittle, Scott Ott and Stephen Green, to reflect on our inheritance in a western civilization that finds its fountain in immutable, enduring, divine principle. From the secular joys of Santa Claus, to the birth of the Christ, our treasure has endured, and they must not destroy it.

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15 replies on “The Glory of Western Civilization: A Christmas Inheritance They Must Not Destroy”

I’m midway and currently on break. I can’t help but feel a depreciation of architecture in Scott’s voice. As a Catholic, I will say that even though I understand that God defies comprehension in being contained inside a building, I do know that he, the infinite and eternal being was able to inhabit the body of a mere human, completely. A material temple, though insignificant, will always be, truly, a material sign of our devotion to his magnificence. They are great and will continue to be built great, because they are dedicated to Him. Just wait and see the sacred family Barcelona temple that is still being worked on. Some may wait for heaven, but we bring heaven down to humanity every day.

Christmas isn’t Christmas without the Nine Lessons and Caroles from Kings. With all the (fun) franticness of decorating, shopping, baking, enjoying the magic through little children’s eyes, as well as the OTT excitement, when that comes on, everything comes to a halt. I am transfixed, and a calmness comes in. It’s like those sudden zoom ins in films where the person stands alone in a crowd, and the noise and bustle fades. Those first notes of Once in Royal David’s City are the grounding, the remembrance of what Christmas really is. It’s profound, and magic. So glad you found it. May God bless and keep you all.

Wonderful, and beautifully done.
I was at the Nine Lessons and Carols service last Sunday, not at King’s College Cambridge (which Bill refers to) but at the Chapel Royal Hampton Court. Funny thing, as the descant boy soloist started with the first verse of “Once in Royal David’s City” my first thought was I’d love to share this with Bill, Steve and Scott, and all the good folk on BW.com. And then the guys post this.

I agree with many previous comments, there was some truly profound content here. It certainly meshed with some thinking of my own over the last few months. I always enjoy the lads, but this was above and beyond.

Here’s a link to the opening of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s, enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT3cfXd3Shk&t=213s

So beautiful, powerful, profound and tender! I am so grateful that you found each other and are able to share your individual talents with all of us. God bless you and all the members and friends who come to this site. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you.

What a beautiful message, most especially about the magnificence of the impact of the coming of Jesus Christ–Emmanuel, God with us. And as you talked about the transformation wrought by Him that comes to bear on people over time, you made me think of my response to watching flash mobs, especially those done at Christmas, and most especially those who give the folks present the Hallelujah Chorus. The first time that I watched one of those, it made me cry for joy and realization that creating that kind of awesome beauty is what God made us for. It is what calls out in humans His ability and willingness to create and to invite us to do the same in His power and glory. When we respond to His purpose, we get a little taste of the eternal destiny that He has provided for all who believe in His Son Jesus Christ. May that be our true response to Christmas!

I was raised a Roman Catholic, but as an adult switched to another denomination which doesn’t hold a Christmas service. The only thing I miss about the church I grew up in is midnight mass. This Right Angle may not be midnight mass, and today is not the night before, but the day after, but I feel like I had my Christmas service. Well said, guys, and thanks again.

Scott, If you’re ever up in the northeast of a Sunday, you can come preach at my chapel.

Beautiful concepts put forth by each of you. Thank you for this perfect Christmas episode. Very profound. Very timely. Merry Christmas and see you in 2020!

I don’t know if you all realize it or not, but you all had very profound statements to make. I think you should release each one’s monologue as a separate cut on YT.
Well done.
I am fortunate to sing with my local Symphony choir. Each Christmas season we have two sets of concerts. We do a Holiday Pops which consists of some traditional carols, heavy on Santa but with a smattering of Jesus.

We also perform Handel’s Messiah. This year we did it in a church. While acoustically a challenge, the feel of it was much better than a concert hall.

Merry Christmas to all!

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