After the reading of Luke 2:8-11 and a prayer (start-1:22), Harold Hunter Oliver, Special Instructor of New Testament, answers the question “What Should Christmas Mean?”
After the reading of Psalm 105:3-4 and prayer (start-2:12), Truman S. Smith, Instructor in Pastoral Care and Assistant Director of Field Work at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, preaches from John 9.
After reading Colossians 1:17-21 and a prayer (start-5:41), Dr. Sydnor Lorenzo Stealey, the first President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the importance of the executive committee and the behind the scenes aspects of the Seminary. [The original audio fades out before the message finishes.]
After some hymns, reading Colossians 3:12-21, and a prayer (start-7:50), Olin Trivette Binkley, the Academic Dean and Professor of Christian Sociology and Ethics (and future President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary), reviewed the seminary’s covenant, specifically the part about family.
Dr. Emily Kilpatrick Lansdell, Professor of Missions, gave a lecture titled “Preparation for the Missionary Task in Today’s World.” Dr. Lansdell spoke on the importance of strategic missions in the midst of geo-political changes across the world. One of her major points was the importance of being prepared before going on the field. She discussed the importance of learning the language and culture of the place one serves in as well as having theological training.
Ben Sigel Johnson, Special Instructor in Music, facilitates this program which starts with a congregational hymn and prayer. The main program then starts off with the singing of Psalm 1 (7:30-12:40) and then the Ordination of Judas Maccabeus set to music by Handel (12:45-18-39). Then an invitational is given with the singing of Psalm 23 to a symphony written by Paul Crestin, one of Southeastern’s foremost composers (22:55-28:05). Mr. Johnson ends the program with a Spiritual and benediction (28:06-end).
Dr. Olin Trivette Binkley, the Academic Dean and Professor of Christian Sociology and Ethics, read Philippians 1:27-30, and then preached about "Citizenship in a Theological Seminary" from verse 27. He shared three characteristics of good theological citizens: indefectible faithfulness to Jesus Christ and to those who love and serve Him, courageous participation in the advancement of the Gospel, and readiness to suffer in the struggle for justice.
After reading Psalm 103:21-22, Romans 8:26-28, and 1 Corinthians 9:15-16, and a song (start-4:00), Suzanna Van, a Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary student from China, expresses gratitude for the missionaries who impacted her life and her country. She then speaks a bit about the importance of sharing the gospel and living missionally (4:01-11:45). The service concludes with the reading of Numbers 6:24-26 (11:46-end).
After reading Psalm 103:19-22 and a prayer (start-2:45), Richard Knox Young, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care, preaches about not judging one another from Matthew 7:1-5.