Source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
PHOTO: Songs of Christmas: The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols by Robert M. Solomon
These treasured songs not only remind us of why we celebrate the season, but also lead us into a richer, deeper appreciation of Jesus Christ. But is there more to these familiar tunes?
Find out more about the history and biblical basis of 20 well-loved carols, and discover anew the wonders and joys of celebrating Christmas in song.
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From "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Copyright © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-11-6752-2, "Preface", Page 7-11.
Preface
The singing of hymns is a powerful way of expressing our love, adoration, and worship of God. Within the church's rich heritage of sacred music, one can find songs for every season of the year and for every situation in life. Sadly, much of this lyrical treasure trove lies stored away in dusty archives, unnoticed by the modern church.One consolation is that when Christmas comes, we tend to turn to those Christmas carols written in previous centuries. And what a rich collection this is! I am not referring to the secular songs connected with cultural Christmas nostalgia and festivities, or those that have no scriptural, theological, or devotional basis. Thankfully, we do have a small collection of good Christmas carols that we are familiar with, and which are often sung during Advent and Christmas. There are in fact hundreds, if not thousands, of Christmas carols that have been written. The word "carol" initially referred to hymns used during festive occasions, such as Christmas and Easter. Eventually, it came to be used specifically for Christmas songs.
This book contains reflections on 20 familiar and popular Christmas carols. It is a pity, in some ways, that we sing them only for a few days in a year. This isn't enough time for sustained familiarisation or reflection on the carols we sing. This book provides some information on the history of these carols, and also offers theological and devotional insights on their significance and meaning.
Most of these hymns were written in the nineteenth century or earlier. During the sixteenth century, some branches of the Reformation encouraged hymn singing in church services. The movement led by Martin Luther was a good example of this. However, others (such as the Reformed churches) tended to view music with some suspicion, and restricted singing to metrical versions of the Psalms in the Bible. There was a fear that if we were to use language other than that found in the Bible, we would be in great danger of introducing our own fallen human thoughts into our worships. It was safer to stick to the song book in the Bible - the Psalms.
As recently as the nineteenth century, the leadership of the Church of England was still reluctant to allow hymn singing. Bishops, such as Reginald Heber, wrote hymns, but when they sought permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury to sing them in church services, it was slow in coming. Ultimately, the hymns were compiled into special published collections. The nineteenth century was an especially fruitful time for English hymn writing, including the writing of Christmas carols. Initially, these carols were sung outside church buildings, in homes and along streets. Eventually, hymn singing in church was recognised as a powerful and useful experience.
England had a Puritan tradition that brought many blessings, but also some difficulties, such as the acceptance of hymns. But this did not stop hymns from being written. As early as the seventeenth century, Isaac Watts, the great hymn writer (some say the greatest) was already writing powerful hymns n English. He was followed in the eighteenth century by the equally illustrious Charles Wesley, who has given the church some of its greatest hymns. This book contains some carols from these early streams.
Christmas carols were also being written and sung in Europe, perhaps more freely than in England. This book contains some European carols that were translated into English (especially in the nineteenth century) by ardent collectors of hymns from the original Latin, German, or French.
Besides these, there were many others in England who wrote new hymns and carols, including organists, composers, poets, clergymen, and bishops. Through the efforts of this wide range of songwriters, we have inherited a rich collection of Christmas carols that speak of the Incarnation, and what the coming of Jesus into our world means for us.
Each chapter focuses on one well-known Christmas carol. The history of the carol is briefly told. Tracing the history and development of some of these carols is like taking a walk along a river that flows through a thick forest. At times we are not able to proceed further, or the river breaks up into multiple streams. I do not wish to confuse the reader with details of concern only to scholars. Our aim is simpler: to provide some background to the carols we sing by introducing their writers or translators.
The old hymns appear in many forms today because people felt they were at liberty to change words and phrases, striking out stanzas or inserting new ones. Also, many hymns have been set to a variety of tunes. Here, again, we will not go into a technical discussion of the music.
The second section in each chapter introduces biblical insights about the carol being discussed. This should help us to understand and appreciate what we are singing. At times, archaic words or phrases are used and these are not readily understood by modern singers. Also, it is possible to sing these carols without paying attention to the words and their meaning and implication. The apostle Paul testifies, "I will sing with my mind" (1 Corinthians 14:15 ESV). We must sing with adequate understanding.
Paul also says, "I will sing praise with my spirit" in the same verse, meaning that our singing must not only be connected with our minds (understanding) but also with our hearts and spirits (devotion and commitment). Reflecting on these carols should lead us to worship Christ, along with the Father and the Spirit. We should allow the wonderful truths of Christmas (that God sent His Son Jesus to the world to save us and reconcile us to himself) to take root deeply in our hearts, and like Mary, we should learn to treasure these insights and live them out with our lives (Luke 2:19).
To this end, I offer this modest book to my fellow Christians, as a way of helping us to sing our Christmas carols with depth and enthusiasm. May these carols truly bring us to God and His Son, whom He sent to save us, as the Holy Spirit stirs our hearts and instructs our minds, and transforms our lives.
Have a Blessed Christmas.
Robert M. Solomon
Christmas 2018
Hopefully some of the information, reflection and discussion obtained from the internet and the book by Robert M. Solomon, "Songs of Christmas", are useful.
Chapter 1 - Reflection - Angels from the Realms of Glory, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-from-realms-of-glory.html [1]
Chapter 2 - Reflection - Angels We Have Heard on High, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-we-have-heard-on-high.html [2]
Chapter 3 - Reflection - Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-brightest-and-best-of-sons.html [3]
Chapter 4 - Reflection - Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-come-thou-long-expected-jesus.html [4]
Chapter 5 - Reflection - Go, Tell it on the Mountain, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-go-tell-it-on-mountain.html [5]
Chapter 6 - Reflection - God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-god-rest-ye-merry-gentlemen.html [6]
Chapter 7 - Reflection - Good Christian Men, Rejoice, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-good-christian-men-rejoice.html [7]
Chapter 8 - Reflection - Hark! The Herald Angles Sing, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-hark-herald-angels-sing.html [8]
Chapter 9 - Reflection - It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-it-came-upon-midnight-clear.html [9]
Chapter 10 - Reflection - Joy to the World, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/12/reflection-joy-to-world.html [10]
Chapter 11 - Reflection - O Come, All Ye Faithful, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/12/reflection-o-come-all-ye-faithful.html [11]
Chapter 12 - Reflection - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/12/reflection-o-come-all-ye-faithful.html [12]
Chapter 13 - Reflection - O Holy Night, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-o-holy-night.html [13]
Chapter 14 - Reflection - O Little Town of Bethlehem, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-o-little-town-of-bethlehem.html [14]
Chapter 15 - Reflection - Once in Royal David's City, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-once-in-royal-davids-city.html [15]
Chapter 16 - Reflection - Silent Night, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflection-silent-night.html [16]
Chapter 17 - Reflection - The First Noel, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflection-first-noel.html [17]
Chapter 18 - Reflection - We Three Kings of Orient Are, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflection-we-three-kings-of-orient-are.html [18]
Chapter 19 - Reflection - While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-while-shepherds-watched.html [19]
Chapter 20 - Reflection - What Child is This?, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-what-child-is-that.html [20]
Chapter 1 - Angels from the Realms of Glory
PHOTO: Consider the responses of the various human characters mentioned in the hymn.
The central theme is a call to worship Christ, as the Christian story is retold in beautiful verse. The song includes the angels, shepherds, and sages (magi from the East) - as told in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.
We are reminded of how the magi, upon seeing the child Jesus, "bowed down and worshipped him" (Matthew 2:11), presenting the gifts they had bought with them to pay homage to Him and to honour Him. We are called to do the same as we recall the Christmas story and the reality of Christ in our lives and in the world.
The Shepherds rushed off to see the newborn baby and found Him, possibly with the help of some light coming from where the manager was. "Yonder shines the infant light" (Stanza 2) expresses how light had broken into the darkness, a humble expression of a glorious, earth-shaking event. Seeing the Christ-child, the shepherds were persuaded that God had come to reside with men; we are no longer alone and lost.
The magi are the subject of the third stanza. They are encouraged to leave aside worldly wisdom and knowledge, and to pursue a greater treasure, "the Desire of nations". Here was not the God of the philosophers or the astrologers, but one who came down from heaven to find us. If we searched the roots of all serious human pursuits (whether philosophy, science, poetry, or religion) we will find a quest for the God who made us and loves us, a God who was revealed in Christ. This the magi discovered, as they followed His "natal star" and found Him.
The last four stanzas go beyond the key "characters" in the Christmas story to speak about the implications of the Christmas event for all the world.
The fourth stanza addresses the "saints" - people like old Simeon in Jerusalem, who was "waiting for the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25). The Holy Spirit moved him to visit the temple, where eight-day old Jesus was brought by Mary and Joseph to be circumcised according to the law. Simeon was convinced by the Holy Spirit that the baby he saw was the long-waited Messiah promised by God (Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2). He broke into praise, thanking God that "my eyes have seen your salvation" (Luke 2:30).
There was also a very old prophetess, Anna, who had spent many years living on the temple grounds, fasting and praying as she waited for the Messiah (Luke 2:36-38). When she saw the newborn child, she "gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all" (Luke 2:38). Simeon and Anna were the faithful people of Israel, who had aged while bending low before the altar in prayerful anticipation of the Messiah. God answered their prayers when they saw Him appear in the temple in the form of a baby. The Messiah had come.
The fifth stanza is addressed to all sinners, including we who sing. The Christmas event has much to say to us, and promises to change our destiny. Because we have all sinned against God (Romans 3:23), we must all suffer the terrible consequences of our sins (Romans 6:23). We are doomed to "endless pains" (see Matthew 25:46) because we have acted against God by ignoring and disobeying Him. But God has sent His Son Jesus Christ. In Him we experience God's justice and mercy, as represented by the cross on which He paid the penalty for our sins. God's justice demands that the penalty must be paid (Romans 6:23). But there is no one among us who can settle the matter because we have all sinned. So God acted in mercy by sending His own Son to pay the price: "Christ paid the price to free us from the curse" (Galatians 3:13, GW).
The sixth stanza declares that the baby of Christmas is no ordinary baby. He will sit on His Father's throne in heaven (Revelation 3:21). All the nations will gather in His presence (Revelation 7:9). And every knee will bow and acknowledge who He is and what He has done (Philippians 2:10; see Isaiah 45:23 which demonstrates that in receiving such worship, He shows His divinity). In another sense, all the nations will be gathered before Christ, who will return as the judge of all, who will separate the "sheep from the goats" and separate all according to their final destinies (Matthew 25:31-33).
The hymn directs our attention to the triune God, to the "eternal Three in One" (Stanza 7). The Christmas event involves all three persons of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit came upon the virgin Mary, the power of the Most High overshadowed her, and Christ the eternally begotten Son was born on earth (Luke 1:35). It tells us that our salvation is the united work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and that we are eternally indebted to this triune God. Grateful praise should be our response, an act that the whole of creation is invited to participate in. God deserves no less than this.
How would you join them in worshipping Christ?
Matthew 2:1-12 is about the wise men from the east (Magi) seeking to find the Child whom the natal star had shown them. They came because they wanted to worship this King! After searching for Him they finally found Him, and the Bible says that ‘they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy’ and ‘they fell down and worshipped Him.’ We are called to do the same as we recall the Christmas story and the reality of Christ in our lives and in the world.
This Christmas, let’s rethink what this season is all about and worship God who came to earth as a baby, grew to be a man and died a horrific death so that we could be reconciled to God our Father. Our salvation is the united work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and that we are eternally indebted to this triune God. Let us worship Immanuel – God with us – so that we never lose the wonder of the mercy of God to us! Grateful praise should be our response, an act that the whole of creation is invited to participate in. God deserves no less than this.
Like the shepherds, seeing the Christ-child, we are persuaded that God had come to reside with men; we are no longer alone and lost. This Christmas let’s spend time worshipping Jesus by giving Him our all. Just as the wise men brought gifts to Jesus, so let’s surrender afresh our lives to Jesus.
My prayer is that I would seek Jesus as wholeheartedly as did the wise men, and that I would worship Him with the same passion with which they worshipped Him. I am committed to ‘rejoice exceedingly with great joy’ and ‘bowing down to worship Him.’
What would you say to Him to express your reverence and gratitude?
"Dear Lord, Thank you for sending Jesus Christ to suffer and died for us, so that we have the offer of Salvation. Through Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by hugocolodedeus
Picture saved from Annapetrovich - Great cloud of witnesses
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/633529872560257039/?lp=true
The central theme is a call to worship Christ, as the Christian story is retold in beautiful verse. The song includes the angels, shepherds, and sages (magi from the East) - as told in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.
We are reminded of how the magi, upon seeing the child Jesus, "bowed down and worshipped him" (Matthew 2:11), presenting the gifts they had bought with them to pay homage to Him and to honour Him. We are called to do the same as we recall the Christmas story and the reality of Christ in our lives and in the world.
The Shepherds rushed off to see the newborn baby and found Him, possibly with the help of some light coming from where the manager was. "Yonder shines the infant light" (Stanza 2) expresses how light had broken into the darkness, a humble expression of a glorious, earth-shaking event. Seeing the Christ-child, the shepherds were persuaded that God had come to reside with men; we are no longer alone and lost.
The magi are the subject of the third stanza. They are encouraged to leave aside worldly wisdom and knowledge, and to pursue a greater treasure, "the Desire of nations". Here was not the God of the philosophers or the astrologers, but one who came down from heaven to find us. If we searched the roots of all serious human pursuits (whether philosophy, science, poetry, or religion) we will find a quest for the God who made us and loves us, a God who was revealed in Christ. This the magi discovered, as they followed His "natal star" and found Him.
The last four stanzas go beyond the key "characters" in the Christmas story to speak about the implications of the Christmas event for all the world.
The fourth stanza addresses the "saints" - people like old Simeon in Jerusalem, who was "waiting for the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25). The Holy Spirit moved him to visit the temple, where eight-day old Jesus was brought by Mary and Joseph to be circumcised according to the law. Simeon was convinced by the Holy Spirit that the baby he saw was the long-waited Messiah promised by God (Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2). He broke into praise, thanking God that "my eyes have seen your salvation" (Luke 2:30).
There was also a very old prophetess, Anna, who had spent many years living on the temple grounds, fasting and praying as she waited for the Messiah (Luke 2:36-38). When she saw the newborn child, she "gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all" (Luke 2:38). Simeon and Anna were the faithful people of Israel, who had aged while bending low before the altar in prayerful anticipation of the Messiah. God answered their prayers when they saw Him appear in the temple in the form of a baby. The Messiah had come.
The fifth stanza is addressed to all sinners, including we who sing. The Christmas event has much to say to us, and promises to change our destiny. Because we have all sinned against God (Romans 3:23), we must all suffer the terrible consequences of our sins (Romans 6:23). We are doomed to "endless pains" (see Matthew 25:46) because we have acted against God by ignoring and disobeying Him. But God has sent His Son Jesus Christ. In Him we experience God's justice and mercy, as represented by the cross on which He paid the penalty for our sins. God's justice demands that the penalty must be paid (Romans 6:23). But there is no one among us who can settle the matter because we have all sinned. So God acted in mercy by sending His own Son to pay the price: "Christ paid the price to free us from the curse" (Galatians 3:13, GW).
The sixth stanza declares that the baby of Christmas is no ordinary baby. He will sit on His Father's throne in heaven (Revelation 3:21). All the nations will gather in His presence (Revelation 7:9). And every knee will bow and acknowledge who He is and what He has done (Philippians 2:10; see Isaiah 45:23 which demonstrates that in receiving such worship, He shows His divinity). In another sense, all the nations will be gathered before Christ, who will return as the judge of all, who will separate the "sheep from the goats" and separate all according to their final destinies (Matthew 25:31-33).
The hymn directs our attention to the triune God, to the "eternal Three in One" (Stanza 7). The Christmas event involves all three persons of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit came upon the virgin Mary, the power of the Most High overshadowed her, and Christ the eternally begotten Son was born on earth (Luke 1:35). It tells us that our salvation is the united work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and that we are eternally indebted to this triune God. Grateful praise should be our response, an act that the whole of creation is invited to participate in. God deserves no less than this.
How would you join them in worshipping Christ?
Matthew 2:1-12 is about the wise men from the east (Magi) seeking to find the Child whom the natal star had shown them. They came because they wanted to worship this King! After searching for Him they finally found Him, and the Bible says that ‘they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy’ and ‘they fell down and worshipped Him.’ We are called to do the same as we recall the Christmas story and the reality of Christ in our lives and in the world.
This Christmas, let’s rethink what this season is all about and worship God who came to earth as a baby, grew to be a man and died a horrific death so that we could be reconciled to God our Father. Our salvation is the united work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and that we are eternally indebted to this triune God. Let us worship Immanuel – God with us – so that we never lose the wonder of the mercy of God to us! Grateful praise should be our response, an act that the whole of creation is invited to participate in. God deserves no less than this.
Like the shepherds, seeing the Christ-child, we are persuaded that God had come to reside with men; we are no longer alone and lost. This Christmas let’s spend time worshipping Jesus by giving Him our all. Just as the wise men brought gifts to Jesus, so let’s surrender afresh our lives to Jesus.
My prayer is that I would seek Jesus as wholeheartedly as did the wise men, and that I would worship Him with the same passion with which they worshipped Him. I am committed to ‘rejoice exceedingly with great joy’ and ‘bowing down to worship Him.’
What would you say to Him to express your reverence and gratitude?
"Dear Lord, Thank you for sending Jesus Christ to suffer and died for us, so that we have the offer of Salvation. Through Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by hugocolodedeus
Picture saved from Annapetrovich - Great cloud of witnesses
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PHOTO: The central theme is a call to worship Christ, as the Christian story is retold in beautiful verse. The song includes the angels, shepherds, and sages (magi from the East) - as told in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Picture posted by Javier Valero@celebriTOONS on 25 December 2018
Picture posted by Javier Valero@celebriTOONS on 25 December 2018
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PHOTO: My prayer is that I would seek and worship Jesus as wholeheartedly as the wise men did. This Christmas let’s spend time worshipping Jesus by giving Him our all.
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PHOTO: "Dear Lord, We are reminded of how the magi, upon seeing the child Jesus, ‘bowed down and worshipped him’, presenting the gifts they had bought with them to pay homage to Him and to honour Him. We are called to do the same as we recall the Christmas story and the reality of Christ in our lives and in the world.
Like the shepherds, seeing the Christ-child, we are persuaded that God had come to reside with men; we are no longer alone and lost. Please help us to spend time worshipping Jesus by giving Him our all. Just as the wise men brought gifts to Jesus, help us to surrender afresh our lives to Jesus.
We are doomed to ‘endless pains’ because we have acted against God by ignoring and disobeying Him. But God has sent His Son Jesus Christ. In Him we experience God's justice and mercy, as represented by the cross on which He paid the penalty for our sins.
Our salvation is the united work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and that we are eternally indebted to this triune God. Please accept our grateful praise, an act that the whole of creation is invited to participate in.
We would like to seek Jesus as wholeheartedly as did the wise men, and that we would worship Him with the same passion with which they worshipped Him. Please help us to commit to ‘rejoice exceedingly with great joy’ and ‘bowing down to worship Him.’
Thank You for sending Jesus Christ to suffer and died for us, so that we have the offer of Salvation. All of us can then have joy and real rest for eternity in heaven together with You.
Through Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by Natali on Sunday, 04 January 2015 - Angels from the Realms of Glory
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https://blogkolibri.blogspot.com/2015/01/blog-post.html?spref=pi
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/39054721746833423/?lp=true
Like the shepherds, seeing the Christ-child, we are persuaded that God had come to reside with men; we are no longer alone and lost. Please help us to spend time worshipping Jesus by giving Him our all. Just as the wise men brought gifts to Jesus, help us to surrender afresh our lives to Jesus.
We are doomed to ‘endless pains’ because we have acted against God by ignoring and disobeying Him. But God has sent His Son Jesus Christ. In Him we experience God's justice and mercy, as represented by the cross on which He paid the penalty for our sins.
Our salvation is the united work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and that we are eternally indebted to this triune God. Please accept our grateful praise, an act that the whole of creation is invited to participate in.
We would like to seek Jesus as wholeheartedly as did the wise men, and that we would worship Him with the same passion with which they worshipped Him. Please help us to commit to ‘rejoice exceedingly with great joy’ and ‘bowing down to worship Him.’
Thank You for sending Jesus Christ to suffer and died for us, so that we have the offer of Salvation. All of us can then have joy and real rest for eternity in heaven together with You.
Through Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by Natali on Sunday, 04 January 2015 - Angels from the Realms of Glory
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https://blogkolibri.blogspot.com/2015/01/blog-post.html?spref=pi
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/39054721746833423/?lp=true
Chapter 2 - Angels We Have Heard on High
PHOTO: How would you tell someone the reason for the joy of Christmas?Traditionally, the Christmas story turns around four words: Love, Peace, Hope, and Joy. This list is about Christmas Joy. At the end of the day, what people are trying to buy is happiness for their loved ones.
I would use the Believer’s Perspective of Christmas to tell someone the reason for the joy.
Immanuel, God with us, had been born (Isaiah 7:14). The child whose name would be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and who would eventually reign on the throne of David was given (Isaiah 9:6-7). Hope had arrived for the nation of Israel which was currently oppressed by Rome, but more importantly, hope had arrived for mankind that God was implementing His plan that would solve the sin problem and allow sinful men to be made righteous in His eyes.
Christmas is a holiday that focuses on the Saviour of the world. There could be no better reason to celebrate Christmas. We can share the most wonderful gift of Jesus so that others may experience the great joy of salvation.
Take time to meditate on what you would have witnessed if you had been there at Bethlehem.
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Refrain
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav'nly song?
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praised;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.
(Source: The United Methodist Hymnal [Nashville: The United Methodist Publishing Home, 1989], #238)
This carol is a favourite among many Christians, partly because of the exuberant refrain which is often sung with happy smiles.
It is based on the account of the Christmas story in Luke's gospel (Luke 2:6-20). Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Mary "wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7 ESV). Mary and Joseph were visiting the town of Bethlehem as part of a census ordered by the Roman emperor.
At this time, shepherds were watching their flocks at night in the fields outside the town. An angel suddenly appeared to them with wonderful news. "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2:10-12).
Then, suddenly, a great choir of angels joined the first angel to praise God in song. They sang, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests" (Luke 2:14). We could say that this was the first Christmas carol! And it was sung by angels.
The refrain of the carol, "Gloria, in excelsis Deo", is Latin for "Glory to God in the highest". It forms the backbone of this joyful song.
The first stanza refers to the angels and their joyful song. The image is that of the angelic song echoing around the countryside, heard in the mountains and the valleys. The heavenly strains touch the earthly places, thus including both heaven and earth in a joy that is linked with the birth of the Saviour.
The second stanza speaks to the shepherds. They went in search of the baby, and found Him just as the angel had told them. He was lying in a manger (a feeding trough for farm animals). "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told" (Luke 2:20). The carol depicts the shepherds singing joyfully, reflecting the joyful music of the angels. They realised that heaven had opened and hope was born. The Messiah had arrived. They were not imagining things, for whatever the angel told them, they had seen with their own eyes. This led to their praise and worship of God in joyful song.
Singing this stanza, it is as if we are asking the shepherds about what happened. We can imagine their answers with the help of Scripture. They would have excitedly told others who asked them. "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them" (Luke 2:17-18). We too are encouraged to hear the testimony of the shepherds and be amazed. How can we fail to be amazed?
The third and fourth stanzas are an invitation for all to come and see this manger scene that the shepherds were privileged to behold. We too can join them in witnessing this great act of God, a deep work of divine love that extends to each of us. We are asked not only to "come to Bethlehem and see" (Stanza 3) - not only to be witness - but also to become worshippers as we express our love and adoration to Jesus, bending our knees before Him.
We are invited to join the angels and shepherds, and Mary and Joseph, in praising God for the birth of Christ our Saviour. The heart must be involved as we sing ("While our hearts in love we raise", Stanza 4) - not only our hearts, but also our hands. As we sing about asking Joseph and Mary to lend a helping hand to the baby, we today must use our hands and lives for the service of Christ, who was born to save us and all those around us.
Picture posted by goodsalt.com
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https://www.goodsalt.com/view/the-angels-and-the-shepherds-GoodSalt-stdas0407.jpg
https://www.goodsalt.com/details/stdas0407.html
PHOTO: The shepherds went in search of the baby. They realised that heaven had opened and hope was born. The Messiah had arrived. They were not imagining things, for whatever the angel told them, they had seen with their own eyes. This led to their praise and worship of God in joyful song.
Picture posted by Vermont Christmas Company
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https://www.vermontchristmasco.com/product/3834/1000-piece-puzzles
PHOTO: If we are asking the shepherds about what happened, they would have excitedly tell amazing testimony about this child. We too are encouraged to hear the testimony of the shepherds and be amazed. How can we fail to be amazed?
Artwork by Dona Gelsinger - Shepherds Keeping Watch
Picture saved from Agnese Vetrano
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/725783296178319303/?lp=true
PHOTO: “Dear Lord, traditionally we learned that the Christmas story is about Love, Peace, Hope, and Joy. And people focus on trying to buy happiness for their loved ones. But the list about Christmas Joy should include the most wonderful gift of Jesus that allow us to experience the great joy of salvation.
We would like to use the Believer’s Perspective of Christmas to tell someone the reason for the joy. Hope had arrived for mankind through your plan that would solve the sin problem and allow sinful men to be made righteous in your eyes.
Christmas is a holiday that focuses on the Saviour of the world. We would to share the most wonderful gift of Jesus so that others may experience the great joy of salvation too.
If we have been there, at Bethlehem, when Jesus was born, we may have witnessed what the shepherds had witnessed. An angel suddenly appeared with wonderful news about a Saviour being born to us; who is the Messiah, the Lord. And we could find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
We may have witnessed a great choir of angels joining the first angel to praise God, singing, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests’. That was the first Christmas carol, and it was sung by angels.
The angelic song which was echoing around the countryside, heard in the mountains and the valleys. The heavenly strains touch the earthly places, thus including both heaven and earth in a joy that is linked with the birth of the Saviour.
We would have searched for the baby, and found Him just as the angel had told us. He was lying in a manger just as the angel had said. Just like the shepherds, we would be singing joyfully, reflecting the joyful music of the angels. Because heaven had opened and hope was born. The Messiah had arrived. We would have seen with their own eyes. This would led to our praise and worship of God in joyful song.
With the help of Scripture, we too are encouraged to hear the testimony of the shepherds and be amazed. We too can join them in witnessing this great act of God, a deep work of divine love that extends to each of us. We are not only witness but also to become worshippers as we express our love and adoration to Jesus, bending our knees before Him. We are invited to join the angels and shepherds, and Mary and Joseph, in praising God for the birth of Christ our Saviour. Not only with our hearts, but also our hands will be involved.
Please help us to use our hands and lives for the service of Christ, who was born to save us and all those around us.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!“
Picture posted by Fantasy-fairy-angel on 08 February 2012 - Christmas wonder
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TKhBd4Il4ND_SgN2eappetsHFMom3IzefHf-f0Kn70pIkeh8hvcD5zuy0_nfz3iJ-4iHGVX65u9fXKVCxH72g_p5QX6e9vsp4cBS5RmvhVoHBLsyLAVLFopXePvBshjHGYffEDYycpQ/s1600/christmas_wonder_by_fantasy_fairy_angel_d4p1mhi-fullview.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/f7f0a35b-5fa4-435b-a7ba-64a3b93571c3/d4p1mhi-3d81437e-9735-46f2-81c6-b16214c5ca97.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_912,q_75,strp/christmas_wonder_by_fantasy_fairy_angel_d4p1mhi-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9OTEyIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvZjdmMGEzNWItNWZhNC00MzViLWE3YmEtNjRhM2I5MzU3MWMzXC9kNHAxbWhpLTNkODE0MzdlLTk3MzUtNDZmMi04MWM2LWIxNjIxNGM1Y2E5Ny5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9OTAwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.4HRBqoFVhwZGv_0h3hN6mI_6lu4enpb5LGOojTZkbpI
https://www.deviantart.com/fantasy-fairy-angel/art/Christmas-wonder-283930902
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-we-have-heard-on-high.html
Chapter 3 - Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning
PHOTO: How does the Word of God guide you to Jesus?
“The word of God is living and active,” declared the writer to the Hebrews (Hebrews 4:12). So it was then; so it is now. Through the Bible God speaks, and therefore through the Bible every generation is confronted with the very word of God. While God was pleased to entrust his saving message to the prophets and the apostles, who communicated this message in specific, time-bound ways, the Bible remains as alive as ever to the needs of the human condition.
As we reverently seek to apply its teaching, under the leading of God’s Spirit and to the praise of God’s grace, we will enjoy a life of rich fellowship with our creator and redeemer. The Word of God through the Holy Spirit sanctify us (John 17:17). What we are reading (are used by the Holy Spirit) to provoke our conscience, calm our fears, and stir our minds, guiding us with ways we can walk more faithfully with God (Jesus).
When you find Him, what would you offer Him?
I would offer him my time and my heart. When He grow up and starts His ministry, we will need time to listen, and learn from Him about righteousness. We will need our heart to do all these, including to practice what we have heard and learned from Him.
I will not be able to do it right by myself, so I will also pray to Him (1 Thessalonians 5:17), for his guidance and help to accomplish the tasks. Our time and hearts for Him, are valuable to Him (1 Corinthians 15:58). “Richer by far is the heart's adoration; Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.” From the Songs of Christmas – “Brightest and best of the sons of the morning”.
What does the term "heart's adoration" (Stanza 4) mean for you?
"Heart's adoration" means sincere worship of Him in our hearts. To truly worship God, we must let go of our self-worship. We must be willing to humble ourselves before God, surrender every part of our lives to His control, and adore Him for who He is. To truly worship means we lose ourselves in the adoration of another. Our only thought is the majesty and glory of the One we adore.
When we adore the Lord, our daily activities become acts of worship. Only when our deepest adoration is reserved for our Saviour will all other loves take their proper place.
Picture posted by Estudiantina Encuentro Con Cristo on 26 December 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpMP0iMC4V1Jg7poeu7YeRtsIW7zxtygBh3Brk9aGgB7KOQvy4oQo1mMI2be0YlSThV7Kofh0hyphenhyphen7FuzyzOtDM5uQJoXvA9WJA58PhSSvLjxN0IF6_TBXI38bnJCyKHY5-p1Vg5Tn2R-A/s1600/6127383030907535360_n_1.jpg https://scontent.fsin9-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49206007_354903735295231_6127383030907535360_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_oc=AQnUjeL2qfF5HFBnOtP1gr-55wTMv2SwP_YMz6VKdqDmmzlgUuTls3EJVTPMy1d9MR0&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin9-1.fna&oh=7ebdae379f20199d9bcf725a9deea37d&oe=5E02B9C7 - (6127383030907535360_n_1.jpg)
https://www.facebook.com/332063810912557/photos/a.332085677577037/354903731961898/?type=3&theater
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-brightest-and-best-of-sons.html
PHOTO: The magi took the "Star of the East" as a guide and sought out the Saviour with focus and conviction. We do not have a star in the sky today, but we have a better and more enduring guide - the Word of God, which is a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105).
Painting by Henry Coller - The Three Wise Men
Picture posted by National Catholic Register
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-maYHzcDYc9nupJkmkkwRCVFfHQaxhyphenhyphennKMMWlR0zOouK2QFVOgv6Ok9jhhhoazJ5XFyBg6reOxP8WKcGvbqO3gLT0hiN3NaTQhnrKDG4s4sw7y24A-lNMR23Wy6PzYQ2ExzwPWjFpyEE/s1600/Wise_Men-Star_1.png
http://www.ncregister.com/images/uploads/Wise_Men-Star.jpg
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-epiphany1
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-brightest-and-best-of-sons.html
PHOTO: What does the term "heart's adoration" (Stanza 4) mean for you?
"Heart's adoration" means sincere worship of Him in our hearts. To truly worship God, we must let go of our self-worship. We must be willing to humble ourselves before God, surrender every part of our lives to His control, and adore Him for who He is.
Picture posted by genivaldosouza on 31 July 2015
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
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https://www.deviantart.com/genivaldosouza/art/The-prelude-to-inspiration-550115375
Chapter 3 - Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning
PHOTO: How does the Word of God guide you to Jesus?
“The word of God is living and active,” declared the writer to the Hebrews (Hebrews 4:12). So it was then; so it is now. Through the Bible God speaks, and therefore through the Bible every generation is confronted with the very word of God. While God was pleased to entrust his saving message to the prophets and the apostles, who communicated this message in specific, time-bound ways, the Bible remains as alive as ever to the needs of the human condition.
As we reverently seek to apply its teaching, under the leading of God’s Spirit and to the praise of God’s grace, we will enjoy a life of rich fellowship with our creator and redeemer. The Word of God through the Holy Spirit sanctify us (John 17:17). What we are reading (are used by the Holy Spirit) to provoke our conscience, calm our fears, and stir our minds, guiding us with ways we can walk more faithfully with God (Jesus).
When you find Him, what would you offer Him?
I would offer him my time and my heart. When He grow up and starts His ministry, we will need time to listen, and learn from Him about righteousness. We will need our heart to do all these, including to practice what we have heard and learned from Him.
I will not be able to do it right by myself, so I will also pray to Him (1 Thessalonians 5:17), for his guidance and help to accomplish the tasks. Our time and hearts for Him, are valuable to Him (1 Corinthians 15:58). “Richer by far is the heart's adoration; Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.” From the Songs of Christmas – “Brightest and best of the sons of the morning”.
What does the term "heart's adoration" (Stanza 4) mean for you?
"Heart's adoration" means sincere worship of Him in our hearts. To truly worship God, we must let go of our self-worship. We must be willing to humble ourselves before God, surrender every part of our lives to His control, and adore Him for who He is. To truly worship means we lose ourselves in the adoration of another. Our only thought is the majesty and glory of the One we adore.
When we adore the Lord, our daily activities become acts of worship. Only when our deepest adoration is reserved for our Saviour will all other loves take their proper place.
Picture posted by Estudiantina Encuentro Con Cristo on 26 December 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpMP0iMC4V1Jg7poeu7YeRtsIW7zxtygBh3Brk9aGgB7KOQvy4oQo1mMI2be0YlSThV7Kofh0hyphenhyphen7FuzyzOtDM5uQJoXvA9WJA58PhSSvLjxN0IF6_TBXI38bnJCyKHY5-p1Vg5Tn2R-A/s1600/6127383030907535360_n_1.jpg https://scontent.fsin9-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49206007_354903735295231_6127383030907535360_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_oc=AQnUjeL2qfF5HFBnOtP1gr-55wTMv2SwP_YMz6VKdqDmmzlgUuTls3EJVTPMy1d9MR0&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin9-1.fna&oh=7ebdae379f20199d9bcf725a9deea37d&oe=5E02B9C7 - (6127383030907535360_n_1.jpg)
https://www.facebook.com/332063810912557/photos/a.332085677577037/354903731961898/?type=3&theater
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-brightest-and-best-of-sons.html
PHOTO: The magi took the "Star of the East" as a guide and sought out the Saviour with focus and conviction. We do not have a star in the sky today, but we have a better and more enduring guide - the Word of God, which is a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105).
Painting by Henry Coller - The Three Wise Men
Picture posted by National Catholic Register
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-maYHzcDYc9nupJkmkkwRCVFfHQaxhyphenhyphennKMMWlR0zOouK2QFVOgv6Ok9jhhhoazJ5XFyBg6reOxP8WKcGvbqO3gLT0hiN3NaTQhnrKDG4s4sw7y24A-lNMR23Wy6PzYQ2ExzwPWjFpyEE/s1600/Wise_Men-Star_1.png
http://www.ncregister.com/images/uploads/Wise_Men-Star.jpg
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-epiphany1
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-brightest-and-best-of-sons.html
PHOTO: What does the term "heart's adoration" (Stanza 4) mean for you?
"Heart's adoration" means sincere worship of Him in our hearts. To truly worship God, we must let go of our self-worship. We must be willing to humble ourselves before God, surrender every part of our lives to His control, and adore Him for who He is.
Picture posted by genivaldosouza on 31 July 2015
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https://www.deviantart.com/genivaldosouza/art/The-prelude-to-inspiration-550115375
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-brightest-and-best-of-sons.html
PHOTO: “Dear Lord, we learn that your Word guide us to Jesus by being living and active. It was then, and so it is now. Through the Bible you speak and every generation is confronted with your Word. Your Word are used by the Holy Spirit to provoke our conscience, calm our fears, and stir our minds, guiding us with ways we can walk more faithfully with Jesus.
We would like to offer you our time and heart to listen and learn about righteousness. We also need our heart to do all these, including to practice what we have heard and learned from you. We pray for your guidance and help to accomplish these tasks. We offer our time and hearts for you because we learn that you value them.
We pray for your help to worship you sincerely in our heart because ‘richer by far is the heart's adoration’, and ‘dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.’ We pray that our deepest adoration is reserved for you, so that all other loves will take their proper place. Please help us to willing humble ourselves before you, surrender every part of our lives to your control, and adore you for who you are.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Picture posted by James Taiwo
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuIeEjH57qhcs0flm1zc9HnEVFoGMidd6BMUm_P42h-XvcNN41IkwVOPPRtuauLvCypTMDKriW0p51NNoaSjh9Lows385Kzo0VG_al-pCsKRysZ0oWX79w09EzI7NYzwmK7hsN4U6wNI/s1600/holy-spirit-post-1.jpeg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiQpAzzCahgda2gOWJxePOJQIoz0Ly85tEaUjIXsN05K2jJE_8hxQYI-id1GT2L_AlqKaxxgsx3r6VNBzgdCoIjroTDNG6V9gTCEWqqtT71khgm2_2x9SqP0caDXUgkH7ZaJLqfxMnLE/s1600/holy-spirit-post-1.gif
https://jamestaiwo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/holy-spirit-post-1.jpeg
https://jamestaiwo.com/blog/holy-spirit-will-scrape-you-maximum-benefits/
PHOTO: “Dear Lord, we learn that your Word guide us to Jesus by being living and active. It was then, and so it is now. Through the Bible you speak and every generation is confronted with your Word. Your Word are used by the Holy Spirit to provoke our conscience, calm our fears, and stir our minds, guiding us with ways we can walk more faithfully with Jesus.
We would like to offer you our time and heart to listen and learn about righteousness. We also need our heart to do all these, including to practice what we have heard and learned from you. We pray for your guidance and help to accomplish these tasks. We offer our time and hearts for you because we learn that you value them.
We pray for your help to worship you sincerely in our heart because ‘richer by far is the heart's adoration’, and ‘dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.’ We pray that our deepest adoration is reserved for you, so that all other loves will take their proper place. Please help us to willing humble ourselves before you, surrender every part of our lives to your control, and adore you for who you are.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Picture posted by James Taiwo
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuIeEjH57qhcs0flm1zc9HnEVFoGMidd6BMUm_P42h-XvcNN41IkwVOPPRtuauLvCypTMDKriW0p51NNoaSjh9Lows385Kzo0VG_al-pCsKRysZ0oWX79w09EzI7NYzwmK7hsN4U6wNI/s1600/holy-spirit-post-1.jpeg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiQpAzzCahgda2gOWJxePOJQIoz0Ly85tEaUjIXsN05K2jJE_8hxQYI-id1GT2L_AlqKaxxgsx3r6VNBzgdCoIjroTDNG6V9gTCEWqqtT71khgm2_2x9SqP0caDXUgkH7ZaJLqfxMnLE/s1600/holy-spirit-post-1.gif
https://jamestaiwo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/holy-spirit-post-1.jpeg
https://jamestaiwo.com/blog/holy-spirit-will-scrape-you-maximum-benefits/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-brightest-and-best-of-sons.html
PHOTO: What are the "fears and sins" (Stanza 1) you need to ask Jesus to release you from?
The "fears and sins" (Stanza 1) we need to ask Jesus to release us from are our thoughts, attitudes, emotions, relationships, hobbies, finances, habits, and so on, that we have yet to fully hand over to the rule of Christ.
Not all fear is sin. The Hebrew word here can be used for reverence, respect, or dread. Those fears which we need Jesus to release us are those that are the direct result of sin.
Genesis 3:8-10 tells us the story of such fear. After Adam and Eve listened to the temptation of Satan via the serpent (Genesis 3:1-5), they violated the command of God and ate of the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:6-7).
"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, 'Where are you?' He answered, 'I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.'" (Genesis 3:8-10).
What Adam and Eve had done, they were right to be afraid. This fear is a direct result of sin. It brought separation from God, a flawed world, punishment, and death. Those are the fears which we need Jesus to release us from.
How would this be connected with the reality of Jesus reigning in your heart?
The kingdom of God which has to do with the rule of Christ in our hearts, is through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will reveal to us those areas that remain in "rebel territory"; that need to be conquered by Christ's love. It is in this way that God is preparing us for life in eternity, fully reclaimed for Him.
Express your thoughts in prayer.
What the apostle Paul prayed for the Christians in Philippi is something that we can pray for one another today: "We pray that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:9-11).
Picture posted by Art Ranked
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQ4Pdhy0g7QR1ayxgJ_Xs5LWA7kPpmIw-XM2Lz-W6yr_xntZyJaAEUCFXM28DEM0pbHnCdDCJo0p6xthrxXVhYBxT2GVlxb8hjfMTA_0XJPnRPgkW8ZZq6LGOVXkYhUuD81IafR9a5R4/s1600/6701c566b78ac39363e34ac097670821.jpg
https://www.artranked.com/images/67/6701c566b78ac39363e34ac097670821.jpg
https://www.artranked.com/topic/Jesus+Christ https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-come-thou-long-expected-jesus.html
PHOTO: Jesus was born to set His people free (John 8:36). Better than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6), who was used by God to bring His people from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land, Jesus brought a deeper and eternal freedom to all nations. Jesus brings us freedom from our sins and fears. He removes our guilt from the past, deals with our anxiety in the present, and gives us hope for the future. In this way, He removes all our fears.
Picture posted by 123RF Limited (ladies), and Glow Princess on 28 May 2012 (Jesus's background)
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRIWYCBDHVWgO_QYF0_qfZJoh-4ujtRYfpCscrhWdy07pAFIJi9qCtMcXi2M1MIHOQEyJoxb0Yc9-mZ3c3eFfCdSOrq8iErM6-7oRILqW0dqsv0c91WMtL_VHCZcEQ5YOTbuwygX9jWs/s1600/88268994-m%25C3%25A4dchen-in-vintage_1.gif
https://kz-plus.net/glow-princess/jhYe3AoMNbCu_7s.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-come-thou-long-expected-jesus.html
PHOTO: In our deepest longings, we yearn for the God who made us, and who alone can satisfy us. Often, we do not recognise this and go after penultimate things of this world such as material goods, pleasure, fame, and status.
Picture posted by 1ZOOM.Me
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MLMIv9NEPYcLnZyCsGNC-To1vWgKavSSSn_zUyRuqOZNvrZJ6TBun5-p9rbOdXVHUokKsxvTkvAxVGmyCYaJz69ab1uYWKq53lwg5ae64OnBrg_UUlEMmJ_bFxxa7IfrP2yZdiR-PFw/s1600/Forests_Roses_556685_1.jpg
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-come-thou-long-expected-jesus.html
PHOTO: “Dear Lord, we pray for your help to release us from the areas of our lives which we have yet to fully hand over to the rule of Christ. Especially our sins, and those fears that are the direct result of sin.
We pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal to us those areas that remain in "rebel territory"; that need to be conquered by Christ's love. In this way we can be connected with the reality of Jesus reigning in our heart. We learn this is how You prepare us for life in eternity, fully reclaimed for You.
We would like to pray like what the apostle Paul prayed for the Christians in Philippi. We pray that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Artwork by Mihály Zichy, a Hungarian painter and graphic artist
Picture from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository
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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mih%C3%A1ly_Zichy#/media/File:Mih%C3%A1ly_Zichy_Adam_Eva.jpeg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/747949450587850633/?nic=1
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-come-thou-long-expected-jesus.html
Chapter 5 - Go, Tell it on the Mountain
PHOTO: What "mountains" will you have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour?
People just cannot accept the picture that God paints of them in Scripture. They are offended by what He says about them in His word: that they are vile, corrupt, and worthy only to be cast into hell forever. That is the biggest obstacle that the average person has to receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It is pride. It is an unwillingness to accept that they are as worthless as God says they are. For it is only those who recognize their need as sinners, and their utter inability to help themselves or to do anything pleasing to the Creator, which makes them ready to receive the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ the Saviour. The world’s biggest obstacle to receiving the gospel is not a lack of evidence for God or the Bible; It is the pride of humans who think they are good people.
Ebenezer Pemberton, a Congregational minister who served as the pastor of the Old South Church, Boston from 1700-1717, puts it this way,
“The freedom and riches of divine grace to the greatest of sinners is an essential part of the glory that is displayed in the gospel. But we are naturally slow of heart to believe; a self-righteous spirit appears in a variety of forms to obstruct our approaches to God through Jesus Christ.”
The "mountains" we have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour are our self-righteous pride and stubborn willl, and refusing to accept our miserable condition. These make us unwilling and unable to receive Him as He was offered to us as Saviour.
Thanks be to God that for those of us who have embraced Christ when we heard the gospel, the Lord subdued our self-righteous pride and stubborn will, which makes us ready to receive the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ the Saviour.
Make a list of people in your life you want to introduce Christ to, and pray that God will help you find ways to get into action.
List of people in my life I want to introduce Christ to
Family members. My brothers, sister, sister-in-laws, niece (and boyfriend), and nephew (and girlfriend)
Relatives
Neighbours
Ex-colleagues (friends)
PCN (Park Connector Networks) uncles, aunties, and other users
Picture posted by surprisse.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuwy34AN8K-3n-J5Mexk2eCFBNsdtKa-GZZM-hE4f_JM0ncwdb0uNCdPY2WHb6IGHon6gJFhdTAyTAj1Gv1oQjRlzvGO2zglQyEBXjGfL6YlK3GrOfwaZPty5h7GPX0RV2h_-j9nlTfI/s1600/d38f6c2em13suddh6ac248uau91301dl.jpg
http://surprisse.com/muscards/view/2016/04/14/d38f6c2em13suddh6ac248uau91301dl.jpg
http://surprisse.com/muscards/view/2016/04/14/d38f6c2em13suddh6ac248uau91301dl.php
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/06/reflection-intimacy-with-christ_22.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-go-tell-it-on-mountain.html
PHOTO: Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere that Jesus Christ is born.
Picture posted by TatyanaChe on 21 May 2019 - Spring (Model Janna Prosvirina)
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
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https://www.deviantart.com/tatyanache/art/Spring-798456712
Chapter 4 - Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
The "fears and sins" (Stanza 1) we need to ask Jesus to release us from are our thoughts, attitudes, emotions, relationships, hobbies, finances, habits, and so on, that we have yet to fully hand over to the rule of Christ.
Not all fear is sin. The Hebrew word here can be used for reverence, respect, or dread. Those fears which we need Jesus to release us are those that are the direct result of sin.
Genesis 3:8-10 tells us the story of such fear. After Adam and Eve listened to the temptation of Satan via the serpent (Genesis 3:1-5), they violated the command of God and ate of the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:6-7).
"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, 'Where are you?' He answered, 'I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.'" (Genesis 3:8-10).
What Adam and Eve had done, they were right to be afraid. This fear is a direct result of sin. It brought separation from God, a flawed world, punishment, and death. Those are the fears which we need Jesus to release us from.
How would this be connected with the reality of Jesus reigning in your heart?
The kingdom of God which has to do with the rule of Christ in our hearts, is through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will reveal to us those areas that remain in "rebel territory"; that need to be conquered by Christ's love. It is in this way that God is preparing us for life in eternity, fully reclaimed for Him.
Express your thoughts in prayer.
What the apostle Paul prayed for the Christians in Philippi is something that we can pray for one another today: "We pray that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:9-11).
Picture posted by Art Ranked
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQ4Pdhy0g7QR1ayxgJ_Xs5LWA7kPpmIw-XM2Lz-W6yr_xntZyJaAEUCFXM28DEM0pbHnCdDCJo0p6xthrxXVhYBxT2GVlxb8hjfMTA_0XJPnRPgkW8ZZq6LGOVXkYhUuD81IafR9a5R4/s1600/6701c566b78ac39363e34ac097670821.jpg
https://www.artranked.com/images/67/6701c566b78ac39363e34ac097670821.jpg
https://www.artranked.com/topic/Jesus+Christ https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-come-thou-long-expected-jesus.html
PHOTO: Jesus was born to set His people free (John 8:36). Better than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6), who was used by God to bring His people from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land, Jesus brought a deeper and eternal freedom to all nations. Jesus brings us freedom from our sins and fears. He removes our guilt from the past, deals with our anxiety in the present, and gives us hope for the future. In this way, He removes all our fears.
Picture posted by 123RF Limited (ladies), and Glow Princess on 28 May 2012 (Jesus's background)
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
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https://previews.123rf.com/images/kharchenko/kharchenko1710/kharchenko171000047/88268994-dichter-abendnebel-und-silhouetten-des-laufens-ver%C3%A4ngstigte-m%C3%A4dchen-in-vintage-kleidern-k%C3%BCnstlerische-fotogra.jpg - (88268994-mädchen-in-vintage_1.png)
https://de.123rf.com/photo_88268994_dense-evening-fog-and-silhouettes-of-running-frightened-girls-in-vintage-dresses-artistic-photograph.html
https://kz-plus.net/glow-princess/jhYe3AoMNbCu_7s.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-come-thou-long-expected-jesus.html
PHOTO: In our deepest longings, we yearn for the God who made us, and who alone can satisfy us. Often, we do not recognise this and go after penultimate things of this world such as material goods, pleasure, fame, and status.
Picture posted by 1ZOOM.Me
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MLMIv9NEPYcLnZyCsGNC-To1vWgKavSSSn_zUyRuqOZNvrZJ6TBun5-p9rbOdXVHUokKsxvTkvAxVGmyCYaJz69ab1uYWKq53lwg5ae64OnBrg_UUlEMmJ_bFxxa7IfrP2yZdiR-PFw/s1600/Forests_Roses_556685_1.jpg
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-come-thou-long-expected-jesus.html
We pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal to us those areas that remain in "rebel territory"; that need to be conquered by Christ's love. In this way we can be connected with the reality of Jesus reigning in our heart. We learn this is how You prepare us for life in eternity, fully reclaimed for You.
We would like to pray like what the apostle Paul prayed for the Christians in Philippi. We pray that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Artwork by Mihály Zichy, a Hungarian painter and graphic artist
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-come-thou-long-expected-jesus.html
Chapter 5 - Go, Tell it on the Mountain
PHOTO: What "mountains" will you have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour?
People just cannot accept the picture that God paints of them in Scripture. They are offended by what He says about them in His word: that they are vile, corrupt, and worthy only to be cast into hell forever. That is the biggest obstacle that the average person has to receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It is pride. It is an unwillingness to accept that they are as worthless as God says they are. For it is only those who recognize their need as sinners, and their utter inability to help themselves or to do anything pleasing to the Creator, which makes them ready to receive the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ the Saviour. The world’s biggest obstacle to receiving the gospel is not a lack of evidence for God or the Bible; It is the pride of humans who think they are good people.
Ebenezer Pemberton, a Congregational minister who served as the pastor of the Old South Church, Boston from 1700-1717, puts it this way,
“The freedom and riches of divine grace to the greatest of sinners is an essential part of the glory that is displayed in the gospel. But we are naturally slow of heart to believe; a self-righteous spirit appears in a variety of forms to obstruct our approaches to God through Jesus Christ.”
The "mountains" we have to cross to tell others about the birth of the Saviour are our self-righteous pride and stubborn willl, and refusing to accept our miserable condition. These make us unwilling and unable to receive Him as He was offered to us as Saviour.
Thanks be to God that for those of us who have embraced Christ when we heard the gospel, the Lord subdued our self-righteous pride and stubborn will, which makes us ready to receive the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ the Saviour.
Make a list of people in your life you want to introduce Christ to, and pray that God will help you find ways to get into action.
List of people in my life I want to introduce Christ to
Family members. My brothers, sister, sister-in-laws, niece (and boyfriend), and nephew (and girlfriend)
Relatives
Neighbours
Ex-colleagues (friends)
PCN (Park Connector Networks) uncles, aunties, and other users
Picture posted by surprisse.com
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http://surprisse.com/muscards/view/2016/04/14/d38f6c2em13suddh6ac248uau91301dl.php
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/06/reflection-intimacy-with-christ_22.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-go-tell-it-on-mountain.html
Picture posted by TatyanaChe on 21 May 2019 - Spring (Model Janna Prosvirina)
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https://www.deviantart.com/tatyanache/art/Spring-798456712
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-go-tell-it-on-mountain.html
PHOTO: List of people in my life I want to introduce Christ to
Family members. My brothers, sister, sister-in-laws, niece (and boyfriend), and nephew (and girlfriend)
Relatives
Neighbours
Ex-colleagues (friends)
PCN (Park Connector Networks) uncles, aunties, and other users
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-go-tell-it-on-mountain.html
Family members. My brothers, sister, sister-in-laws, niece (and boyfriend), and nephew (and girlfriend)
Relatives
Neighbours
Ex-colleagues (friends)
PCN (Park Connector Networks) uncles, aunties, and other users
Picture posted by Looking through the looking glass
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https://ok.ru/vzglyadvza/topic/66471657832568https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-go-tell-it-on-mountain.html
We pray for your help to introduce Christ to the list of people in my life.
Heavenly Father, even though I am stress, I may not understand how everything will work out, but I trust you. I don't see a way, but I know you will make a way. I have faith at this very moment you are touching my heart, removing doubt and working in me. Things may look dark and bleak now, But I have faith that my dawn is coming!
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen!"
Picture posted by Watanska on 14 February 2019 - Charming melody
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https://www.deviantart.com/watanska/art/Charming-melody-785586433
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-go-tell-it-on-mountain.html
Chapter 6 - God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
The truth that Satan is a defeated enemy encouraged us in our daily struggles.
"The bullying tyrant of the human race has no power over those who have been freed by Jesus." This is good news for those who live in the terrifying darkness of this world, a world dominated by tragedy, war, violence, disease, and so many uncertainties.
It is comforting news for those who are wounded and in doubt, caught in the sorrows of this world - it brings reassurance that God is with us and will have the last word in history and in our stories.
It is also joyful news, because it lifts our spirits as we look beyond the darkness to the light that is already shining in Christ - promising us a new eternal day that will put a final end to all darkness, suffering, and evil.
Why is it important to turn to Christ who defeated Satan on the cross?
The story of Jesus, beginning on earth with Christmas and moving on to Calvary and the empty tomb, is good news. Turning to Christ who defeated Satan on the cross is the only right response to the news that God has come to be with us, to save us from the grip of sin and the devil.
Turning to Christ is our weapon against the devil. When washed in the blood of the Lamb, we are under the blood and clothed in His righteousness. Jesus "breaks the power of cancelled sin. He sets the prisoner free. His blood can make the foulest clean. His blood availed for me." We are blood-bought and are God’s property under the blood. The devil hates the blood of Jesus Christ and recoils from it.
The season of Christmas, is the right time to abandon all worldly philosophies (aggressive competition, violent prejudice, and the worship of money, power, and positions).
What more can you do to abandon all worldly philosophies?
The Word of our testimony
Speak it boldly. Testify directly to the devil and his minions what God has done for us. Remind them: They are already a defeated foe! I don’t think they want to hang around long to hear that.
The Armour of God
Consciously put on the armour. Every. Single. Day. Dress ourself for the battle. Don’t be a soldier caught in the crossfire without your weapons, both defensive and offensive.
The Word of God—the Sword of the Spirit—Our Offensive Weapon
Commit to memorizing at least 1 verse per week. Everyone can do that if we choose to.
Prayer—the Guided Missile
We’ve heard a lot recently about missiles. Long-range missiles. Short-range missiles. Which missiles have been fired recently and how far they can reach. Prayer is the Christian’s secret weapon. Prayer is like an intercontinental ballistic missile:
- First, it can be fired from any spot, at any time, day or night.
- Second, it travels silently, undetected.
- Third, it travels swiftly—at the speed of thought.
- Fourth, it hits the target every time.
- Fifth, it can be fired with delayed detonation. When the missile lands, it can explode 50 years later, a hundred years later. Two thousand years ago, Jesus prayed for me that great high priestly prayer. In John 17:6-24, Jesus prayed for those who would believe on Him through the words of the apostles. And His prayer is being answered today. That missile is exploding in our heart tonight. We may be praying for a loved one, but don’t see an answer yet. Do not give up. Sometimes there is delayed detonation.
- Last of all, the devil has no defence against it. There is no anti-prayer missile. The devil can’t shoot it down.
This kind of prayer is unstoppable. The devil can't stop us from praying. He cannot keep our prayers from being heard. And he cannot keep God from answering.
The battle is won through the blood of the Lamb, the word of your testimony, the armour of God, the sword of the Sprit, and prayer.
Picture posted by Thomas Kinkade Studios
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-god-rest-ye-merry-gentlemen.html
PHOTO: It is in the light of this biblical truth that the birth of Jesus Christ is extremely good news to those who have been tormented by the wiles and oppression of the devil. But our Saviour was born on Christmas Day to release us from our slavery and bondage. He has freed us from Satan's grip. This is indeed good news (glad tidings) which brings great comfort and joy.
Picture posted by Dober L. on 11 July 2016 at 22:19
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http://reactor.cc/tag/Fantasy/new/1001
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-god-rest-ye-merry-gentlemen.html
PHOTO: The Armour of God
Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Having your Belt of Truth Having on the Breastplate of Righteousness Having your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace Above all, taking the Shield of Faith, so you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Take the Helmet of Salvation And the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Picture posted by Christian Faith Publishing
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http://www.christianfaithpublishing.com/books/?book=gods-warrior
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-god-rest-ye-merry-gentlemen.html
PHOTO: “Dear Lord, The truth that Satan is a defeated enemy encouraged us in our daily struggles. This is good news for us, as we live in the terrifying darkness of this world, a world dominated by tragedy, war, violence, disease, and so many uncertainties. It is comforting news for us who are wounded and in doubt, caught in the sorrows of this world - it brings reassurance that God is with us and will have the last word in history and in our stories. It is also joyful news, because it lifts our spirits as we look beyond the darkness to the light that is already shining in Christ - promising us a new eternal day that will put a final end to all darkness, suffering, and evil.
The story of Jesus, beginning on earth with Christmas and moving on to Calvary and the empty tomb, is good news. Please help us to turn to Christ who defeated Satan on the cross, because this is the only right response to the news that God has come to be with us, to save us from the grip of sin and the devil.
Please help us to speak boldly, and testify directory to the devil and his minions what God has done for us, and that they are the defeated foe.
Help us to consciously put on the Amour of God, so that we will not be caught in the crossfire without your weapons, both defensive and offensive.
Help us to arm ourselves with the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit as our offensive weapon.
We also need to use our secret weapon, prayer, to battle the worldly philosophies.
We pray to be fully equipped with all the weapons to battle against the evil, which are the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, the armour of God, the sword of the Sprit, and prayer.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by Декупаж в Кургане on 27 April 2017
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-god-rest-ye-merry-gentlemen.html
Chapter 7 - Good Christian Men, Rejoice
PHOTO: Martin Luther, when reading Romans 1:17 about how we are made righteous by God's grace in Christ, testified that he had found the "gate to paradise". What does the gate to paradise also called the open door of heaven in this carol, mean for you in your daily devotional life?
Heaven's Open Door (Gate to Paradise)
"After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.' At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it." (Revelation 4:1-2).
This picture surprises us because we know that an open door often extends an invitation to come in. This is an enticing opportunity because heaven is often considered a place of mysteries that we do not have access to. For the most part, it is God’s secret—at least from our day-to-day living in this life. But here Jesus opens heaven’s door. And in a voice like a trumpet, he welcomes us, saying, “Come up here.”
The invitation promises to reveal “what must take place after this.” But as John tells the story of walking through heaven’s open door, the future is not the first thing that catches his attention. Instead, he sees “a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.”
Heaven’s open door has us standing before the throne of all thrones, from which everything in heaven and on earth is loved and cared for.
Still today, the Holy Spirit opens heaven’s door wide so that we can visualize this scene and let its story encourage us to live by faith in Jesus today.
Digital artwork by Dolores Develde uploaded on 03 June 2016.- Knocking On Heavens Door
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-good-christian-men-rejoice.html
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PHOTO: Moses depicts the sad script of human life
Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Picture posted by CarmensArts on 10 August 2017 - The Farewell
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Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen!"
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Chapter 8 - Hark! The Herald Angles Sing
PHOTO: Meditate on the phrases in the hymn and try to apply them in your life. How does Christ bring peace and healing to you?
Peace come to humanity when God and man are reconciled through the mediating work of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). We are justified not by our own righteousness, which is at best a feeble attempt to bridge the huge gap that exists between God and us, but by the righteousness of Christ (shown in His sinless nature and total obedience to the Father) and His death on the cross on our behalf. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
He brings peace to the heart and peace among people. This He does through His sacrifice on the cross and by sending His Spirit to us. The song also makes reference to the prophecy of Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament. "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves" (Malachi 4:2).
It is His righteousness that saves us. He comes to us like the rising of the sun, and brings with Him healing - in every way. He brings true light and life because He himself is the Light (John 9:5) and Life (John 11:25; 14:6). He came as a baby, laying aside His divine glory; though God, He made himself nothing to be born as a human baby; He humbled himself to die on the cross to save us (Philippians 2:6-8). He was born that we no more may die the second death (punishment in hell for our sins). He was born that we may be born again (spiritual birth). He changes our eternal destiny so that we can rise as the new sons (and daughters) of earth from condemnation and eternal death.
What does it mean to have your heart as God's home?
In a more personal way, Jesus is not only our Saviour, but He is also my Saviour. His work has to do with the individual soul too. Each of us has a heart that needs to be conquered by the love of the Son of God. Our hearts must belong to Him and become His "humble home". The Holy Spirit lives in us when we place our faith in Christ (John 14:17). Not only is the Sprit residing in us, but the Father and the Son make their home in us too (John 14:23). This is absolutely mind boggling, that the triune God of heaven should choose to make His home in each of us.
How does Jesus bruise the serpent's head in your heart?
Our salvation not only has to do with removing our guilt of sin, but also our spiritual "illness" (serpent's head) of sinfulness. Our corrupt nature needs to be replaced by a new nature. We are, in the words of Christian author and professor Mark R. McMinn, "noble ruins", carrying both the nature of God, which has been marred within us because of the fall of humankind into sin, and the fallen nature of Adam (Genesis 5:1-3). The old, sinful self has been working in collusion with the devil, who has gained entry into the fallen heart of man. Christ, the woman's offspring ("the Conquering Seed") foretold in Genesis 3:15, not only crushes the serpent's head at the cross, but also in our hearts: "Bruise in us the serpent's head".
The Lord Jesus is in us as a living Person and as a spontaneous automatic life-power; He in us automatically and spontaneously defeats the enemy as long as we cooperate with Him. When we cooperate with the Lord by employing the blood of the Lamb, by the word of our testimony, and by not loving our soul-life even unto death, the spontaneous life-power of Christ as the life-seed bruises the serpent’s head in us. Spontaneously. Automatically. (Revelation 12:10-11).
How is He being formed in your soul?
This is achieved through the "mystic union" between Christ and us (see Romans 6:5), so that he dwells in our inner man (Ephesians 3:16-17) in order to fill us with "all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:19). This is profound spiritual theology that shows how we were saved, are being saved, and will be saved to the uttermost.
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PHOTO: We are called to listen to the songs of the angels (who were heralds, the bearers of God's glorious proclamation) ringing in the skies - as the shepherds heard them on that first Christmas night. They sang a song of glory to God and a song of peace on earth. The carol explains how this peace has come to humanity.
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PHOTO: He was born that we no more may die the second death (punishment in hell for our sins). He was born that we may be born again (spiritual birth). He changes our eternal destiny so that we can rise as the new sons (and daughters) of earth from condemnation and eternal death.
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PHOTO: “Dear Lord, Thank You for bringing peace and healing to us. Peace come to humanity when You and man are reconciled through the mediating work of Jesus Christ. We are justified not by our own righteousness, but by the righteousness of Christ and His death on the cross on our behalf.
He brings peace to the heart and peace among people. This He does through His sacrifice on the cross and by sending His Spirit to us.
It is His righteousness that saves us. He comes to us like the rising of the sun, and brings with Him healing - in every way. He changes our eternal destiny so that we can rise as the new sons (and daughters) of earth from condemnation and eternal death.
In a more personal way, Jesus is not only our Saviour, but He is also my Saviour. His work has to do with the individual soul too. Each of us has a heart that needs to be conquered by the love of the Son of God. Our hearts must belong to Him and become His ‘humble home’. The Holy Spirit lives in us when we place our faith in Christ. Not only is the Spirit residing in us, but You and Christ make Your home in us too.
Our salvation not only has to do with removing our guilt of sin, but also our spiritual "illness" (serpent's head) of sinfulness. Our corrupt nature needs to be replaced by a new nature. Our old, sinful self has been working in collusion with the devil, who has gained entry into our fallen heart. But Christ, the woman's offspring (‘the Conquering Seed’), not only crushes the serpent's head at the cross, but also in our hearts.
Lord Jesus is in us as a living Person and as a spontaneous automatic life-power; He in us automatically and spontaneously defeats the enemy as long as we cooperate with Him. The spontaneous life-power of Christ as the life-seed bruises the serpent’s head in us.
Thank You for having Jesus Christ being formed in our soul. This is achieved through the ‘mystic union’ between Christ and us, so that he dwells in our inner man in order to fill us with ‘all the fullness of God’. This is how we were saved, are being saved, and will be saved to the uttermost.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen!”
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Chapter 9 - It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
PHOTO: Meditate on the sad news that you often hear about our troubled world. How does hearing the angel's song of peace affect your response to this news?
The current situation in the world is in the gloomy state. The angels' songs (of the glory of God and His gift of peace) is a much-needed application of the truth of Christmas. The angel’s song brings the message of Christ, the "prince of peace" and the king of the new era which will see the new heaven and earth. The current dark situation of the world now is also seen with the eschatological hope in Christ. (relating to death, judgement, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind).
Christ, the Prince of Peace, and a statement of the biblical fact that with His incarnation, He has become familiar with the sorry state of affairs in our weary world. In Him, God has come close to us as we suffer. He is truly Immanuel, God with us. We are reminded in Scripture that "he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17). We might had once been plagued with despair, but now look forward to the promised joy and real rest for eternity.
The message of peace emphasised by the angels' song gives us hope amidst the war and disturbance on earth. Moreover this message is from "heaven's all-gracious King" a reference to God. Our response should cease hearing only the troubling noise, and hear the message from heaven that needs to be heard.
Conflict and misunderstanding, dominates events in our world. Earth is weary, but heaven is still open - therein is our hope. The good news is that of a new age when wars will cease and sin will be no more. As foretold by prophets, a new age will dawn and peace will finally come to earth, exactly what the angels have been singing about all these years. We can then learn to sing with the angels, glorifying God and experiencing the peace that has been promised in Christ. And finally, the world will echo the song of the angels which has so far been ignored by most people in this troubled world.
Why is it necessary to trust in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and believe that He will bring about the peace that troubled human hearts and society so desperately need?
Christ is the Prince of Peace, on whom we can cast all our burdens and find His rest and peace (1 Peter 5:7). He cares for us, and we are urged to invite Him into our "longing hearts" so that He would live there to help us in our "daily toil". We can then learn to sing with the angels, glorifying God and experiencing the peace that has been promised in Christ.
This promise will only be fulfilled by Christ, the Prince of Peace. There will be no peace without Him, and no hope outside of Him. That why it is necessary to trust in Jesus, and believe that He will bring about the peace that troubled human hearts and society so desperately need.
Read John 14:27 and say a prayer to Jesus.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27).
Jesus speaks from the depths of his heart to his dearest friends. He is facing into his Passion. He wants his friends to know that he is with them, his father is with them. Jesus’ farewell wish is ‘Peace!’ His gift of peace is not a state, but a relationship. It is the fruit of deeply abiding in him. This relationship will never fail. It will enable the disciples to endure suffering and rejection.
The peace that Jesus gives is available to me; I have to do nothing to receive it. But maybe that’s the problem – I want to do something to earn what Jesus offers as a free gift.
This is a certain peace and joy that comes from knowing and loving God directly, that nothing else can give. The peace that surpasses all understanding - a peace the world cannot give on its own.
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Lord, I need your gift of peace! So often I find myself unsure, anxious, worried, and angry. Talk to me about how we coped when things were out of control in our life, especially at the end. Help me always to rise from prayer with renewed trust in you as I face the things you want done. May I always act out of love.
Shape us to be instruments of your peace in a divided world. As I emerge from prayer each day, may I be more peace-filled than when I began.
I may not recognise the peace that Jesus gives immediately; it is not like the peace that the world gives and a troubled or fearful heart may miss the blessing. The peace that Jesus promises is not an escape from trouble - but rather the courage to face it calmly. I take some time to dive deeper, beneath the surface concerns of my life, to acknowledge the peace about which Jesus speaks.
Lord, that is the peace I seek: to be able to face sorrow and pain without the overwhelming fear that all is lost.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/03/sgh-ranked-worlds-third-best-hospital.html
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-it-came-upon-midnight-clear.html
Chapter 10 - Joy to the World
PHOTO: Why can we sing joyfully when we think of the first and second comings of Jesus?
The coming of the rightful King of the world, as He is the One who made it and all in it. Satan, the imposter prince, will be gotten rid of. His first coming brings us salvation (Psalm 98:2), a reason to burst forth in joyful song.
The hymn has more to do with Christ's second coming than His first, though because the two comings of Christ are historically and theologically connected, the sentiments expressed can apply to both events. The one that has already taken place sets the stage for the other that is yet to happen, an event which true believers eagerly await.
When Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead, He will establish His perfect kingdom, where there will be no more tears, sorrow, pain, and death (Revelation 21:4). Jesus will finish what He began during His first coming. Jesus began His public ministry declaring that "the kingdom of heaven has come near" (Matthew 3:2). a kingdom whose characteristics were demonstrated through His authoritative teaching and miraculous signs. He is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:33), awaiting His return to earth to fully establish that kingdom, when sin, death, and the devil that have plagued the human race will finally and decisively be put to an end. This is reason to break out in joyful song.
Christmas does not only look back at the birth of Christ, but also towards His second coming. Both comings are connected to each other, and make the other meaningful. "Joy to the World" helps us to understand this and urges us to break into joyful song as we look back with faith and gratitude and look forward with hope.
Meditate on how you can prepare room for Christ in your heart. What would need to be removed or rearranged?
We are urged to "Let every heart prepare him room" so that He can be received gladly into our hearts. Scripture promises that "to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). When Christ returns, the earth will have to receive her King, and all who have received Him in their hearts will have a place in His eternal kingdom.
The effects of the curse in the human heart and on the earth (Genesis 3:16-19) would need to be removed or rearranged.
Christ will remove the curse of sin from the human story. When Christ returns in glory, there will be no more sin and sorrow in human lives, and no more thorns on the ground. The curse will be removed far from us.
What would need to be brought in?
The blessing from the heart and hand of the God who loves us.
Jesus Christ Himself through the presence of the Holy Spirit will actually enter our heart, settle down and be at home there. Christ will make the human heart His abode.
How? Our Lord said to His disciples, "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (John 14:23).
Now it would be possible for us to prepare a place for Him in our hearts and He would come and make His abode with us. The curse in the human heart will be removed far from us, and the blessing will flow relentlessly from the heart and hand of the God who loves us.
Picture posted by ©Donna J. Mynatt on 26 December 2014
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PHOTO: Why can we sing joyfully when we think of the first and second comings of Jesus?
Satan, the imposter prince, will be gotten rid of. His first coming brings us salvation (Psalm 98:2), a reason to burst forth in joyful song.
Picture posted by Candy Kaplan - All About The Devil In 2019
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PHOTO: The hymn has more to do with Christ's second coming than His first, though because the two comings of Christ are historically and theologically connected, the sentiments expressed can apply to both events. An event which true believers eagerly await.
Picture posted by The Watchman's Post on Thursday, 02 March 2017
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When Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead, He will establish His perfect kingdom, where there will be no more tears, sorrow, pain, and death. We learn that He is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father awaiting His return to earth to fully establish that kingdom, when sin, death, and the devil that have plagued the human race will finally and decisively be put to an end. This is reason to break out in joyful song.
We pray that every Christmas we do not only look back at the birth of Christ, but also towards His second coming. Please help us to continue our faith and gratitude as we look back at His first coming, and to look forward with hope for His second coming.
Thank You for having Christ to remove the curse in our heart and on the earth, so that we can successfully prepare our heart to receive the Holy Spirit, to enter our heart, settle down and be at home. Thank You for having Your blessing flowing relentlessly from Your heart and hand because of Your love for us.
Scripture promises that ‘to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God’. We want to receive Christ when He returns because all who have received Him in their hearts will have a place in His eternal kingdom, as promised. So we sing in joyful song.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Artwork by Heinrich Hofmann - The temptation of jesus (Luke 4:1-13)
Picture posted by phillipmedhurst on Thursday, 15 June 2017 - Art, Bible, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Life of Christ
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Chapter 11 - O Come, All Ye Faithful
Because what we believe about Jesus affects our attitude towards Him and the way we relate to Him.
It is important to recognise a doctrinally sound and biblically accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ. It underlines His full divinity and inspires us to worship Him for who He is. Heretic may spread dangerous view that called into question the divinity of Christ. But sound doctrine like the Nicene Creed is connected with deep devotion. Because it make clear the faith of the church, concerning Christ.
What would you say about Him, in your own words?
Jesus is not merely the simple baby of a poor couple, without even a proper place to call home. He is the "King of heaven", where angels dwell. He has come in humility to save us all. We should use eyes of faith to see that the child is more than an ordinary human being, for this child is nothing less than the King of heaven. It is because of who He is that our song can be joyful and triumphant.
How does what you know about Jesus help to adore Him?
The apostle Pau wrote about Christ:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:6-7)
Such was Christ's humility for our sake. He deserves our wholehearted worship for emptying himself of what was rightfully His so that we can gain what was not rightfully ours - a blessed eternity. We are challenged to recognise the lengths to which Christ went to save us. He travelled the longest distance possible (from holy heaven to sinful earth), bending low to lift us up from the mud of sin. He stooped down to make us great (Psalm 18:35). C. S. Lewis wrote so aptly, "The Son of God became a Son of Man that sons of men might become sons of God". By knowing this about Jesus help us to adore Him. This is at the heart of our Christmas celebration.
Think of a few new ways in which you can express your adoration of Jesus.
We are urged to continue the glorious singing, exalting Christ in the highest way possible (Revelation 5:11-12). And, as the angelic choir sing, we are called to come and adore the Lord Jesus Christ as our King. In this way, Christ is worshipped in heaven and on earth - and in our hearts.
We greet and welcome Him with joy, for His birth has made this a happy and blessed morning - as every day will become when He is king of our lives. In one more Christological phrase, the song reminds us of who Jesus is, as declared by the apostle John in his gospel. Christ is the Word of God (John 1:1) and in Him, the Word become flesh (John 1:14).
This Christmas carol repeatedly invites us to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord. The word "adore" comes from the Latin adorare, meaning "to worship". We must worship Christ, who gave His life for us. We must present our whole life to Him as an acceptable offering - while we are still living here on earth.
We are reminded of the apostle Paul's exhortation: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1). We should not hold back anything from Christ, who did not hold back anything for our sake.
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PHOTO: This favourite carol of many dates back to as early as the thirteenth century. It is not clear who the original author was.
Picture posted by mamnonchientho on Wednesday, 03 October 2018 at 21:12
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PHOTO: This Christmas carol repeatedly invites us to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord. We must worship Christ, who gave His life for us. We must present our whole life to Him as an acceptable offering - while we are still living here on earth.
Artwork by Emerald
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PHOTO: “Dear
Lord, please help us to have a proper understanding of who Jesus is.
Because what we believe about Jesus affects our attitude towards Him and
the way we relate to Him.
We learn that it is important to recognise a doctrinally sound and biblically accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ. It underlines His full divinity and inspires us to worship Him for who He is. Heretic may spread dangerous view that called into question the divinity of Christ. But sound doctrine is connected with deep devotion, because it make clear the faith of the church, concerning Christ.
Thank You for making us realise that Jesus is not merely the simple baby of a poor couple, without even a proper place to call home. He is the ‘King of heaven’, where angels dwell. He has come in humility to save us all. It is because of who He is that our song can be joyful and triumphant.
Christ had made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, for our sake. He deserves our wholehearted worship for emptying himself of what was rightfully His so that we can gain what was not rightfully ours - a blessed eternity. By knowing this about Jesus help us to adore Him. This is at the heart of our Christmas celebration.
Please help us to continue the glorious singing, exalting Christ in the highest way possible. And, as the angelic choir sing, we are called to come and adore the Lord Jesus Christ as our King. In this way, Christ is worshipped in heaven and on earth - and in our hearts.
We greet and welcome Him with joy, for His birth has made this a happy and blessed morning - as every day will become when He is king of our lives. We want to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord.
We want to worship Christ, who gave His life for us. We want to present our whole life to Him as an acceptable offering - while we are still living here on earth. We want to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. We do not want to hold back anything from Christ, who did not hold back anything for our sake.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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Chapter 12 - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
PHOTO: Meditate on the various phrases used to address Jesus in this hymn. What do they mean to you personally?
The various phrases used to address Jesus in this hymn are Wisdom, the Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of the nations, Emmanuel (seven "O Antiphons" in total).
Biblical Insights from the Carol
Emmanuel
Emmanuel (translated from Greek) or Immanuel (translated from Hebrew) means 'God with us'. The first stanza addresses Emmanuel, the promised Messiah. "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This was fulfilled at the birth of Christ. Matthew records that Scripture was fulfilled when Jesus was born. "All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')" (Matthew 1:22-23).
The lines mention "captive Israel" suffering from "lonely exile here", which is reminiscent of Israel's history of slavery in Egypt and exile in Babylon. In both cases, God delivered His people. Likewise, we have the larger situation of the human race, trapped in the consequences of its sinful record. We languish until the Son of God appears - then we shall be liberated. So, just as Israel longed for the Messiah to liberate it, we also wait for the Saviour to free us.
The word "ransom" refer to payment made to release slaves in the slave market. Jesus paid the ransom to free us from slavery to sin and our captivity to its consequences. The "Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Or, as the writer of Hebrews explains: "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant" (Hebrews 9:15).
Wisdom
The second stanza addresses Jesus as "Wisdom from on high". In the Old Testament, wisdom was personified to represent Christ. The prophet Isaiah attributed the Messiah with the wisdom of the Old Testament.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2-3)
God is described as One "whose wisdom is magnificent" (Isaiah 28:29). In the New Testament, Paul refers to Christ as the one "who has become for us wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30). Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). In Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). The words in the song look back at the truth that God created the universe with wisdom. "By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heaven in place" (Proverbs 3:19). If we remember that Christ is the Wisdom of God, then we can understand why John says of Christ, the Word of God, that "through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made" (John 1:3). Indeed, it would make sense why the writer of Hebrews also mentions that it was through Christ that God made the universe (Hebrews 1:2).
It is with this in mind that we can sing that Christ "ordered all things mightily", and pray to Him that He will show us the "path of knowledge" and guide us to walk in it. As the One who was at the creation of the universe and when each of us was created, He knows all about us and our world, and is the only true wise King who can lead us.
The Lord
The third stanza refers to Christ as the "Lord of might" and remembers how God gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai in "cloud and majesty and awe". In the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as the Lawgiver, who in His Sermon on the Mount repeatedly said, "You have heard that it was said . . . But I tell you . . ." (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34, 38-39, 43-44). He came to correct the misunderstandings concerning the law that were prevalent. He also issued a new commandment based on the law of Moses: that we should love one another (John 13:34). This is the "royal law" issued by Christ (James 2:8). The Lawgiver has come to take away our confusion and lost condition, to be our sure and strong Guide.
Root of Jesse
The "Rod of Jesse's stern" is how Christ is addressed in Stanza 4. Jesse was King David's father, and the prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be in the lineage of David. "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit" (Isaiah 11:1). "In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the people; the nations will rally to him, and his resting-place will be glorious" (Isaiah 11:10). This descendant of David will be no ordinary king, for His "origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2), meaning that Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem as prophesied in Scripture is no less than God himself.
This is why Jesus asked His opponents to explain why David wrote, "The Lord says to my Lord" (Psalm 110:1). How could David call his descendant "my Lord" unless the descendant was God himself (see also Matthew 22:41-45 and Peter's Pentecost sermon in Acts 2:34-36)? It is the reason why Paul quotes Isaiah 11:10 to say that the Root of Jesse will "arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope" (Romans 15:12). The Messiah will not only save Israel, but all the nations of the world.
His coming has global and personal significance. He has the "power to save" (Stanza 4) and to deliver us from every foe. Above all, He will deliver us by giving "victory through the grave" (Stanza 4). Though we die, yet we shall live (John 11:25) as we receive eternal life from Him. Speaking of the resurrection that we all look forward to Paul declares, "'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He give us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). The Root of Jesse has conquered death and given us eternal life.
Key of David
Stanza 5 refers to Jesus as the "Key of David" - a phrase that is connected with prophecy. "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David: what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open" (Isaiah 22:22). Jesus applied this to himself as one who "holds the key of David", and what He opens, no one can shut, and what He shuts, no one can open (Revelation 3:7).
Because Christ holds the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16:19), we pray to Him to hold open the door to heaven for us, and to protect us as we travel to the Father's house, shutting the doors to the "misery" (Stanza 5) of sin and brokenness. He has the absolute power to open and shut.
Dayspring
Stanza 6 refers to Christ as the "Dayspring from on High", similar to "Morning Star". This, again, is in line with what Scripture says of Christ. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2). "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you" (Isaiah 60:1-2). "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays" (Malachi 4:2).
Appeal is made to the Dayspring to rise upon the dark night to "disperse the gloomy clouds of night" and to put to flight "death's dark shadows". The situation on earth is gloomy but Jesus comes to bring a new day that will have no place for darkness. We long for that day.
King of the nations
The final stanza keeps our attention on the sad state of affairs in our broken and divided world, full of strife and war. We appeal to Christ as the "Desire of nations" to put an end to our strife. He alone has the authority and power to do it as the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). He alone can break down the hostile barriers between people and make us one (Ephesians 2:14-16). He is at the heart of every nation's desire to find peace and hope, though many may not yet recognise it.
How eagerly are you asking Jesus to return to our world (Revelation 22:20)?
Most of us have heard a pastor or teacher quote Hebrews 9:27 which says “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,” but few go on to read the following verses that give us the foundation of our hope. Verse 28 reminds us that Christ “will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
This is the promise we eagerly await! The work that Jesus began on the cross which saves us from sin will be completed at His second coming by delivering us from the wrath of God and granting us rest in His eternal kingdom.
So as children of God, let us not shrink away from the arrival of our Father, but say, with the same anticipation as the Apostle John, “Amen! Come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
Picture posted by Pastor Jeff Nelson on 27 November 2016 - Advent 2016, Sermons
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/01/reflection-o-come-o-come-emmanuel.html
PHOTO: The origins of this Christmas carol can be traced to medieval liturgical practices in the Western church tradition. The "O Antiphons" was a series of Magnificat (Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55) antiphons, each beginning with the vocation particle "O", sung from 17 to 23 December in churches during the season of Advent.
Picture saved by Elayne G. James to LIGHTBRIDGE SECRETS
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/01/reflection-o-come-o-come-emmanuel.html
PHOTO: Most of us have heard a pastor or teacher quote Hebrews 9:27 which says “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,” but few go on to read the following verses that give us the foundation of our hope. Verse 28 reminds us that Christ “will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
Picture posted by Karen Woodall
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https://blessedtransgressions.org/eagerly-awaiting-jesus-return/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/01/reflection-o-come-o-come-emmanuel.html
PHOTO: “Dear Lord, we learn the various phrases used to address Jesus as Wisdom, the Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of the nations, Emmanuel.
Emmanuel' means 'God with us’. We languish until the Son of God appears - then we shall be liberated. Meanwhile we wait for the Saviour to free us. Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that we may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that He has died as a ransom to set us free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
Jesus is also addressed as ‘the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding’ and ‘whose wisdom is magnificent’. It is with this in mind that we can sing that Christ "ordered all things mightily", and pray to Him that He will show us the 'path of knowledge' and guide us to walk in it. As the One who was at the creation of the universe and when each of us was created, He knows all about us and our world, and is the only true wise King who can lead us.
Christ is also addressed as the ‘Lord of might’. He came to correct the misunderstandings concerning the law that were prevalent. He also issued a new commandment based on the law of Moses: that we should love one another. He is a Lawgiver, who has come to take away our confusion and lost condition, to be our sure and strong Guide.
The ‘Rod of Jesse's stern’ is another how Christ is addressed. This descendant of David will be no ordinary king, for His ‘origins are from of old, from ancient times’, meaning that Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem as prophesied in Scripture is no less than God himself. The Root of Jesse has conquered death and given us eternal life.
Jesus is also addressed as the ‘Key of David’ because Christ holds the keys of the kingdom. He has the absolute power to open and shut. We pray to Him to hold open the door to heaven for us, and to protect us as we travel to the Father's house, shutting the doors to the ‘misery’ of sin and brokenness.
Christ is also the "Dayspring from on High", similar to "Morning Star". Although darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. We appeal to the Dayspring to rise upon the dark night to ‘disperse the gloomy clouds of night’ and to put to flight ‘death's dark shadows’. The situation on earth is gloomy but Jesus comes to bring a new day that will have no place for darkness. We long for that day.
We are having the sad state of affairs in our broken and divided world, full of strife and war. We appeal to Christ as the ‘Desire of nations’ to put an end to our strife. He alone has the authority and power to do it as the ‘Prince of Peace. He alone can break down the hostile barriers between people and make us one. He as King of the nations, is at the heart of every nation's desire to find peace and hope, though many may not yet recognise it.
We learn that Christ appearance for the second time will bring salvation to us who are waiting for him. This is the promise we eagerly await! The work that Jesus began on the cross which saves us from sin will be completed at His second coming by delivering us from the wrath of God and granting us rest in His eternal kingdom.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Picture posted by PIXERS
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/01/reflection-o-come-o-come-emmanuel.html
Chapter 13 - O Holy Night
PHOTO: Why
is that, in the presence of Jesus, we experience the 'thrill of hope'
(Stanza 1) and learn to "lowly bend" before Him (Stanza 2)?
The birth of Christ brings a "thrill of hope", and the world can rejoice because a "new and glorious morn" appeared on the horizon when Christ was born (Stanza 1). There is now hope for the lost and tired world. When Christ was born, "the soul felt its worth" (Stanza 1). This is significant, because it means that God has not given up on us. For Him to send His only begotten Son means that despite being marred by sin, our souls still bear the image of God (Genesis 1:27), giving us dignity as His creations. We are "noble ruins", in the words of Christian author and Professor Mark R. McMinn. We are the reason why Christ came to earth. He came to save us (because we are ruined) and to do so because we have inherent dignity (because God created us). This gives hope and dignity to all, even those rejected or forgotten by the world. Thus we need to open our ears to "hear the angel voices" (Stanza 1) and fall on our knees in worship before Christ who came to save the world. It was a "night divine" (Stanza 1), because the Son of God was born that night.
The second stanza reminds us of the visit of the magi from the East. They were led by the special star in the sky, which was the sign of the birth of the divine King of Israel (and Saviour of the world). The star's light is compared to the light of faith that falls on our hearts (2 Corinthians 4:6), that leads us to stand before Christ with glowing hearts. Like the magi, we too are called to gather around Christ to worship Him. We are to recognise Him as the King of kings, our (corporate and personal) king before whom we must "lowly bend" (Stanza 2). It is the only proper response to one who was born in a lowly manger for our sake, to save us and to become our friends. In our trials and difficult moments He understands us, for He took on our humanity and knows what it is like to suffer trials and temptations. "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted" (Hebrews 2:18). He "knows our need" and is "to our weaknesses not stranger" - not our moral weaknesses, for He was without sin, but He knows how temptation feels, and what weariness and tiredness can do to us. The King of glory is also our close friend.
What do these phrase mean for you personally?
'Thrill of hope' (Stanza 1)
Despite the darkness—of literature, of human nature, of the "Wuhan Coronavirus" (at the time of writing there is 9,692 confirmed infected and 213 deaths in China) spreading throughout the world—we have God’s promises. That the Son will return, that all oppression shall cease.
We are facing a world still so bent on power, making seemingly impossible theological and historical claims. We are still unable to put aside our differences and work together more. We are still rejecting helps amidst the escalating deaths, as the clock ticks and the virus spreading moment by moment.
However, there is still hope for the lost and tired world because God has not given up on us.
"Lowly bend" before Him (Stanza 2)
He knows our weariness and tiredness. In our trials and difficult moments He understands us, for He took on our humanity and knows what it is like to suffer trials and temptations. We faced shortage of surgical masks and those stuck in Wuhan are desperate to come out. Our best efforts may not be enough, and despite all the encouragements we are still in despair. This is one of those time which we should humbly acknowledge our limitations and seek the help of our creator who has brought us into existence.
May the invitation to kneel at the manger and to sing praise at the top of our lungs remind us all of that bright hope.
The King of glory is also our close friend. A friend in need is really a friend indeed.
Why is it that experiencing Christ in this way should transform how we treat others?
The third stanza speaks of the social consequences of our redemption. The purpose of our salvation (achieved on the cross through the death of Christ - a truth assumed in this hymn) is to rid us of our sin within and among us. We are reminded of how Christ summarised the entire law in terms of wholehearted love for God and love for our neighbours (Matthew 22:37-40). Thus, "his law is love" (Stanza 3). He commanded His disciples (and all of us) that we must love one another (John 13:34-35). And if we obey Him, there will be peace not only in our hearts, but also among us. Truly, as Stanza 3 declares, the gospel is peace - it was sung by the Christmas angels who declared "peace to those on whom his favour rests" (Luke 2:14).
In Christ's name, slavery and "oppression shall cease" (Stanza 3). Both Cappeau and Dwight held strong anti-slavery convictions, which come through in the words, "Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother" (Stanza 3). The Israelites who were slaves in Egypt were freed by God through Moses. It is so easy for freed slaves to enslave others in turn due to selfish greed and lack of concern for the poor (Nehemiah 5:5). While it has been said that the New Testament does not condemn slavery (as it was practised in the first century) outright, we must not fail to notice Paul's advice to his friend and fellow believer Philemon on how to treat his escaped slave who had also become a believer. "Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever - no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother" (Philemon 15-16, emphasis added).
Paul also insisted that slave trading was "ungodly and sinful" and "contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God" (1 Timothy 1:9-11). It is unbelievable how people have historically used the Bible to legitimise the sinful practice of slavery, which goes against the very gospel of Jesus Christ. It took reformers like the British Christian parliamentarian William Wilberforce (1759-1833) to relentlessly pursue the emancipation (the freeing of someone from slavery) of slaves and secure the abolition of slavery in the nineteenth century. In an age where slavery exists in new forms (grossly unfair employment practices and the oppression of labourers who are literally held in bondage) it falls upon our Christian conscience to do something about it.
We are challenged to consider how we live. Scripture probes our hearts: "What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives" (2 Peter 3:11). Our talk must be proven by our walk.
For all that Christ has achieved for us, we can wholeheartedly ("all within us", Stanza 3) praise and worship Him, not only now, but forevermore - for His blessing will remain eternally.
Can you think of any changes in attitude and action you need to make in any of your relationships?
Especially in our relationship with God, to humbly acknowledge our sinful nature, repent from our wrongdoing, and follow the commands and instructions to lead the righteous life which He wants us to have.
By our own efforts, there will be serious limitations. We therefore pray for His help that His wrath will not fall on us, but His Holy Spirit will come and help all of us to accept the offer of Salvation, so that we can have joy and real rest for eternity in heaven together with Him.
Picture posted by Beato Giovanni Battista Scalabrini on 26 December 2019
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-o-holy-night.html
PHOTO: Why is it that experiencing Christ in this way should transform how we treat others?
There are social consequences of our redemption. The purpose of our salvation (achieved on the cross through the death of Christ - a truth assumed in this hymn) is to rid us of our sin within and among us. We are reminded of how Christ summarised the entire law in terms of wholehearted love for God and love for our neighbours (Matthew 22:37-40). And if we obey Him, there will be peace not only in our hearts, but also among us.
Picture saved by Thomas McDaniel to angels - Gif Paradise
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-o-holy-night.html
PHOTO:
By our own efforts, there will be serious limitations. We therefore
pray for His help that His wrath will not fall on us, but His Holy
Spirit will come and help all of us to accept the offer of Salvation, so
that we can have joy and real rest for eternity in heaven together with
Him.
Picture posted by another world, VASILY S.
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-o-holy-night.html
PHOTO: “Dear
Lord, We learn that the birth of Christ brings a ‘thrill of hope’ and
the world can rejoice because a ‘new and glorious morn’ appeared on the
horizon when Christ was born. There is now hope for the lost and tired
world because You have not given up on us. This is significant when You
send Your only begotten Son despite we being marred by sin, our souls
still bear the image of God, giving us dignity as Your creations. We are
the reason why Christ came to earth. He came to save us (because we are
ruined) and to do so because we have inherent dignity (because God
created us). This gives hope and dignity to all, even those rejected or
forgotten by the world.
Just like the magi from the East who were led by the special star in the sky, which was the sign of the birth of the divine King of Israel (and Saviour of the world). The star's light is compared to the light of faith that falls on our hearts that leads us to stand before Christ with glowing hearts. Like the magi, we too are called to gather around Christ to worship Him. We are to recognise Him as the King of kings, our (corporate and personal) king before whom we must ‘lowly bend’. It is the only proper response to one who was born in a lowly manger for our sake, to save us and to become our friends. In our trials and difficult moments He understands us, for He took on our humanity and knows what it is like to suffer trials and temptations.
Despite the darkness—of literature, of human nature, of the ‘Wuhan Coronavirus’ spreading throughout the world—we have God’s promises. That the Son will return, that all oppression shall cease. Thank You there is still hope for the lost and tired world because You have not given up on us.
We faced shortage of surgical masks, and those stuck in Wuhan are desperate to come out. Our best efforts may not be enough and despite all the encouragements we are still in despair. This is one of those time which we should humbly acknowledge our limitations and seek Your help.
You have commanded Your disciples (and all of us) that we must love one another. We want to obey You, so that there will be peace not only in our hearts, but also among us.
Our conscience prompt us to pray for Your help to free those suffering from the new forms of slavery which is grossly unfair employment practices and the oppression of labourers who are literally held in bondage.
We pray for Your help to walk our talk to live a holy and godly lives. We pray that we humbly acknowledge our sinful nature, repent from our wrongdoing, and follow the commands and instructions to lead the righteous life which You wants us to have. By our own efforts, there will be serious limitations. We therefore pray for Your help.
Thank You for sending Jesus Christ to suffer and die for us so that we can have the offer of Salvation, and also our sins can be forgiven through His blood shed on the cross.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Picture posted by Jean Claude on 11 Aug at 12:25
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We learn that it is important to recognise a doctrinally sound and biblically accurate portrayal of Jesus Christ. It underlines His full divinity and inspires us to worship Him for who He is. Heretic may spread dangerous view that called into question the divinity of Christ. But sound doctrine is connected with deep devotion, because it make clear the faith of the church, concerning Christ.
Thank You for making us realise that Jesus is not merely the simple baby of a poor couple, without even a proper place to call home. He is the ‘King of heaven’, where angels dwell. He has come in humility to save us all. It is because of who He is that our song can be joyful and triumphant.
Christ had made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, for our sake. He deserves our wholehearted worship for emptying himself of what was rightfully His so that we can gain what was not rightfully ours - a blessed eternity. By knowing this about Jesus help us to adore Him. This is at the heart of our Christmas celebration.
Please help us to continue the glorious singing, exalting Christ in the highest way possible. And, as the angelic choir sing, we are called to come and adore the Lord Jesus Christ as our King. In this way, Christ is worshipped in heaven and on earth - and in our hearts.
We greet and welcome Him with joy, for His birth has made this a happy and blessed morning - as every day will become when He is king of our lives. We want to come into the presence of Christ to adore Him as our Saviour and Lord.
We want to worship Christ, who gave His life for us. We want to present our whole life to Him as an acceptable offering - while we are still living here on earth. We want to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. We do not want to hold back anything from Christ, who did not hold back anything for our sake.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Picture posted by acssia on 05 March 2012 at 12:50:14
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http://win.leperledelcuore.it/public/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22253&whichpage=21
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/12/reflection-o-come-all-ye-faithful.html
Chapter 12 - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
The various phrases used to address Jesus in this hymn are Wisdom, the Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of the nations, Emmanuel (seven "O Antiphons" in total).
Biblical Insights from the Carol
Emmanuel
Emmanuel (translated from Greek) or Immanuel (translated from Hebrew) means 'God with us'. The first stanza addresses Emmanuel, the promised Messiah. "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This was fulfilled at the birth of Christ. Matthew records that Scripture was fulfilled when Jesus was born. "All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')" (Matthew 1:22-23).
The lines mention "captive Israel" suffering from "lonely exile here", which is reminiscent of Israel's history of slavery in Egypt and exile in Babylon. In both cases, God delivered His people. Likewise, we have the larger situation of the human race, trapped in the consequences of its sinful record. We languish until the Son of God appears - then we shall be liberated. So, just as Israel longed for the Messiah to liberate it, we also wait for the Saviour to free us.
The word "ransom" refer to payment made to release slaves in the slave market. Jesus paid the ransom to free us from slavery to sin and our captivity to its consequences. The "Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Or, as the writer of Hebrews explains: "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant" (Hebrews 9:15).
Wisdom
The second stanza addresses Jesus as "Wisdom from on high". In the Old Testament, wisdom was personified to represent Christ. The prophet Isaiah attributed the Messiah with the wisdom of the Old Testament.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2-3)
God is described as One "whose wisdom is magnificent" (Isaiah 28:29). In the New Testament, Paul refers to Christ as the one "who has become for us wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30). Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). In Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). The words in the song look back at the truth that God created the universe with wisdom. "By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heaven in place" (Proverbs 3:19). If we remember that Christ is the Wisdom of God, then we can understand why John says of Christ, the Word of God, that "through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made" (John 1:3). Indeed, it would make sense why the writer of Hebrews also mentions that it was through Christ that God made the universe (Hebrews 1:2).
It is with this in mind that we can sing that Christ "ordered all things mightily", and pray to Him that He will show us the "path of knowledge" and guide us to walk in it. As the One who was at the creation of the universe and when each of us was created, He knows all about us and our world, and is the only true wise King who can lead us.
The Lord
The third stanza refers to Christ as the "Lord of might" and remembers how God gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai in "cloud and majesty and awe". In the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as the Lawgiver, who in His Sermon on the Mount repeatedly said, "You have heard that it was said . . . But I tell you . . ." (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34, 38-39, 43-44). He came to correct the misunderstandings concerning the law that were prevalent. He also issued a new commandment based on the law of Moses: that we should love one another (John 13:34). This is the "royal law" issued by Christ (James 2:8). The Lawgiver has come to take away our confusion and lost condition, to be our sure and strong Guide.
Root of Jesse
The "Rod of Jesse's stern" is how Christ is addressed in Stanza 4. Jesse was King David's father, and the prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be in the lineage of David. "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit" (Isaiah 11:1). "In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the people; the nations will rally to him, and his resting-place will be glorious" (Isaiah 11:10). This descendant of David will be no ordinary king, for His "origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2), meaning that Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem as prophesied in Scripture is no less than God himself.
This is why Jesus asked His opponents to explain why David wrote, "The Lord says to my Lord" (Psalm 110:1). How could David call his descendant "my Lord" unless the descendant was God himself (see also Matthew 22:41-45 and Peter's Pentecost sermon in Acts 2:34-36)? It is the reason why Paul quotes Isaiah 11:10 to say that the Root of Jesse will "arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope" (Romans 15:12). The Messiah will not only save Israel, but all the nations of the world.
His coming has global and personal significance. He has the "power to save" (Stanza 4) and to deliver us from every foe. Above all, He will deliver us by giving "victory through the grave" (Stanza 4). Though we die, yet we shall live (John 11:25) as we receive eternal life from Him. Speaking of the resurrection that we all look forward to Paul declares, "'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He give us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). The Root of Jesse has conquered death and given us eternal life.
Key of David
Stanza 5 refers to Jesus as the "Key of David" - a phrase that is connected with prophecy. "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David: what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open" (Isaiah 22:22). Jesus applied this to himself as one who "holds the key of David", and what He opens, no one can shut, and what He shuts, no one can open (Revelation 3:7).
Because Christ holds the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16:19), we pray to Him to hold open the door to heaven for us, and to protect us as we travel to the Father's house, shutting the doors to the "misery" (Stanza 5) of sin and brokenness. He has the absolute power to open and shut.
Dayspring
Stanza 6 refers to Christ as the "Dayspring from on High", similar to "Morning Star". This, again, is in line with what Scripture says of Christ. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2). "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you" (Isaiah 60:1-2). "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays" (Malachi 4:2).
Appeal is made to the Dayspring to rise upon the dark night to "disperse the gloomy clouds of night" and to put to flight "death's dark shadows". The situation on earth is gloomy but Jesus comes to bring a new day that will have no place for darkness. We long for that day.
King of the nations
The final stanza keeps our attention on the sad state of affairs in our broken and divided world, full of strife and war. We appeal to Christ as the "Desire of nations" to put an end to our strife. He alone has the authority and power to do it as the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). He alone can break down the hostile barriers between people and make us one (Ephesians 2:14-16). He is at the heart of every nation's desire to find peace and hope, though many may not yet recognise it.
How eagerly are you asking Jesus to return to our world (Revelation 22:20)?
Most of us have heard a pastor or teacher quote Hebrews 9:27 which says “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,” but few go on to read the following verses that give us the foundation of our hope. Verse 28 reminds us that Christ “will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
This is the promise we eagerly await! The work that Jesus began on the cross which saves us from sin will be completed at His second coming by delivering us from the wrath of God and granting us rest in His eternal kingdom.
So as children of God, let us not shrink away from the arrival of our Father, but say, with the same anticipation as the Apostle John, “Amen! Come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
Picture posted by Pastor Jeff Nelson on 27 November 2016 - Advent 2016, Sermons
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PHOTO: The origins of this Christmas carol can be traced to medieval liturgical practices in the Western church tradition. The "O Antiphons" was a series of Magnificat (Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55) antiphons, each beginning with the vocation particle "O", sung from 17 to 23 December in churches during the season of Advent.
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PHOTO: Most of us have heard a pastor or teacher quote Hebrews 9:27 which says “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,” but few go on to read the following verses that give us the foundation of our hope. Verse 28 reminds us that Christ “will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
Picture posted by Karen Woodall
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PHOTO: “Dear Lord, we learn the various phrases used to address Jesus as Wisdom, the Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of the nations, Emmanuel.
Emmanuel' means 'God with us’. We languish until the Son of God appears - then we shall be liberated. Meanwhile we wait for the Saviour to free us. Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that we may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that He has died as a ransom to set us free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
Jesus is also addressed as ‘the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding’ and ‘whose wisdom is magnificent’. It is with this in mind that we can sing that Christ "ordered all things mightily", and pray to Him that He will show us the 'path of knowledge' and guide us to walk in it. As the One who was at the creation of the universe and when each of us was created, He knows all about us and our world, and is the only true wise King who can lead us.
Christ is also addressed as the ‘Lord of might’. He came to correct the misunderstandings concerning the law that were prevalent. He also issued a new commandment based on the law of Moses: that we should love one another. He is a Lawgiver, who has come to take away our confusion and lost condition, to be our sure and strong Guide.
The ‘Rod of Jesse's stern’ is another how Christ is addressed. This descendant of David will be no ordinary king, for His ‘origins are from of old, from ancient times’, meaning that Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem as prophesied in Scripture is no less than God himself. The Root of Jesse has conquered death and given us eternal life.
Jesus is also addressed as the ‘Key of David’ because Christ holds the keys of the kingdom. He has the absolute power to open and shut. We pray to Him to hold open the door to heaven for us, and to protect us as we travel to the Father's house, shutting the doors to the ‘misery’ of sin and brokenness.
Christ is also the "Dayspring from on High", similar to "Morning Star". Although darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. We appeal to the Dayspring to rise upon the dark night to ‘disperse the gloomy clouds of night’ and to put to flight ‘death's dark shadows’. The situation on earth is gloomy but Jesus comes to bring a new day that will have no place for darkness. We long for that day.
We are having the sad state of affairs in our broken and divided world, full of strife and war. We appeal to Christ as the ‘Desire of nations’ to put an end to our strife. He alone has the authority and power to do it as the ‘Prince of Peace. He alone can break down the hostile barriers between people and make us one. He as King of the nations, is at the heart of every nation's desire to find peace and hope, though many may not yet recognise it.
We learn that Christ appearance for the second time will bring salvation to us who are waiting for him. This is the promise we eagerly await! The work that Jesus began on the cross which saves us from sin will be completed at His second coming by delivering us from the wrath of God and granting us rest in His eternal kingdom.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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Chapter 13 - O Holy Night
The birth of Christ brings a "thrill of hope", and the world can rejoice because a "new and glorious morn" appeared on the horizon when Christ was born (Stanza 1). There is now hope for the lost and tired world. When Christ was born, "the soul felt its worth" (Stanza 1). This is significant, because it means that God has not given up on us. For Him to send His only begotten Son means that despite being marred by sin, our souls still bear the image of God (Genesis 1:27), giving us dignity as His creations. We are "noble ruins", in the words of Christian author and Professor Mark R. McMinn. We are the reason why Christ came to earth. He came to save us (because we are ruined) and to do so because we have inherent dignity (because God created us). This gives hope and dignity to all, even those rejected or forgotten by the world. Thus we need to open our ears to "hear the angel voices" (Stanza 1) and fall on our knees in worship before Christ who came to save the world. It was a "night divine" (Stanza 1), because the Son of God was born that night.
The second stanza reminds us of the visit of the magi from the East. They were led by the special star in the sky, which was the sign of the birth of the divine King of Israel (and Saviour of the world). The star's light is compared to the light of faith that falls on our hearts (2 Corinthians 4:6), that leads us to stand before Christ with glowing hearts. Like the magi, we too are called to gather around Christ to worship Him. We are to recognise Him as the King of kings, our (corporate and personal) king before whom we must "lowly bend" (Stanza 2). It is the only proper response to one who was born in a lowly manger for our sake, to save us and to become our friends. In our trials and difficult moments He understands us, for He took on our humanity and knows what it is like to suffer trials and temptations. "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted" (Hebrews 2:18). He "knows our need" and is "to our weaknesses not stranger" - not our moral weaknesses, for He was without sin, but He knows how temptation feels, and what weariness and tiredness can do to us. The King of glory is also our close friend.
What do these phrase mean for you personally?
'Thrill of hope' (Stanza 1)
Despite the darkness—of literature, of human nature, of the "Wuhan Coronavirus" (at the time of writing there is 9,692 confirmed infected and 213 deaths in China) spreading throughout the world—we have God’s promises. That the Son will return, that all oppression shall cease.
We are facing a world still so bent on power, making seemingly impossible theological and historical claims. We are still unable to put aside our differences and work together more. We are still rejecting helps amidst the escalating deaths, as the clock ticks and the virus spreading moment by moment.
However, there is still hope for the lost and tired world because God has not given up on us.
"Lowly bend" before Him (Stanza 2)
He knows our weariness and tiredness. In our trials and difficult moments He understands us, for He took on our humanity and knows what it is like to suffer trials and temptations. We faced shortage of surgical masks and those stuck in Wuhan are desperate to come out. Our best efforts may not be enough, and despite all the encouragements we are still in despair. This is one of those time which we should humbly acknowledge our limitations and seek the help of our creator who has brought us into existence.
May the invitation to kneel at the manger and to sing praise at the top of our lungs remind us all of that bright hope.
The King of glory is also our close friend. A friend in need is really a friend indeed.
Why is it that experiencing Christ in this way should transform how we treat others?
The third stanza speaks of the social consequences of our redemption. The purpose of our salvation (achieved on the cross through the death of Christ - a truth assumed in this hymn) is to rid us of our sin within and among us. We are reminded of how Christ summarised the entire law in terms of wholehearted love for God and love for our neighbours (Matthew 22:37-40). Thus, "his law is love" (Stanza 3). He commanded His disciples (and all of us) that we must love one another (John 13:34-35). And if we obey Him, there will be peace not only in our hearts, but also among us. Truly, as Stanza 3 declares, the gospel is peace - it was sung by the Christmas angels who declared "peace to those on whom his favour rests" (Luke 2:14).
In Christ's name, slavery and "oppression shall cease" (Stanza 3). Both Cappeau and Dwight held strong anti-slavery convictions, which come through in the words, "Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother" (Stanza 3). The Israelites who were slaves in Egypt were freed by God through Moses. It is so easy for freed slaves to enslave others in turn due to selfish greed and lack of concern for the poor (Nehemiah 5:5). While it has been said that the New Testament does not condemn slavery (as it was practised in the first century) outright, we must not fail to notice Paul's advice to his friend and fellow believer Philemon on how to treat his escaped slave who had also become a believer. "Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever - no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother" (Philemon 15-16, emphasis added).
Paul also insisted that slave trading was "ungodly and sinful" and "contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God" (1 Timothy 1:9-11). It is unbelievable how people have historically used the Bible to legitimise the sinful practice of slavery, which goes against the very gospel of Jesus Christ. It took reformers like the British Christian parliamentarian William Wilberforce (1759-1833) to relentlessly pursue the emancipation (the freeing of someone from slavery) of slaves and secure the abolition of slavery in the nineteenth century. In an age where slavery exists in new forms (grossly unfair employment practices and the oppression of labourers who are literally held in bondage) it falls upon our Christian conscience to do something about it.
We are challenged to consider how we live. Scripture probes our hearts: "What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives" (2 Peter 3:11). Our talk must be proven by our walk.
For all that Christ has achieved for us, we can wholeheartedly ("all within us", Stanza 3) praise and worship Him, not only now, but forevermore - for His blessing will remain eternally.
Can you think of any changes in attitude and action you need to make in any of your relationships?
Especially in our relationship with God, to humbly acknowledge our sinful nature, repent from our wrongdoing, and follow the commands and instructions to lead the righteous life which He wants us to have.
By our own efforts, there will be serious limitations. We therefore pray for His help that His wrath will not fall on us, but His Holy Spirit will come and help all of us to accept the offer of Salvation, so that we can have joy and real rest for eternity in heaven together with Him.
Picture posted by Beato Giovanni Battista Scalabrini on 26 December 2019
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PHOTO: Why is it that experiencing Christ in this way should transform how we treat others?
There are social consequences of our redemption. The purpose of our salvation (achieved on the cross through the death of Christ - a truth assumed in this hymn) is to rid us of our sin within and among us. We are reminded of how Christ summarised the entire law in terms of wholehearted love for God and love for our neighbours (Matthew 22:37-40). And if we obey Him, there will be peace not only in our hearts, but also among us.
Picture saved by Thomas McDaniel to angels - Gif Paradise
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Just like the magi from the East who were led by the special star in the sky, which was the sign of the birth of the divine King of Israel (and Saviour of the world). The star's light is compared to the light of faith that falls on our hearts that leads us to stand before Christ with glowing hearts. Like the magi, we too are called to gather around Christ to worship Him. We are to recognise Him as the King of kings, our (corporate and personal) king before whom we must ‘lowly bend’. It is the only proper response to one who was born in a lowly manger for our sake, to save us and to become our friends. In our trials and difficult moments He understands us, for He took on our humanity and knows what it is like to suffer trials and temptations.
Despite the darkness—of literature, of human nature, of the ‘Wuhan Coronavirus’ spreading throughout the world—we have God’s promises. That the Son will return, that all oppression shall cease. Thank You there is still hope for the lost and tired world because You have not given up on us.
We faced shortage of surgical masks, and those stuck in Wuhan are desperate to come out. Our best efforts may not be enough and despite all the encouragements we are still in despair. This is one of those time which we should humbly acknowledge our limitations and seek Your help.
You have commanded Your disciples (and all of us) that we must love one another. We want to obey You, so that there will be peace not only in our hearts, but also among us.
Our conscience prompt us to pray for Your help to free those suffering from the new forms of slavery which is grossly unfair employment practices and the oppression of labourers who are literally held in bondage.
We pray for Your help to walk our talk to live a holy and godly lives. We pray that we humbly acknowledge our sinful nature, repent from our wrongdoing, and follow the commands and instructions to lead the righteous life which You wants us to have. By our own efforts, there will be serious limitations. We therefore pray for Your help.
Thank You for sending Jesus Christ to suffer and die for us so that we can have the offer of Salvation, and also our sins can be forgiven through His blood shed on the cross.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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Chapter 14 - O Little Town of Bethlehem
PHOTO: Reflect on the contrast between the earthly and heavenly scenes described in this carol.
The first stanza must have drawn inspiration from Brooks' visit to Bethlehem. At night it is a very quiet town, even today. It is as if the town is in a deep sleep, silent and still, but above it are the heavens, where the "silent stars go by" (Stanza 1) - there is movement in heaven even while the earth is still. And there is light from heaven even while the earth is filled with darkness. This light is the everlasting Light of the one who said, "I am the light of the world" (John 9:5). As the apostle John testified, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world" (John 1:9). The birth of Jesus is such a striking event because "the hopes and fears of all the years" are "met in thee (Bethlehem) tonight" (Stanza 1). The human anxieties and aspirations that are found everywhere throughout history find their answer in the birth of Jesus. Our anxieties (about past guilt, present difficulties, and future uncertainties) find rest in Christ, of whom it is said: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). He is the one who says to us, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me" (John 14:1).
The second stanza contrasts the scene between heaven and earth. Below, people are asleep, oblivious to the earth-shaking, history-changing scene of God born as a human child. Earth is asleep, while heaven is awake with watchful worship. Heaven's worship breaks the silence of earth when the angels, or "morning stars" (Job 38:7), appear in the sky to sing their Christmas song (Luke 2:14).
How does remembering heaven and God in Christ help you deal with earthly frustrations?
Our aspirations have repeatedly been frustrated. We want to rise above our sinful instincts and impulses, our enmities (hostility) and warring madness, our grudges and jealousies, but we seem caught by a spiritual gravitational force that keeps us tied to our sinfulness. "For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do . . . What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?" (Romans 7:15, 24). The answer to that desperate question is: "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:25). It is Christ who frees us (John 8:36) and enables us to fulfil the deep spiritual aspirations we have to live nobly.
How does Christ enter a humble heart silently, and what happens when He does so?
The Christmas story is applied to the hearts of individuals in the third stanza. Just as Christ was born in Bethlehem, He needs to be born in our hearts. Just as Christ was born rather silently in the night, so does God quietly impart "to human hearts the blessings of his heaven" (Stanza 3). God's "wondrous gift" (Stanza 3) is Christ himself (2 Corinthians 9:15), who enters into a believing and humble heart. No one hears Him entering, except the one whose heart becomes the humble residence of the Son of God (Ephesians 3:17). Such a heart becomes like the manger that received the Lord; there was no pomp and ceremony, only repentance, awe, and gratitude. There was no room at the inn in Bethlehem, but in a poor and simple spot in the city, there was space for the birth of Christ. So it must be with our hearts (Revelation 3:20).
No one can become a true Christian while maintaining a proud attitude before God (Luke 18:9-14). It is for that reason that Jesus observed, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" (Luke 18:24). Why? Because the rich may become self-sufficient, proud of their possessions and achievements. The same is true for people who look at what they have achieved or attained with pride, who mistakenly think that they have no or little need for God's help. But the truth is that we are all, no matter who we are and how much we have, sinners in desperate need of God's forgiveness and salvation.
Only those who are "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3), that is to say the humble, are ready to receive Christ into their lives and thus enter the kingdom of heaven. Only when we recognise our spiritual bankruptcy can we repent of our sins and receive God's love and grace.
Invite Jesus to enter or remain in your heart.
The final stanza addresses a plea to Christ, the "holy Child of Bethlehem". It is an invitation for Him to descend to us from His heaven and to enter our hearts. Just as He was born in Bethlehem, He must be born in our hearts through faith as we believe in Him and in all He has done for us. We must have faith enough to hear the Christmas angels sing the gospel truth about Jesus. Christ will come into our hearts to "cast out our sin" (Stanza 4) and therefore save us. It is for this reason that He was called Jesus (see Matthew 1:21). He was also called Immanuel, which means "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). This stanza brings both concepts together: Christ enters our hearts to save us from our sin and to abide with us.
Indeed, we desperately need Christ to be in our hearts, for a heart without Him is a sad place, even though it is surrounded by fleeting possessions and temporary amusement. The truly poor are those who do not have Christ in their hearts, while those who do are truly rich. Christmas is a good time to examine the true condition of our hearts.
Picture saved from Hilde Van der Auwera
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-o-little-town-of-bethlehem.html
PHOTO: The story is absurd, but somewhere in those fields is where the shepherds must have been, and in the same fields the story of Ruth and Boaz must belong.
Picture saved from miguel vigil - ‘At the crossroads’ By Carl Böker (1836-1905)
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PHOTO: Bethlehem is as if the town is in a deep sleep, silent and still, but above it are the heavens, where the 'silent stars go by'. There is movement in heaven even while the earth is still. And there is light from heaven even while the earth is filled with darkness. This light is the everlasting Light. The human anxieties and aspirations that are found everywhere throughout history find their answer in the birth of Jesus.
Picture posted by Taylor Rossean@taylor_rossean on 22. Märch 2018 at 12:34 night
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PHOTO: “Dear Lord, we learn that although Bethlehem is like a town in deep sleep, silent and still, but above it are the heavens. There is movement in heaven even while the earth is still. And there is light from heaven even while the earth is filled with darkness. This light is the everlasting Light, the true light that gives light to everyone in the world. He is our Lord Jesus. The human anxieties and aspirations that are found everywhere throughout history find their answer in the birth of Jesus. Our anxieties about past guilt, present difficulties, and future uncertainties find rest in Christ.
Remembering heaven and God in Christ help us deal with earthly frustrations. It is Christ who frees us and enables us to fulfil the deep spiritual aspirations we have, to live nobly instead of being repeatedly been frustrated.
We also learn that just as Christ was born in Bethlehem, He needs to be born in our hearts. Just as Christ was born rather silently in the night, so does God quietly impart to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. Christ himself enters into a believing and humble heart. Such a heart becomes like the manger that received the Lord; there was no pomp and ceremony, only repentance, awe, and gratitude. There was no room at the inn in Bethlehem, but in a poor and simple spot in the city, there was space for the birth of Christ. So it must be with our hearts.
Those who mistakenly think that they have no or little need for God's help, cannot become a true Christian. We are all, no matter who we are and how much we have, sinners in desperate need of God's forgiveness and salvation. Only those who are humble, are ready to receive Christ into their lives and thus enter the kingdom of heaven. Only when we recognise our spiritual bankruptcy can we repent of our sins and receive God's love and grace.
We want to invite Jesus to descend to us from His heaven and to enter our hearts. Just as He was born in Bethlehem, we want Him to be born in our hearts. We desperately need Christ to be in our hearts, to save us from our sin and to abide with us.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Picture posted by Beautiful Art on Thursday, 27 November 2014
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https://tvorchestvof.blogspot.com/2014/11/vladimir-abat-cherkasov_27.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-o-little-town-of-bethlehem.html
Chapter 15 - Once in Royal David's City
PHOTO: Reflect on the humility of Christ and how He reached out to the last, the least, and the lost.
The scene described in the first stanza is that of Mary and her new-born son Jesus. It is a humble scene (a lowly cattle shed and a manger as a cot for the baby), incredible and unfitting if we expect, as most of us would, that God's Son and the King of Israel would be born in a palace amid the splendour befitting his status. But that is the amazing thing about God. He identifies with the simplest people on earth by sending His Son to be born among the poor. There is no one so low in society that God cannot touch his life or identify with his poverty and marginalised position - such is the depth of God's love.
The second stanza reiterates this wonderful truth: although Jesus is "God and Lord of all", He did not hesitate to come down from His glorious heaven to be born in a stable and placed in a humble manger. His birth set the tone for how He would live on earth - He did not live in a princely palace (and even if He had, earthly palace would have been no match for the heavenly places He left behind in order to come to earth and save us). All His life, Jesus identified and felt at home with "the poor, and mean, and lowly" (Stanza 2). God has a heart for such people, and perhaps they have more space in their hearts for God, for Jesus did remark that, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24). Jesus, who during His public ministry had "nowhere to lay his head" (Luke 9:58), came to seek the lost, the last, and the least. It is not that He was only interested in the poor, for He also loved and sought to save the rich (Mark 10:21), but He showed that God notices all, especially those who go about life unnoticed and uncared for.
What lessons can be drawn from His life for people of different age groups?
The third stanza is addressed to children; they are encouraged to observe Christ as a child, growing up in His simple home in Nazareth. It was a "wondrous childhood" (Stanza 3) because He honoured and obeyed His parents, following the fifth commandment: "Honour your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12). He did not think that being the Son of God exempted Him from obeying His earthly parents. They knew less than He did, even when He was 12 years old. The family were visiting Jerusalem, and the parents left for home without realising that Jesus was not with them. When they found out, they searched for Him desperately, finally finding Him in the temple having a deep discussion with the teachers of the law.
When Mary gently chided Him for causing such anxiety to her and Joseph, Jesus calmly replied that they should not have been surprised that He would be in His heavenly Father's house. "But they did not understand what he was saying to them" (Luke 2:50). Nevertheless He "went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them" (Luke 2:51, emphasis added). "Christian children all must be" (Stanza 3) like Him, who is an example to them - in being "mild, obedient, good as He" (Stanza 3), even though His mother was a "lowly maiden" (Stanza 3), and His father a humble craftsman.
Jesus understands all that we experience. He knows what it means to grow as a child and a youth. The fourth stanza tells us that He is "our childhood's pattern". Like us, He grew day by day, attending to daily chores and learning new things. He "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52). He knows what it means to be little, with adults towering above us. He knows what it means to be "weak and helpless", while our strength is still developing and we are unable to do the hard work of adults. He knows the aspiration of every child to grow up quickly and become capable of doing what adults can. He also understands and has experienced the tears of a child (when he or she is hurt), or the smiles that break out on their face when they noticed or appreciated. "He feeleth for our sadness" and "shareth in our gladness" (Stanza 4). What is true of children (because Jesus was once a child like us), is also true for us as adults (for He also lived as a man in a harsh and difficult society).
The humble Christ is also the glorious Christ - what implications does this truth have for your life?
The fifth stanza takes us from Bethlehem to heaven - to the heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21). With eyes of faith and reverent hearts, we must recognise that the Christmas baby in Bethlehem is also our Lord in heaven above. We shall one day see Him as He is - in all His glory - because of "His own redeeming love" (Stanza 5), a phrase that has just as much to say about how He came to earth to die as "the atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 2:2). By believing in Him, we receive eternal life and will one day join Him in His eternal Kingdom in heaven above. After dying and rising from the dead for us, He has gone to prepare a place for us in our Father's house (John 14:2). That is His true home and our permanent address - if we believed in Jesus (who He is, what He has done for us, and what He has promised).
The final stanza ends with a glorious view of heaven and Christ. We are no longer in that Bethlehem scene - for it truly bring us to a splendid scene in the future, where we shall see Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father. All of God's children who have been saved by Him will gather around, shining like stars (Philippians 2:15), crowned with righteousness (or holiness; 2 Timothy 4:8). The reference to being dressed in white and waiting around the throne comes from scenes in the book of Revelation (Revelation 7:9). White clothes speak of holiness (as we reflect Christlikeness, when sin within and among us will finally be eliminated). What a glorious hope!
How can you live in a way that reflects the humility of Jesus?
1. Humbly acknowledge God in everything
For the sake of our own souls, we need to regularly bow our hearts to our magnificent, awe-inspiring and humble God. There are no human words that can describe who He is and how He has blessed us.
Job 26:11,14 ESV "The pillars of heaven tremble and are astounded at his rebuke. Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?”
Psalm 8:3-4 ESV When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
Let’s make it a point to always humbly ask God for His will for all our plans and decisions. When we presume we know what’s right, we fall into idolatry because it sets us above God’s will.
1 Samuel 15:23 ESV … and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry…
Proverbs 3:7 ESV Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
2. Confess and repent of pride
Pride won’t allow God to sit on the throne in our hearts to rule over and redeem our past, present and future. This will eventually destroy us. Let us humbly repent for our pride and all the times we have tried to control our own lives in the false belief that we have the power to.
Romans 12:3 NLT … Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
Proverbs 11:2 ESV When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
3. Thank God every day
It is God’s will that we thank Him in any circumstance, because He knows this helps us keep our hearts in check. As we humble ourselves, we will be surprised by how long our lists can be if we truly are thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Let us not hesitate to deflect any praise we receive and make it a point to thank our Father in heaven instead. He is the true Source of all our talents and gifts.
4. Stop grumbling
Any form of grumbling, whining or protesting stems from a spirit of self-entitlement and self-righteousness. When we humble our hearts and submit to God instead, we will be positive shining lights in our world.
Philippians 2:14-15 ESV Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
5. Stop passing judgment
We all have the tendency to conclude certain things about other people, not realising that we are in reality, passing judgement on them. It is even worse if we conclude that “they will never change” or “they are beyond hope”. Not only do we judge them, we also curse them. Such judgemental pride assumes we are all-knowing and entitled to condemn others. It also implies that God cannot work a miracle in their lives. This slanders and offends our all-powerful and merciful Father in heaven. This is something we need to actively avoid.
Matthew 7:1 ESV Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
6. Stop boasting
Pride tells us we deserve recognition for our achievements, sacrifices and giving. In some sense, we wish to be worshipped; neglecting that God alone deserves all worship. God promises to reward those who humbly wait on His personal praises, and not crave the recognition and praises of other people. Let us serve, love and sacrifice joyfully, without seeking the approval of people.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18 ESV "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
7. Stop seeking attention
Some people enjoy drawing attention to themselves by being pushy, boastful, crude or antagonistic. All this behaviour is driven by the innate belief that other people should listen to or follow them. Humility, on the other hand, will gently consider others first.
Philippians 2:4 ESV Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Ephesians 4:2 ESV with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
8. Admit mistakes and weaknesses readily
The fear of admitting our faults and vulnerabilities is driven by a desire to protect our personal image. We idolise our reputations at the expense of God’s. Like the apostle Paul, we should not be afraid of exposing our personal weaknesses, so that people will see Jesus’ Holy Spirit working in us. This takes true strength as well as true humility.
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
9. Consider others as more important
The thought of considering others first is most unnatural to human beings. Even as children, we loathe to share our candy and toys. True humility is demonstrated when we do just the opposite. It shows our hearts to be free of fears and selfish intentions. We are able to love those whom God loves, regardless of how they behave towards us. Jesus set the perfect example by humbly dying on the cross for all of us.
Philippians 2:3 ESV Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
10. Forgive and bless others
The choice to forgive and bless those who offend us is a true test of our humility and submission to God. The Bible tells us to pray for and bless others, especially those whom we see as our enemies. It doesn’t tell us to try to bless our abusers, it simply tells us to just do it.
Ephesians 4:32 ESV Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Luke 6:27-28 ESV But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
Unforgiveness is a form of pride that implies we are better than other people and deserve only worship and adoration. This pride keeps us from being good representatives of a humble God who sent His Son to die for us. In contrast, we are to actively bless those we are inclined to hate, resent or find intolerable, so that they get to experience the wonderful grace of the humble perfect God we serve.
Picture posted by The Calvin Synod – United Church of Christ
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PHOTO: We are encouraged to observe Christ as a child, growing up in His simple home in Nazareth. It was a "wondrous childhood" because He honoured and obeyed His parents, following the fifth commandment: "Honour your father and your mother".
Picture posted by FineArtAmerica.com - Jesus As A Boy In Nazareth is a drawing by Mary Evans Picture Library which was uploaded on January 22nd, 2018.
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PHOTO: Consider others as more important
The thought of considering others first is most unnatural to human beings. Even as children, we loathe to share our candy and toys. True humility is demonstrated when we do just the opposite. It shows our hearts to be free of fears and selfish intentions. We are able to love those whom God loves, regardless of how they behave towards us. Jesus set the perfect example by humbly dying on the cross for all of us.
Picture posted by piqsels.com
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PHOTO: “Dear
Lord, We learn this wonderful truth: although Jesus is ‘God and Lord of
all’, He did not hesitate to come down from His glorious heaven to be
born in a stable and placed in a humble manger. All His life, Jesus
identified and felt at home with ‘the poor, and mean, and lowly’. Jesus,
who during His public ministry had ‘nowhere to lay his head’, came to
seek the lost, the last, and the least. He showed that God notices all,
especially those who go about life unnoticed and uncared for.
Thank You for identifying with the simplest people on earth by sending Your Son to be born among the poor. There is no one so low in society that You cannot touch his life or identify with his poverty and marginalised position - such is the depth of Your love.
Children are encouraged to observe Christ as a child, growing up in His simple home in Nazareth. He honoured and obeyed His parents, following the fifth commandment: ‘Honour your father and your mother’. ‘Christian children all must be’ like Him, who is an example to them - in being ‘mild, obedient, good as He’. Jesus understands and has experienced childhood, and the development to became an adult. ‘He feeleth for our sadness’ and ‘shareth in our gladness’. What is true of children because Jesus was once a child like us, is also true for us as adults for He also lived as a man in a harsh and difficult society.
The humble Christ is also the glorious Christ. By believing in Him, we receive eternal life and will one day join Him in His eternal Kingdom in heaven above. After dying and rising from the dead for us, He has gone to prepare a place for us in our Father's house. That is His true home and our permanent address - if we believed in Jesus (who He is, what He has done for us, and what He has promised).
In the future, we shall see Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father. All of God's children who have been saved by Him will gather around, shining like, crowned with righteousness. We reflect Christlikeness, when sin within and among us will finally be eliminated. Thank You for such a glorious hope!
We pray for Your help to live in a way that reflects the humility of Jesus successfully:
Humbly acknowledge God in everything
Confess and repent of pride
Thank God every day
Stop grumbling
Stop passing judgment
Stop boasting
Stop seeking attention
Admit mistakes and weaknesses readily
Consider others as more important
Forgive and bless others
We pray that we get to experience the wonderful grace of the humble perfect God we serve, and not to let our pride get the better of us. Thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for all of us, so that we can be saved and our sins can be forgiven through His blood shed on the cross.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Picture posted by Saphica8 on 24 September 2013 - Teach Me To Fly
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Chapter 16 - Silent Night
PHOTO: Meditate on how the birth of Jesus assures you that God is mindful of your plight.
Biblical Insights from the Carol [1]
The first stanza casts a spell over us as it introduces the beautiful scene of the birth of Christ: when all is quiet and peaceful, and the new-born baby is peacefully sleeping. But Christ was born into a troubled world. Within a matter of months, the boys born in Bethlehem were massacred by the order of an insecure and cruel King Herod. It is nice to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Christmas story, but we must never forget that Christ came to a violent and troubled world. In a unique 1966 rendering of this carol, Simon and Garfunkel superimposed a recompilation of the seven o'clock news over their singing of "Silent Night" - it was news of a troubled world.
The experience of the shepherds, who heard and saw angels sing praises to God and declare peace to men, is the subject of the second stanza. The shepherds were terrified by the sight, but the angel reassured them, telling them to not be afraid. It was an awesome sight as glories streamed "from Heaven afar" (Stanza 2), and it was connected to the good news of the birth of the Saviour of the world.
The third stanza addresses Jesus Christ the Lord. He is acknowledged as the Son of God, and His holiness and love are described in the phrase "love's pure light" (Stanza 3). The face of Jesus shows divinity, as "radiant beams" (Stanza3) arise from it. We are reminded of how Christ is the "radiance of God's glory" (Hebrews 1:3). His is the "glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). With Him, we see the "dawn of redeeming grace" (Stanza 3) - a reference to the grace of God that reaches us through Christ to save us from our sins and death. Jesus is acknowledged and addressed as Lord - one who is God and Ruler of our lives and everything connected to them.
The last three stanzas are not familiar to most people because they are seldom included in hymnals or song sheets. They continue to tell the story of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how He came to save humankind. The fourth stanza describes the coming of Christ as the arrival of God's "healing light" - reminiscent of Scripture comparing the arrival of the Messiah to how the "sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its ray" (Malachi 4:2). The kingdom of Jesus is "the heavenly kingdom" (Stanza 4), not of this world (John 18:36). With Christ came God's "abundant grace" (Stanza 4), as Paul reminds us: "The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 1:14). It is in this way that God in Christ offers salvation for all, for Christ is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). In Christ, "the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people" (Titus 2:11). Though God's grace is available to all, only those who receive Jesus and believe in His name will be saved and be called the children of God (John 1:12).
What does God's embrace of sinful but repentant human beings mean for you personally?
The fifth stanza brings us back to the Christmas scene, reminding us that God sent His only begotten Son to earth below. From Him "all blessings flow" (Stanza 5), because God "has blessed us . . . with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3), When Jesus "embraces mankind" (Stanza 5), we receive God's reconciling love as He offers forgiveness in Christ to every prodigal sinner who has strayed away from His fatherly love (see Luke 15:20, where the waiting father ran to his prodigal and now repentant son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him). As the words of another hymn, "Here is Love", put it,
Take time to pray for Christ's peace for yourself and for those dear to you as well as for the world.
The final stanza declares Jesus to be God's promise for peace. As the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), Jesus brings us peace as declared by the angel at His birth: "Peace to those on whom his favour rests" (Luke 2:14). Jesus promised peace to those who would trust in Him. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). Because of what He achieved for us on the cross - our justification, forgiveness, and eternal life - "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). He also brings reconciliation between human beings who are divided by common hatred. As redeemed peoples, they experience the peace brought by Christ. "He came and preached peace" to "create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace" (Ephesians 2:17, 15).
In short, it is through Jesus that we have peace with God, peace within us, and peace among ourselves. "Mindful of mankind's plight" (Stanza 6), God has acted decisively to free us all from our earthly woes and brought healing and peace where it is greatly needed. What a precious gospel! What a precious birth! What a glorious Saviour!
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PHOTO: This well-known and well-loved Christmas carol was written by Joseph Mohr (1792-1848).
Photo by Justin McIntosh/GettyImages for Starstruck Entertainment
Picture posted by By Margaret Littman, Rolling Stone - Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire perform at Clarkson's Miracle on Broadway Christmas benefit. A Benefit Concert at Bridgestone Arena on 20 December 2014 in Nashville, Tenn.
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PHOTO: Christmas remind us that God sent His only begotten Son to earth below to embrace mankind. When Jesus "embraces mankind", we receive God's reconciling love. He offers forgiveness in Christ to every prodigal sinner who has strayed away from His fatherly love (see Luke 15:20, where the waiting father ran to his prodigal and now repentant son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him).
Picture posted by Moonlake Entertainment - Silent Night, A Song for The World (2018)
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Silent Night.png
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PHOTO: It is through Jesus that we have peace with God, peace within us, and peace among ourselves. Mindful of mankind's plight, God has acted decisively to free us all from our earthly woes and brought healing and peace where it is greatly needed.
Picture posted by zimbio.com - (L-R) Recording artist Miranda Lambert, honoree Reba McEntire and recording artist Kelly Clarkson perform onstage during the 2014 American Country Countdown Awards at Music City Center on December 15, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee.
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PHOTO: “Dear
Lord, the birth of Jesus assures us that You are mindful of our plight.
Christ was born into a troubled world. Within a matter of months, the
boys born in Bethlehem were massacred by the order of an insecure and
cruel King Herod.
The shepherds were terrified by the sight of angels singing praises to God and declare peace to men when Jesus was born. But the angel reassured them, telling them to not be afraid. It was an awesome sight as glories streamed from Heaven afar, and it was connected to the good news of the birth of the Saviour of the world.
With Jesus we see the dawn of Your redeeming grace that reaches us through Christ to save us from our sins and death. Jesus is acknowledged and addressed as Lord - one who is God and Ruler of our lives and everything connected to them.
The coming of Christ is as the arrival of Your healing light. The kingdom of Jesus is the heavenly kingdom, not of this world. With Christ came God's abundant grace. It is in this way that You in Christ offers salvation for all. By receiving Jesus and believe in His name we will be saved and be called the children of God.
Thank You for embracing us who are sinful but repentant. Thank You for Your reconciling love as You offers forgiveness in Christ to every prodigal sinner who has strayed away from Your fatherly love. We want to be the repentant son receiving Your fatherly love for ever.
We want Your fatherly love and Christ’s peace not only for ourselves but also for those dear to us, and for the world as well. Thank You for having Jesus Christ achieved for us on the cross - our justification, forgiveness, and eternal life. Thank You for bringing reconciliation between us human beings who are divided by common hatred. As redeemed peoples, we can experience the peace brought by Christ as promised by You and declared by the angel at His birth.
Because of Your being mindful of our plight, through Jesus we can have peace with You, peace within us, and peace among ourselves. Thank You for acting decisively to free us all from our earthly woes and brought healing and peace where it is greatly needed.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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Chapter 17 - The First Noel
PHOTO: Take time to reflect on what it means to look for Jesus, find Him, go to Him, and worship Him.
What the magi did upon arriving at the house is the subject of the fifth stanza. They "bowed down and worshipped him" (Matthew 2:11), "Full reverently upon their knee" (Stanza 5). They then "presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11). They paid homage to the child and recognised Him for who He was. We too are inspired to do the same, to make every attempt to find Jesus, to come to Him and humbly worship Him (we are never too important to bend our knees before Him), and offer Him our best, even our own lives.
In what way does Jesus exercise His kingship over you?
The final stanza is a rousing call to all to worship and thank God for what He has done for us through Christ. He who made heaven and earth from nothing, creatio ex nihilo (Latin for "creation from nothing", see Hebrews 11:3), has bought humankind and redeemed us from our sins with the blood that was shed on the cross by the One who was born on Christmas Day, born to die that we may live.
Our salvation was purchased by the blood of Jesus - a costly price to pay. Which of us would do that to save others? The blood of Jesus was special because it represented His very life which was laid down on the cross for our sake. Jesus died as a ransom to set us free (Hebrews 9:15), meaning that the "ransom" paid to release us from eternal condemnation was His very life, the blood that He shed for us on the cross. Why was this necessary? Scripture offers the answer: "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). The blood of Jesus not only brings us God's forgiveness (otherwise we remain unforgiven; no matter how hard we try to forgive ourselves, our conscience will keep reminding us of our guilt), but also cleansing and a new destiny. "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Hebrews 9:14).
What do you have to offer Him?
Here are the words from another hymn, "Here is Love" by Welshman William Rees, that encourage us to meditate on what Jesus has done for us:
Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Loving-kindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout heav'n's eternal days.
This hymn was repeatedly sung during the 1904-1905 Welsh Revival. May its thoughts, echoing our Christmas hymn, produce a revival in our hearts.
Picture posted by Imago Images - Angles proclaiming the birth of Jesus
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PHOTO: This is a classic English folk carol. It was first published in Carols Ancient and Modern in 1823, edited by William Sandy (1792-1874), an English solicitor and collector of ancient Christmas carols who traced "The First Noel" to western Cornwall.
Picture posted by fruugo.com
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PHOTO: What do you have to offer Him?
"Here is Love" by Welshman William Rees, that encourage us to meditate on what Jesus has done for us. May its thoughts, echoing our Christmas hymn, produce a revival in our hearts.
Picture from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository
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PHOTO: “Dear Lord, we learn what it means to look for Jesus, find Him, go to Him, and worship Him. The magi upon arriving at the house that Jesus was, ‘bowed down and worshipped him’, ‘Full reverently upon their knee’, and then ‘presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh’. They paid homage to the child and recognised Him for who He was. We too are inspired to do the same, to make every attempt to find Jesus, to come to Him and humbly worship Him (we are never too important to bend our knees before Him), and offer Him our best, even our own lives.
Jesus exercise His kingship over us by creating heaven, earth, and humankind from nothing. He redeemed us from our sins with His blood that was shed on the cross. He is the One who was born on Christmas Day, born to die that we may live.
Our salvation was purchased by the blood of Jesus - a costly price to pay. The blood of Jesus was special because it represented His very life which was laid down on the cross for our sake. Jesus died as a ransom to set us free. Thank You for using Jesus life to pay the ransom to release us from eternal condemnation. Thank You for His blood that He shed for us on the cross. Otherwise, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. We would remain unforgiven; no matter how hard we try to forgive ourselves, our conscience will keep reminding us of our guilt. Thank You for cleansing our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.
We are to meditate on what Jesus has done for us. We pray for the thoughts to prevail throughout heaven’s eternal days. May this Christmas hymn which was repeatedly sung during the 1904-1905 Welsh Revival, produce a revival in our hearts.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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Chapter 18 - We Three Kings of Orient Are
PHOTO: Imagine yourself with the magi on their way to find Christ. What would your thoughts and expectations be?
The first stanza describes the journey of the three kings of orient, following the star and travelling over changing geography, depicting a long journey. There is an opportunity here for us to reflect on our own journey to Christ - as we remember the stages of our lives, and the significant events and people who have led us to Christ and encouraged us on the way. Are we still on this journey? Some may have given up on it, distracted perhaps by the pursuit of wealth, position, power and entertainment. Others may not have expected such a long journey, wanting an instant experience. But God rewards patience and passion in finding Him.
Look at the gifts of the magi and reflect on what they express.
Stanza 2 says that Jesus was born a king. It is sung by the wise man who brings his gift of gold. This shows both the royalty ("crown Him") and divinity of Jesus ("King forever"), one who will reign over us all forever. That Jesus belongs to royalty is emphasised by His descent from Israel's pioneer king, David (Matthew 1:1). But He was not only David's son, but also the divine Son of God. Thus He is also the King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14), before whom all earthly kings must bow (Psalm 72:11). Because Jesus is the eternal King, His kingdom is also eternal and will outlast all other kingdoms. Those who believe in Him should know that they belong to "a kingdom that cannot be shaken" (Hebrews 12:28). They will not be disturbed by bad news (Psalm 112:7), because they know that their eternal King is "enthroned in God's presence for ever" (Psalm 61:7).
Stanza 3 is sung by the man who brought the frankincense. This gift represents the divinity of Christ, to whom incense (depicting prayer) is raised. The burning of incense (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:4) has to do with worship and the offering of praise. Jesus is to be worshipped as the divine King and Lord. The magi, when they saw the baby Jesus, "bowed down and worshipped him" (Matthew 2:11). Elsewhere in the Bible we find instances where Jesus was worshipped as God. His doubting disciple Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" when Jesus showed him His wounded hands and side (John 20:28). Likewise when His disciple saw Jesus walking in water, they "worshipped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God'" (Matthew 14:33). Because Jesus is God, we can also pray to Him. He invites us to do so "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:13-14).
The man who brought the myrrh prophesies the suffering that Jesus would go through. Myrrh is used in relation to death, as a "bitter perfume" (Stanza 3). The stanza gives a summary of the sacrificial life of Jesus, ending in His death on the cross. Jasus suffered for us in various ways, both leading up to the cross and through the agony of the crucifixion. The apostle Peter, who witnessed the suffering of Christ, wrote of how "Christ suffered for you . . . When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 'He himself bore our sins' in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by his wounds you have been healed'" (1 Peter 2:21-24). Jesus suffered for you and for me.
How would you think about His death and resurrection?
The sacrificial life of Jesus, ending in His death on the cross. But the story does not end there. Jesus rose from the grave. His resurrection gives us hope, for He arose to save us and to rule over us. As we keep looking at Jesus, we realise that He is King, God, and Saviour. What a King! What a God! What a Saviour!
What gift would you have in your hand?
If I am able, I would offer the COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine. Baby Jesus is both human and God. As God He needs no vaccine, but as human He need something to protect against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. This vaccine can stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against the disease. It is prepared from the causative agent (the cause) of the disease, and is treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease (information is from Google).
At the time of writing (Tuesday, 24 March 2020 at 04:01 GMT) 381,649 people in the world are confirmed infected and 16,558 had died. 102,429 had recovered. The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 195 countries and territories around the world and 1 international conveyance (the Diamond Princess cruise ship harboured in Yokohama, Japan).
At this moment, there is no proven vaccine against the COVID-19 Coronavirus. The world's scientists race to find a way to combat the deadly pathogen. China, USA, Japan and Germany are conducting clinical trials, but it is possible vaccines in development without completing the clinical trials are not yet safe or effective. We urgently need God's help. We pray for the availability of the vaccine to save the world with the uncertainty surrounding the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
What would your response be when you see the child?
My response will be as like the shepherds - overwhelmed temporary upon receiving the good news. Then like the magi, upon knowing the good news of Jesus' birth, go to see the wondrous event for ourselves. After seeing the baby Jesus, tell everyone what had happened and what the angel had said about this child. Like us, all who heard the story will be astonished. (Luke 2:8-18).
The magi presenting their gifts and their worship of baby Jesus is an epiphany for us. This is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12). The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. It was all in God's plan. Having been warned in a dream not to go back to King Herod, they returned to their country by another route. There was no mistake in the plan. The Saviour would survive and the Gentiles would also be given the offer of Salvation. It would be another epiphany having an opportunity to worship the only One who can give us eternal life, joy, and real rest for eternity in heaven.
We will experienced one epiphany after another, followed by the amazing grace, and blessing of our loving God. Having the vaccine for the COVID-19 Coronavirus will be considered a scientific breakthrough. Having eternal life from God will be a spiritual discovery that provides everything, and we will be eternally grateful of our loving Creator. We will be overwhelmed again when we realised that the gift of eternal salvation is a free gift given by God to all those who will believe on Jesus.
What would your own gift say about Jesus?
Everything in the world belongs to God (1 Corinthians 10:26). When the COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine is ready, it is also a gift of love from God. Ultimately, our lives and our health are in the hands of our Father. In 1 Peter 4:10, we're called to use our gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace. But whatever we do, we need to do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). As the vaccine is our gift from God, we can use it to glorify Him.
To glorify Him means that we are to acknowledge the greatness and splendour of His Majesty through honour, worship and praise of which He alone is worthy because He is God of all. By using the gift of COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine, we glorify the Father who is doing His work in Jesus (John 14:6-11).
Jesus is the Son, and is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. In everything He may have the supremacy (Colossians 1:15), including rulers of the world. He is also the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15). He is our King, and also our God, and our Saviour, since the God Father was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Colossians 1:19). Our gift of COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine, which is from the Father who is also 'one' with Jesus (John 10:30), will also glorify Jesus saying His greatness and splendour of His Majesty.
Artwork by Ambrose Dudley - The Wise Men Seeking Jesus (fl.1920s)
Picture posted by FineArtAmerica.com on 31 July 2012
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflection-we-three-kings-of-orient-are.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/01/uncle-in-hot-water-after-taking-body.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-o-holy-night.html
Chapter 14 - O Little Town of Bethlehem
PHOTO: Reflect on the contrast between the earthly and heavenly scenes described in this carol.
The first stanza must have drawn inspiration from Brooks' visit to Bethlehem. At night it is a very quiet town, even today. It is as if the town is in a deep sleep, silent and still, but above it are the heavens, where the "silent stars go by" (Stanza 1) - there is movement in heaven even while the earth is still. And there is light from heaven even while the earth is filled with darkness. This light is the everlasting Light of the one who said, "I am the light of the world" (John 9:5). As the apostle John testified, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world" (John 1:9). The birth of Jesus is such a striking event because "the hopes and fears of all the years" are "met in thee (Bethlehem) tonight" (Stanza 1). The human anxieties and aspirations that are found everywhere throughout history find their answer in the birth of Jesus. Our anxieties (about past guilt, present difficulties, and future uncertainties) find rest in Christ, of whom it is said: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). He is the one who says to us, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me" (John 14:1).
The second stanza contrasts the scene between heaven and earth. Below, people are asleep, oblivious to the earth-shaking, history-changing scene of God born as a human child. Earth is asleep, while heaven is awake with watchful worship. Heaven's worship breaks the silence of earth when the angels, or "morning stars" (Job 38:7), appear in the sky to sing their Christmas song (Luke 2:14).
How does remembering heaven and God in Christ help you deal with earthly frustrations?
Our aspirations have repeatedly been frustrated. We want to rise above our sinful instincts and impulses, our enmities (hostility) and warring madness, our grudges and jealousies, but we seem caught by a spiritual gravitational force that keeps us tied to our sinfulness. "For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do . . . What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?" (Romans 7:15, 24). The answer to that desperate question is: "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:25). It is Christ who frees us (John 8:36) and enables us to fulfil the deep spiritual aspirations we have to live nobly.
How does Christ enter a humble heart silently, and what happens when He does so?
The Christmas story is applied to the hearts of individuals in the third stanza. Just as Christ was born in Bethlehem, He needs to be born in our hearts. Just as Christ was born rather silently in the night, so does God quietly impart "to human hearts the blessings of his heaven" (Stanza 3). God's "wondrous gift" (Stanza 3) is Christ himself (2 Corinthians 9:15), who enters into a believing and humble heart. No one hears Him entering, except the one whose heart becomes the humble residence of the Son of God (Ephesians 3:17). Such a heart becomes like the manger that received the Lord; there was no pomp and ceremony, only repentance, awe, and gratitude. There was no room at the inn in Bethlehem, but in a poor and simple spot in the city, there was space for the birth of Christ. So it must be with our hearts (Revelation 3:20).
No one can become a true Christian while maintaining a proud attitude before God (Luke 18:9-14). It is for that reason that Jesus observed, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" (Luke 18:24). Why? Because the rich may become self-sufficient, proud of their possessions and achievements. The same is true for people who look at what they have achieved or attained with pride, who mistakenly think that they have no or little need for God's help. But the truth is that we are all, no matter who we are and how much we have, sinners in desperate need of God's forgiveness and salvation.
Only those who are "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3), that is to say the humble, are ready to receive Christ into their lives and thus enter the kingdom of heaven. Only when we recognise our spiritual bankruptcy can we repent of our sins and receive God's love and grace.
Invite Jesus to enter or remain in your heart.
The final stanza addresses a plea to Christ, the "holy Child of Bethlehem". It is an invitation for Him to descend to us from His heaven and to enter our hearts. Just as He was born in Bethlehem, He must be born in our hearts through faith as we believe in Him and in all He has done for us. We must have faith enough to hear the Christmas angels sing the gospel truth about Jesus. Christ will come into our hearts to "cast out our sin" (Stanza 4) and therefore save us. It is for this reason that He was called Jesus (see Matthew 1:21). He was also called Immanuel, which means "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). This stanza brings both concepts together: Christ enters our hearts to save us from our sin and to abide with us.
Indeed, we desperately need Christ to be in our hearts, for a heart without Him is a sad place, even though it is surrounded by fleeting possessions and temporary amusement. The truly poor are those who do not have Christ in their hearts, while those who do are truly rich. Christmas is a good time to examine the true condition of our hearts.
Picture saved from Hilde Van der Auwera
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PHOTO: The story is absurd, but somewhere in those fields is where the shepherds must have been, and in the same fields the story of Ruth and Boaz must belong.
Picture saved from miguel vigil - ‘At the crossroads’ By Carl Böker (1836-1905)
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PHOTO: Bethlehem is as if the town is in a deep sleep, silent and still, but above it are the heavens, where the 'silent stars go by'. There is movement in heaven even while the earth is still. And there is light from heaven even while the earth is filled with darkness. This light is the everlasting Light. The human anxieties and aspirations that are found everywhere throughout history find their answer in the birth of Jesus.
Picture posted by Taylor Rossean@taylor_rossean on 22. Märch 2018 at 12:34 night
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PHOTO: “Dear Lord, we learn that although Bethlehem is like a town in deep sleep, silent and still, but above it are the heavens. There is movement in heaven even while the earth is still. And there is light from heaven even while the earth is filled with darkness. This light is the everlasting Light, the true light that gives light to everyone in the world. He is our Lord Jesus. The human anxieties and aspirations that are found everywhere throughout history find their answer in the birth of Jesus. Our anxieties about past guilt, present difficulties, and future uncertainties find rest in Christ.
Remembering heaven and God in Christ help us deal with earthly frustrations. It is Christ who frees us and enables us to fulfil the deep spiritual aspirations we have, to live nobly instead of being repeatedly been frustrated.
We also learn that just as Christ was born in Bethlehem, He needs to be born in our hearts. Just as Christ was born rather silently in the night, so does God quietly impart to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. Christ himself enters into a believing and humble heart. Such a heart becomes like the manger that received the Lord; there was no pomp and ceremony, only repentance, awe, and gratitude. There was no room at the inn in Bethlehem, but in a poor and simple spot in the city, there was space for the birth of Christ. So it must be with our hearts.
Those who mistakenly think that they have no or little need for God's help, cannot become a true Christian. We are all, no matter who we are and how much we have, sinners in desperate need of God's forgiveness and salvation. Only those who are humble, are ready to receive Christ into their lives and thus enter the kingdom of heaven. Only when we recognise our spiritual bankruptcy can we repent of our sins and receive God's love and grace.
We want to invite Jesus to descend to us from His heaven and to enter our hearts. Just as He was born in Bethlehem, we want Him to be born in our hearts. We desperately need Christ to be in our hearts, to save us from our sin and to abide with us.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Picture posted by Beautiful Art on Thursday, 27 November 2014
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Chapter 15 - Once in Royal David's City
The scene described in the first stanza is that of Mary and her new-born son Jesus. It is a humble scene (a lowly cattle shed and a manger as a cot for the baby), incredible and unfitting if we expect, as most of us would, that God's Son and the King of Israel would be born in a palace amid the splendour befitting his status. But that is the amazing thing about God. He identifies with the simplest people on earth by sending His Son to be born among the poor. There is no one so low in society that God cannot touch his life or identify with his poverty and marginalised position - such is the depth of God's love.
The second stanza reiterates this wonderful truth: although Jesus is "God and Lord of all", He did not hesitate to come down from His glorious heaven to be born in a stable and placed in a humble manger. His birth set the tone for how He would live on earth - He did not live in a princely palace (and even if He had, earthly palace would have been no match for the heavenly places He left behind in order to come to earth and save us). All His life, Jesus identified and felt at home with "the poor, and mean, and lowly" (Stanza 2). God has a heart for such people, and perhaps they have more space in their hearts for God, for Jesus did remark that, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24). Jesus, who during His public ministry had "nowhere to lay his head" (Luke 9:58), came to seek the lost, the last, and the least. It is not that He was only interested in the poor, for He also loved and sought to save the rich (Mark 10:21), but He showed that God notices all, especially those who go about life unnoticed and uncared for.
What lessons can be drawn from His life for people of different age groups?
The third stanza is addressed to children; they are encouraged to observe Christ as a child, growing up in His simple home in Nazareth. It was a "wondrous childhood" (Stanza 3) because He honoured and obeyed His parents, following the fifth commandment: "Honour your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12). He did not think that being the Son of God exempted Him from obeying His earthly parents. They knew less than He did, even when He was 12 years old. The family were visiting Jerusalem, and the parents left for home without realising that Jesus was not with them. When they found out, they searched for Him desperately, finally finding Him in the temple having a deep discussion with the teachers of the law.
When Mary gently chided Him for causing such anxiety to her and Joseph, Jesus calmly replied that they should not have been surprised that He would be in His heavenly Father's house. "But they did not understand what he was saying to them" (Luke 2:50). Nevertheless He "went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them" (Luke 2:51, emphasis added). "Christian children all must be" (Stanza 3) like Him, who is an example to them - in being "mild, obedient, good as He" (Stanza 3), even though His mother was a "lowly maiden" (Stanza 3), and His father a humble craftsman.
Jesus understands all that we experience. He knows what it means to grow as a child and a youth. The fourth stanza tells us that He is "our childhood's pattern". Like us, He grew day by day, attending to daily chores and learning new things. He "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52). He knows what it means to be little, with adults towering above us. He knows what it means to be "weak and helpless", while our strength is still developing and we are unable to do the hard work of adults. He knows the aspiration of every child to grow up quickly and become capable of doing what adults can. He also understands and has experienced the tears of a child (when he or she is hurt), or the smiles that break out on their face when they noticed or appreciated. "He feeleth for our sadness" and "shareth in our gladness" (Stanza 4). What is true of children (because Jesus was once a child like us), is also true for us as adults (for He also lived as a man in a harsh and difficult society).
The humble Christ is also the glorious Christ - what implications does this truth have for your life?
The fifth stanza takes us from Bethlehem to heaven - to the heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21). With eyes of faith and reverent hearts, we must recognise that the Christmas baby in Bethlehem is also our Lord in heaven above. We shall one day see Him as He is - in all His glory - because of "His own redeeming love" (Stanza 5), a phrase that has just as much to say about how He came to earth to die as "the atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 2:2). By believing in Him, we receive eternal life and will one day join Him in His eternal Kingdom in heaven above. After dying and rising from the dead for us, He has gone to prepare a place for us in our Father's house (John 14:2). That is His true home and our permanent address - if we believed in Jesus (who He is, what He has done for us, and what He has promised).
The final stanza ends with a glorious view of heaven and Christ. We are no longer in that Bethlehem scene - for it truly bring us to a splendid scene in the future, where we shall see Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father. All of God's children who have been saved by Him will gather around, shining like stars (Philippians 2:15), crowned with righteousness (or holiness; 2 Timothy 4:8). The reference to being dressed in white and waiting around the throne comes from scenes in the book of Revelation (Revelation 7:9). White clothes speak of holiness (as we reflect Christlikeness, when sin within and among us will finally be eliminated). What a glorious hope!
How can you live in a way that reflects the humility of Jesus?
1. Humbly acknowledge God in everything
For the sake of our own souls, we need to regularly bow our hearts to our magnificent, awe-inspiring and humble God. There are no human words that can describe who He is and how He has blessed us.
Job 26:11,14 ESV "The pillars of heaven tremble and are astounded at his rebuke. Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?”
Psalm 8:3-4 ESV When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
Let’s make it a point to always humbly ask God for His will for all our plans and decisions. When we presume we know what’s right, we fall into idolatry because it sets us above God’s will.
1 Samuel 15:23 ESV … and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry…
Proverbs 3:7 ESV Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
2. Confess and repent of pride
Pride won’t allow God to sit on the throne in our hearts to rule over and redeem our past, present and future. This will eventually destroy us. Let us humbly repent for our pride and all the times we have tried to control our own lives in the false belief that we have the power to.
Romans 12:3 NLT … Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
Proverbs 11:2 ESV When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
3. Thank God every day
It is God’s will that we thank Him in any circumstance, because He knows this helps us keep our hearts in check. As we humble ourselves, we will be surprised by how long our lists can be if we truly are thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Let us not hesitate to deflect any praise we receive and make it a point to thank our Father in heaven instead. He is the true Source of all our talents and gifts.
4. Stop grumbling
Any form of grumbling, whining or protesting stems from a spirit of self-entitlement and self-righteousness. When we humble our hearts and submit to God instead, we will be positive shining lights in our world.
Philippians 2:14-15 ESV Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
5. Stop passing judgment
We all have the tendency to conclude certain things about other people, not realising that we are in reality, passing judgement on them. It is even worse if we conclude that “they will never change” or “they are beyond hope”. Not only do we judge them, we also curse them. Such judgemental pride assumes we are all-knowing and entitled to condemn others. It also implies that God cannot work a miracle in their lives. This slanders and offends our all-powerful and merciful Father in heaven. This is something we need to actively avoid.
Matthew 7:1 ESV Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
6. Stop boasting
Pride tells us we deserve recognition for our achievements, sacrifices and giving. In some sense, we wish to be worshipped; neglecting that God alone deserves all worship. God promises to reward those who humbly wait on His personal praises, and not crave the recognition and praises of other people. Let us serve, love and sacrifice joyfully, without seeking the approval of people.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18 ESV "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
7. Stop seeking attention
Some people enjoy drawing attention to themselves by being pushy, boastful, crude or antagonistic. All this behaviour is driven by the innate belief that other people should listen to or follow them. Humility, on the other hand, will gently consider others first.
Philippians 2:4 ESV Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Ephesians 4:2 ESV with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
8. Admit mistakes and weaknesses readily
The fear of admitting our faults and vulnerabilities is driven by a desire to protect our personal image. We idolise our reputations at the expense of God’s. Like the apostle Paul, we should not be afraid of exposing our personal weaknesses, so that people will see Jesus’ Holy Spirit working in us. This takes true strength as well as true humility.
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
9. Consider others as more important
The thought of considering others first is most unnatural to human beings. Even as children, we loathe to share our candy and toys. True humility is demonstrated when we do just the opposite. It shows our hearts to be free of fears and selfish intentions. We are able to love those whom God loves, regardless of how they behave towards us. Jesus set the perfect example by humbly dying on the cross for all of us.
Philippians 2:3 ESV Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
10. Forgive and bless others
The choice to forgive and bless those who offend us is a true test of our humility and submission to God. The Bible tells us to pray for and bless others, especially those whom we see as our enemies. It doesn’t tell us to try to bless our abusers, it simply tells us to just do it.
Ephesians 4:32 ESV Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Luke 6:27-28 ESV But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
Unforgiveness is a form of pride that implies we are better than other people and deserve only worship and adoration. This pride keeps us from being good representatives of a humble God who sent His Son to die for us. In contrast, we are to actively bless those we are inclined to hate, resent or find intolerable, so that they get to experience the wonderful grace of the humble perfect God we serve.
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PHOTO: We are encouraged to observe Christ as a child, growing up in His simple home in Nazareth. It was a "wondrous childhood" because He honoured and obeyed His parents, following the fifth commandment: "Honour your father and your mother".
Picture posted by FineArtAmerica.com - Jesus As A Boy In Nazareth is a drawing by Mary Evans Picture Library which was uploaded on January 22nd, 2018.
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PHOTO: Consider others as more important
The thought of considering others first is most unnatural to human beings. Even as children, we loathe to share our candy and toys. True humility is demonstrated when we do just the opposite. It shows our hearts to be free of fears and selfish intentions. We are able to love those whom God loves, regardless of how they behave towards us. Jesus set the perfect example by humbly dying on the cross for all of us.
Picture posted by piqsels.com
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Thank You for identifying with the simplest people on earth by sending Your Son to be born among the poor. There is no one so low in society that You cannot touch his life or identify with his poverty and marginalised position - such is the depth of Your love.
Children are encouraged to observe Christ as a child, growing up in His simple home in Nazareth. He honoured and obeyed His parents, following the fifth commandment: ‘Honour your father and your mother’. ‘Christian children all must be’ like Him, who is an example to them - in being ‘mild, obedient, good as He’. Jesus understands and has experienced childhood, and the development to became an adult. ‘He feeleth for our sadness’ and ‘shareth in our gladness’. What is true of children because Jesus was once a child like us, is also true for us as adults for He also lived as a man in a harsh and difficult society.
The humble Christ is also the glorious Christ. By believing in Him, we receive eternal life and will one day join Him in His eternal Kingdom in heaven above. After dying and rising from the dead for us, He has gone to prepare a place for us in our Father's house. That is His true home and our permanent address - if we believed in Jesus (who He is, what He has done for us, and what He has promised).
In the future, we shall see Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father. All of God's children who have been saved by Him will gather around, shining like, crowned with righteousness. We reflect Christlikeness, when sin within and among us will finally be eliminated. Thank You for such a glorious hope!
We pray for Your help to live in a way that reflects the humility of Jesus successfully:
Humbly acknowledge God in everything
Confess and repent of pride
Thank God every day
Stop grumbling
Stop passing judgment
Stop boasting
Stop seeking attention
Admit mistakes and weaknesses readily
Consider others as more important
Forgive and bless others
We pray that we get to experience the wonderful grace of the humble perfect God we serve, and not to let our pride get the better of us. Thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for all of us, so that we can be saved and our sins can be forgiven through His blood shed on the cross.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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Chapter 16 - Silent Night
PHOTO: Meditate on how the birth of Jesus assures you that God is mindful of your plight.
Biblical Insights from the Carol [1]
The first stanza casts a spell over us as it introduces the beautiful scene of the birth of Christ: when all is quiet and peaceful, and the new-born baby is peacefully sleeping. But Christ was born into a troubled world. Within a matter of months, the boys born in Bethlehem were massacred by the order of an insecure and cruel King Herod. It is nice to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Christmas story, but we must never forget that Christ came to a violent and troubled world. In a unique 1966 rendering of this carol, Simon and Garfunkel superimposed a recompilation of the seven o'clock news over their singing of "Silent Night" - it was news of a troubled world.
The experience of the shepherds, who heard and saw angels sing praises to God and declare peace to men, is the subject of the second stanza. The shepherds were terrified by the sight, but the angel reassured them, telling them to not be afraid. It was an awesome sight as glories streamed "from Heaven afar" (Stanza 2), and it was connected to the good news of the birth of the Saviour of the world.
The third stanza addresses Jesus Christ the Lord. He is acknowledged as the Son of God, and His holiness and love are described in the phrase "love's pure light" (Stanza 3). The face of Jesus shows divinity, as "radiant beams" (Stanza3) arise from it. We are reminded of how Christ is the "radiance of God's glory" (Hebrews 1:3). His is the "glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). With Him, we see the "dawn of redeeming grace" (Stanza 3) - a reference to the grace of God that reaches us through Christ to save us from our sins and death. Jesus is acknowledged and addressed as Lord - one who is God and Ruler of our lives and everything connected to them.
The last three stanzas are not familiar to most people because they are seldom included in hymnals or song sheets. They continue to tell the story of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how He came to save humankind. The fourth stanza describes the coming of Christ as the arrival of God's "healing light" - reminiscent of Scripture comparing the arrival of the Messiah to how the "sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its ray" (Malachi 4:2). The kingdom of Jesus is "the heavenly kingdom" (Stanza 4), not of this world (John 18:36). With Christ came God's "abundant grace" (Stanza 4), as Paul reminds us: "The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 1:14). It is in this way that God in Christ offers salvation for all, for Christ is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). In Christ, "the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people" (Titus 2:11). Though God's grace is available to all, only those who receive Jesus and believe in His name will be saved and be called the children of God (John 1:12).
What does God's embrace of sinful but repentant human beings mean for you personally?
The fifth stanza brings us back to the Christmas scene, reminding us that God sent His only begotten Son to earth below. From Him "all blessings flow" (Stanza 5), because God "has blessed us . . . with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3), When Jesus "embraces mankind" (Stanza 5), we receive God's reconciling love as He offers forgiveness in Christ to every prodigal sinner who has strayed away from His fatherly love (see Luke 15:20, where the waiting father ran to his prodigal and now repentant son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him). As the words of another hymn, "Here is Love", put it,
And Heav'n's peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.
Kissed a guilty world in love.
Take time to pray for Christ's peace for yourself and for those dear to you as well as for the world.
The final stanza declares Jesus to be God's promise for peace. As the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), Jesus brings us peace as declared by the angel at His birth: "Peace to those on whom his favour rests" (Luke 2:14). Jesus promised peace to those who would trust in Him. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). Because of what He achieved for us on the cross - our justification, forgiveness, and eternal life - "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). He also brings reconciliation between human beings who are divided by common hatred. As redeemed peoples, they experience the peace brought by Christ. "He came and preached peace" to "create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace" (Ephesians 2:17, 15).
In short, it is through Jesus that we have peace with God, peace within us, and peace among ourselves. "Mindful of mankind's plight" (Stanza 6), God has acted decisively to free us all from our earthly woes and brought healing and peace where it is greatly needed. What a precious gospel! What a precious birth! What a glorious Saviour!
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PHOTO: This well-known and well-loved Christmas carol was written by Joseph Mohr (1792-1848).
Photo by Justin McIntosh/GettyImages for Starstruck Entertainment
Picture posted by By Margaret Littman, Rolling Stone - Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire perform at Clarkson's Miracle on Broadway Christmas benefit. A Benefit Concert at Bridgestone Arena on 20 December 2014 in Nashville, Tenn.
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PHOTO: Christmas remind us that God sent His only begotten Son to earth below to embrace mankind. When Jesus "embraces mankind", we receive God's reconciling love. He offers forgiveness in Christ to every prodigal sinner who has strayed away from His fatherly love (see Luke 15:20, where the waiting father ran to his prodigal and now repentant son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him).
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PHOTO: It is through Jesus that we have peace with God, peace within us, and peace among ourselves. Mindful of mankind's plight, God has acted decisively to free us all from our earthly woes and brought healing and peace where it is greatly needed.
Picture posted by zimbio.com - (L-R) Recording artist Miranda Lambert, honoree Reba McEntire and recording artist Kelly Clarkson perform onstage during the 2014 American Country Countdown Awards at Music City Center on December 15, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee.
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The shepherds were terrified by the sight of angels singing praises to God and declare peace to men when Jesus was born. But the angel reassured them, telling them to not be afraid. It was an awesome sight as glories streamed from Heaven afar, and it was connected to the good news of the birth of the Saviour of the world.
With Jesus we see the dawn of Your redeeming grace that reaches us through Christ to save us from our sins and death. Jesus is acknowledged and addressed as Lord - one who is God and Ruler of our lives and everything connected to them.
The coming of Christ is as the arrival of Your healing light. The kingdom of Jesus is the heavenly kingdom, not of this world. With Christ came God's abundant grace. It is in this way that You in Christ offers salvation for all. By receiving Jesus and believe in His name we will be saved and be called the children of God.
Thank You for embracing us who are sinful but repentant. Thank You for Your reconciling love as You offers forgiveness in Christ to every prodigal sinner who has strayed away from Your fatherly love. We want to be the repentant son receiving Your fatherly love for ever.
We want Your fatherly love and Christ’s peace not only for ourselves but also for those dear to us, and for the world as well. Thank You for having Jesus Christ achieved for us on the cross - our justification, forgiveness, and eternal life. Thank You for bringing reconciliation between us human beings who are divided by common hatred. As redeemed peoples, we can experience the peace brought by Christ as promised by You and declared by the angel at His birth.
Because of Your being mindful of our plight, through Jesus we can have peace with You, peace within us, and peace among ourselves. Thank You for acting decisively to free us all from our earthly woes and brought healing and peace where it is greatly needed.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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Chapter 17 - The First Noel
PHOTO: Take time to reflect on what it means to look for Jesus, find Him, go to Him, and worship Him.
What the magi did upon arriving at the house is the subject of the fifth stanza. They "bowed down and worshipped him" (Matthew 2:11), "Full reverently upon their knee" (Stanza 5). They then "presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11). They paid homage to the child and recognised Him for who He was. We too are inspired to do the same, to make every attempt to find Jesus, to come to Him and humbly worship Him (we are never too important to bend our knees before Him), and offer Him our best, even our own lives.
In what way does Jesus exercise His kingship over you?
The final stanza is a rousing call to all to worship and thank God for what He has done for us through Christ. He who made heaven and earth from nothing, creatio ex nihilo (Latin for "creation from nothing", see Hebrews 11:3), has bought humankind and redeemed us from our sins with the blood that was shed on the cross by the One who was born on Christmas Day, born to die that we may live.
Our salvation was purchased by the blood of Jesus - a costly price to pay. Which of us would do that to save others? The blood of Jesus was special because it represented His very life which was laid down on the cross for our sake. Jesus died as a ransom to set us free (Hebrews 9:15), meaning that the "ransom" paid to release us from eternal condemnation was His very life, the blood that He shed for us on the cross. Why was this necessary? Scripture offers the answer: "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). The blood of Jesus not only brings us God's forgiveness (otherwise we remain unforgiven; no matter how hard we try to forgive ourselves, our conscience will keep reminding us of our guilt), but also cleansing and a new destiny. "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Hebrews 9:14).
What do you have to offer Him?
Here are the words from another hymn, "Here is Love" by Welshman William Rees, that encourage us to meditate on what Jesus has done for us:
Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Loving-kindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout heav'n's eternal days.
This hymn was repeatedly sung during the 1904-1905 Welsh Revival. May its thoughts, echoing our Christmas hymn, produce a revival in our hearts.
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PHOTO: This is a classic English folk carol. It was first published in Carols Ancient and Modern in 1823, edited by William Sandy (1792-1874), an English solicitor and collector of ancient Christmas carols who traced "The First Noel" to western Cornwall.
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PHOTO: What do you have to offer Him?
"Here is Love" by Welshman William Rees, that encourage us to meditate on what Jesus has done for us. May its thoughts, echoing our Christmas hymn, produce a revival in our hearts.
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PHOTO: “Dear Lord, we learn what it means to look for Jesus, find Him, go to Him, and worship Him. The magi upon arriving at the house that Jesus was, ‘bowed down and worshipped him’, ‘Full reverently upon their knee’, and then ‘presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh’. They paid homage to the child and recognised Him for who He was. We too are inspired to do the same, to make every attempt to find Jesus, to come to Him and humbly worship Him (we are never too important to bend our knees before Him), and offer Him our best, even our own lives.
Jesus exercise His kingship over us by creating heaven, earth, and humankind from nothing. He redeemed us from our sins with His blood that was shed on the cross. He is the One who was born on Christmas Day, born to die that we may live.
Our salvation was purchased by the blood of Jesus - a costly price to pay. The blood of Jesus was special because it represented His very life which was laid down on the cross for our sake. Jesus died as a ransom to set us free. Thank You for using Jesus life to pay the ransom to release us from eternal condemnation. Thank You for His blood that He shed for us on the cross. Otherwise, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. We would remain unforgiven; no matter how hard we try to forgive ourselves, our conscience will keep reminding us of our guilt. Thank You for cleansing our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.
We are to meditate on what Jesus has done for us. We pray for the thoughts to prevail throughout heaven’s eternal days. May this Christmas hymn which was repeatedly sung during the 1904-1905 Welsh Revival, produce a revival in our hearts.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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Chapter 18 - We Three Kings of Orient Are
PHOTO: Imagine yourself with the magi on their way to find Christ. What would your thoughts and expectations be?
The first stanza describes the journey of the three kings of orient, following the star and travelling over changing geography, depicting a long journey. There is an opportunity here for us to reflect on our own journey to Christ - as we remember the stages of our lives, and the significant events and people who have led us to Christ and encouraged us on the way. Are we still on this journey? Some may have given up on it, distracted perhaps by the pursuit of wealth, position, power and entertainment. Others may not have expected such a long journey, wanting an instant experience. But God rewards patience and passion in finding Him.
Look at the gifts of the magi and reflect on what they express.
Stanza 2 says that Jesus was born a king. It is sung by the wise man who brings his gift of gold. This shows both the royalty ("crown Him") and divinity of Jesus ("King forever"), one who will reign over us all forever. That Jesus belongs to royalty is emphasised by His descent from Israel's pioneer king, David (Matthew 1:1). But He was not only David's son, but also the divine Son of God. Thus He is also the King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14), before whom all earthly kings must bow (Psalm 72:11). Because Jesus is the eternal King, His kingdom is also eternal and will outlast all other kingdoms. Those who believe in Him should know that they belong to "a kingdom that cannot be shaken" (Hebrews 12:28). They will not be disturbed by bad news (Psalm 112:7), because they know that their eternal King is "enthroned in God's presence for ever" (Psalm 61:7).
Stanza 3 is sung by the man who brought the frankincense. This gift represents the divinity of Christ, to whom incense (depicting prayer) is raised. The burning of incense (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:4) has to do with worship and the offering of praise. Jesus is to be worshipped as the divine King and Lord. The magi, when they saw the baby Jesus, "bowed down and worshipped him" (Matthew 2:11). Elsewhere in the Bible we find instances where Jesus was worshipped as God. His doubting disciple Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" when Jesus showed him His wounded hands and side (John 20:28). Likewise when His disciple saw Jesus walking in water, they "worshipped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God'" (Matthew 14:33). Because Jesus is God, we can also pray to Him. He invites us to do so "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:13-14).
The man who brought the myrrh prophesies the suffering that Jesus would go through. Myrrh is used in relation to death, as a "bitter perfume" (Stanza 3). The stanza gives a summary of the sacrificial life of Jesus, ending in His death on the cross. Jasus suffered for us in various ways, both leading up to the cross and through the agony of the crucifixion. The apostle Peter, who witnessed the suffering of Christ, wrote of how "Christ suffered for you . . . When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 'He himself bore our sins' in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by his wounds you have been healed'" (1 Peter 2:21-24). Jesus suffered for you and for me.
How would you think about His death and resurrection?
The sacrificial life of Jesus, ending in His death on the cross. But the story does not end there. Jesus rose from the grave. His resurrection gives us hope, for He arose to save us and to rule over us. As we keep looking at Jesus, we realise that He is King, God, and Saviour. What a King! What a God! What a Saviour!
What gift would you have in your hand?
If I am able, I would offer the COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine. Baby Jesus is both human and God. As God He needs no vaccine, but as human He need something to protect against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. This vaccine can stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against the disease. It is prepared from the causative agent (the cause) of the disease, and is treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease (information is from Google).
At the time of writing (Tuesday, 24 March 2020 at 04:01 GMT) 381,649 people in the world are confirmed infected and 16,558 had died. 102,429 had recovered. The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 195 countries and territories around the world and 1 international conveyance (the Diamond Princess cruise ship harboured in Yokohama, Japan).
At this moment, there is no proven vaccine against the COVID-19 Coronavirus. The world's scientists race to find a way to combat the deadly pathogen. China, USA, Japan and Germany are conducting clinical trials, but it is possible vaccines in development without completing the clinical trials are not yet safe or effective. We urgently need God's help. We pray for the availability of the vaccine to save the world with the uncertainty surrounding the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
What would your response be when you see the child?
My response will be as like the shepherds - overwhelmed temporary upon receiving the good news. Then like the magi, upon knowing the good news of Jesus' birth, go to see the wondrous event for ourselves. After seeing the baby Jesus, tell everyone what had happened and what the angel had said about this child. Like us, all who heard the story will be astonished. (Luke 2:8-18).
The magi presenting their gifts and their worship of baby Jesus is an epiphany for us. This is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12). The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. It was all in God's plan. Having been warned in a dream not to go back to King Herod, they returned to their country by another route. There was no mistake in the plan. The Saviour would survive and the Gentiles would also be given the offer of Salvation. It would be another epiphany having an opportunity to worship the only One who can give us eternal life, joy, and real rest for eternity in heaven.
We will experienced one epiphany after another, followed by the amazing grace, and blessing of our loving God. Having the vaccine for the COVID-19 Coronavirus will be considered a scientific breakthrough. Having eternal life from God will be a spiritual discovery that provides everything, and we will be eternally grateful of our loving Creator. We will be overwhelmed again when we realised that the gift of eternal salvation is a free gift given by God to all those who will believe on Jesus.
What would your own gift say about Jesus?
Everything in the world belongs to God (1 Corinthians 10:26). When the COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine is ready, it is also a gift of love from God. Ultimately, our lives and our health are in the hands of our Father. In 1 Peter 4:10, we're called to use our gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace. But whatever we do, we need to do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). As the vaccine is our gift from God, we can use it to glorify Him.
To glorify Him means that we are to acknowledge the greatness and splendour of His Majesty through honour, worship and praise of which He alone is worthy because He is God of all. By using the gift of COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine, we glorify the Father who is doing His work in Jesus (John 14:6-11).
Jesus is the Son, and is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. In everything He may have the supremacy (Colossians 1:15), including rulers of the world. He is also the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15). He is our King, and also our God, and our Saviour, since the God Father was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Colossians 1:19). Our gift of COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine, which is from the Father who is also 'one' with Jesus (John 10:30), will also glorify Jesus saying His greatness and splendour of His Majesty.
Artwork by Ambrose Dudley - The Wise Men Seeking Jesus (fl.1920s)
Picture posted by FineArtAmerica.com on 31 July 2012
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https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/the-wise-men-seeking-jesus-ambrose-dudley.jpg
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-wise-men-seeking-jesus-ambrose-dudley.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflection-we-three-kings-of-orient-are.html
PHOTO: Our own journey to Christ
We remember the stages of our lives, and the significant events and people who have led us to Christ and encouraged us on the way.
Photo by R.M. Nunes, Getty Images Hungary
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPBbYdt4MMcEdETQTss12CyUtO2Y3YgfDcaHyVw1RStmMazLIyz3HDOgixLHhULcvOVyelAImxEQ-dFSsoFAxBK8YR4Mc-R2SZ1lo5xhm9jqoOGALQRSmFo0iUm5k_x1KXp1i6UW_7TU/s1600/30550469_a4fbec2ad1860f117a3c5128b67dda89_wm.jpg
https://kep.cdn.indexvas.hu/1/0/3055/30550/305504/30550469_a4fbec2ad1860f117a3c5128b67dda89_wm.jpg
https://divany.hu/eletem/2019/12/05/rossz-nap/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflection-we-three-kings-of-orient-are.html
PHOTO: What gift would you have in your hand?
If I am able, I would offer the COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine. Baby Jesus is both human and God. As God He needs no vaccine, but as human He need something to protect against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. This vaccine can stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against the disease. It is prepared from the causative agent (the cause) of the disease, and is treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease (information is from Google).
Picture posted by Aisyah Atiqah on 25 February 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_V-jodiktU9sh40pWoQiPtzWVRsYjVm0ErkTpw2sOiAkBgIsvJAjWAPQh2L5N8AplTkIdescOyGXUEmimfGzr12HtEdDpqOmb4JIcH2ZUtcndKY8HTc3Jq4NVpJi3A7JoU3S0kC2wvU/s1600/coronavirus-4833616_1280-768x512.jpg
https://www.imapac.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/coronavirus-4833616_1280-768x512.jpg
https://www.imapac.com/en/codagenix-and-serum-institute-to-develop-a-vaccine-against-covid-19/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflection-we-three-kings-of-orient-are.html
Please help us not to give up on this journey as we are distracted perhaps by the pursuit of wealth, position, power and entertainment. We may not have expected such a long journey, wanting an instant experience. We learn that patience and passion in finding Him will be rewarded.
The wise man who brings his gift of gold showed that Jesus is the eternal King. His kingdom is also eternal and will outlast all other kingdoms, and cannot be shaken. He is the one who will reign over us all forever.
The man who brought the frankincense means that Jesus is to be worshipped as the divine King and Lord. Because Jesus is God, we can also pray to Him. He invites us to do so, and whatever we ask in His name, the Father may be glorified in the Son. We may ask Him for anything in His name, and He will do it.
The man who brought the myrrh prophesies the suffering that Jesus would go through, ending in His death on the cross. He himself bore our sins' in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by his wounds we have been healed'. He suffered for every one of us. Thank You Lord.
The sacrificial life of Jesus, ending in His death on the cross, gives us hope, for He arose to save us and to rule over us. As we keep looking at Jesus, we realise that He is King, God, and Saviour.
If I am able, I would offer the COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine. Baby Jesus is both human and God. As God He needs no vaccine, but as human He need something to protect against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. We urgently need Your help. We pray for the availability of the vaccine to save the world with the uncertainty surrounding the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
If we were to see baby Jesus, our response will be as like the shepherds - overwhelmed temporary upon receiving the good news. Then like the magi, upon knowing the good news of Jesus' birth, go to see the wondrous event for ourselves. After seeing the baby Jesus, tell everyone what had happened and what the angel had said about this child. Like us, all who heard the story will be astonished.
The magi presenting their gifts and their worship of baby Jesus is an epiphany for us. This is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi. However we learned that King Herod wanted to kill baby Jesus. We now know that there was no mistake in the plan. Our Saviour would survive and the Gentiles would also be given the offer of Salvation. It would be another epiphany having an opportunity to worship the only One who can give us eternal life, joy, and real rest for eternity in heaven.
We will experienced one epiphany after another, followed by the amazing grace, and blessing of our loving God. Having the vaccine for the COVID-19 Coronavirus will be considered a scientific breakthrough. Having eternal life from God will be a spiritual discovery that provides everything, and we will be eternally grateful to You. We are overwhelm again when we realise that the gift of eternal salvation is a free gift given by You to all those who will believe on Jesus.
When the COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine is ready, it is also a gift of love from You. Ultimately, our lives and our health are in Your hands. As the vaccine is our gift from You, we want to use it to glorify You. We want to acknowledge Your greatness and splendour of Your Majesty through honour, worship and praise. By using the gift of COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine, we want to glorify You while You do Your work in Jesus.
Jesus is the Son, and is the image of You, the firstborn over all creation. In everything He may have the supremacy, since You were pleased to have all Your fullness dwell in Him. We pray that our gift of COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccine, which is from You who is also 'one' with Jesus, will also glorify Jesus saying He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Thank You for having You Son as our King, and also our God, and our Saviour.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Picture posted by Soulshine on 28 May 2019
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https://www.soulshinecrystals.com/blog/2019/5/28/epiphanies
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflection-we-three-kings-of-orient-are.html
Chapter 19 - While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
In what way would the scene of a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger be a sign to the shepherds that they were seeing the Messiah? The word "swaddling bands" (Stanza 4) in the song quite accurately describes the bands of cloth that would have been used in those days to wrap a new-born baby. This by itself may not have been remarkable, except that, as some scholars claim, babies wrapped in this way usually belonged to important families who could afford such clothes. If so, Mary may have been given these clothes by some generous person. What is extraordinary is the sight of a baby lying in a manger (feeding trough). That may have been the greater focus of the way the sign is described by the angel. If the swaddling clothes were an indication of an important baby, then the combination of importance and poverty (manger) would have been an odd scene, unique enough to be a clear sign.
In what way are the cross and empty tomb unique in this respect?
The cross itself has no saving power. But it symbolizes what Jesus did for us. Jesus’ death on the cross was as an atoning sacrifice for our sin. And the cross is a symbol of that. When we see the cross, we are reminded of what Jesus did.
The empty tomb is a symbol of the resurrection. When we see or hear of the empty tomb, it should point us to Jesus’ resurrection. And to our own upcoming resurrection as well. It symbolizes victory over death.
While the resurrection and the empty tomb are bound together, they are distinct. In the resurrection, Jesus demonstrated his mastery over death and it holds promise for believers as well; that we also will have victory over death. But, unlike the resurrection, the empty tomb does not do anything for us. Instead, it tells us something. It tells us that the grave could not hold Jesus. That he bodily rose from the grave. When the angel appeared to the women at the empty grave, he told them, "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." The empty tomb told them that Jesus had indeed been raised. It was evidence of the resurrection.
The cross and empty tomb is unique enough to be a clear sign. The cross (death) and empty tomb (resurrection) clearly demonstrated Jesus’s mastery over death and it holds promise for believers as well; that we also will have victory over death.
How would you share with others about your own convictions (a firmly held belief or opinion) and experiences?
The angel that brought the good news is called a "seraph" (Stanza 5) in the song. Seraphs were agents that personally ministered to God around His throne, as described in Isaiah 6:2-7. They angelic beings of the highest rank, whose special ministry seems to be connected with God's throne (the "four living creatures" mentioned in Ezekiel 1:5; see also Revelation 4:8). It is unlikely that a seraph was sent as a messenger to the shepherds. The angel who serving as messenger from God in the nativity accounts in Scripture was Gabriel (Luke 1:19, 26). It is likely that he was also the one who appeared to the terrified shepherds. Gabriel described himself thus: "I stand in the presence of God" (Luke 1:19). It was a profound experience to see and hear an angel who had just come from God's glorious presence.
The angel told the shepherds not to fear (Stanza 2). Do we hear the same words from heaven today, especially as we face many troubles and difficulties in life, both within us and without? The good news of Jesus brings us comfort and hope, and if we recognise His presence in our lives, we can experience true joy. This blessing is not only for us but for "all mankind" (Stanza 2). Beyond experiencing it for ourselves, we must also share the truth with others who so desperately need to hear it. Is there someone who is suffering serious problems, or going through a period of loneliness, sadness, or helplessness? You may have been sent by God in the same way He sent the angel to the shepherds.
How would you share with others about your own convictions (a firmly held belief or opinion) and experiences?
As Christians we may have established within ourselves certain convictions and experiences that help us become more Christ-like. These relate to pretty much everything in our lives. And when a Christian conviction and experience is set within a person, it’s pretty difficult to persuade them otherwise. But how to share them effectively with others?
1. Know our convictions and experiences
Do we actually know what we believe in? We have our basic beliefs, those standard shoulds and should-nots, but what about the fuzzy parts in the middle? For example, if we’re pro-life, does that include contraception? If we stand for purity, does that include kissing? It’s the stuff in the middle that causes the questions that leave the door open for debate. And when there’s debate, there’s room for testing and sharing.
2. Read the Bible
Personal convictions and experiences are not biblical truth, although they can certainly be founded upon it. The Word is the main reason why we have our Christian convictions in the first place. The Bible is a great reminder of why we hold certain convictions and experiences so close to our hearts. And if we’re not loyal to them, the Bible reminds us of why we should be. Without the Bible, we have no compass when sharing our faith.
3. Know why they’re important to us
If we don’t know why they’re important, then we won’t be inclined to remain loyal to them. Nor will we be able to argue for them when those who don’t share our convictions try to make us question them. We have to be devoted to our convictions and experiences before sharing them. After all, they’re deep-seated beliefs.
4. Pray to God for strength and help
God is your strength. With 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:18 and 1 Peter 5:8-11. God is our strength in everything. And in those moments of darkness and doubt, when we are vulnerable to Satan’s temptations, God is the only one who can strengthen and guide us to share our convictions and experiences with others. Without prayer, we share our faith in our own strength. Prayer is an opportunity to tap into God’s power. Prayer has the power to change situations as we share our convictions and experiences with others.
5. Share in Church
Jesus called ‘The Church’ His Bride. He loves ‘The Church’ and is returning for ‘The Church’. He also refers to ‘The Church’ as His Body. It is community and accountability. Where we learn to love others and show the world outside our circle just who Jesus is. Effective faith-sharing Christians have a conviction that the church is where discipleship happens. Without Church, we have no accountability and encouragement when sharing our faith, convictions and experiences.
6. Have Christ-like action and response
The reflection of our convictions and experiences, can be noticed by those around us. Action and response can display our caring attitude and sense of responsibility. Jesus taught us these in Matthew 5:16. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Jesus said his works are also words (John 10:37–38). His words and works were always saying the same thing. So we too should follow Him, by living our earthly life in perfect integrity. Jesus had perfect consistency between His words and works. Unfortunately none of the rest of us has this yet. We must “look carefully how [we] walk, not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). And the wise repent wherever they see unbelief and then “[forget] what lies behind and [strain] forward to what lies ahead [and] press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14). Our works reveal where our faith is. Jesus told us that a “tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33). The wise seek to make the tree good.
May our “actions speak louder than words”.
Picture posted by GoodSalt Inc. - Shepherds Watching Flock
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https://www.goodsalt.com/details/prcas0363.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-while-shepherds-watched.html
For 82 years, it was the first and only Christmas hymn permitted in Anglican churches, and it spread throughout England with its use in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.
Picture posted by Abhilash Oscar Gregory on 20 February 2020
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https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-de91ebadf8735e60e2d0efdef090680d
https://www.quora.com/No-good-shepherd-would-leave-99-for-1-sheep-Why-did-Jesus-give-such-a-parable
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-while-shepherds-watched.html
PHOTO: Jesus said his works are also words (John 10:37–38). Jesus had perfect consistency between His words and works. Unfortunately none of the rest of us has this yet. Jesus told us that a “tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33). The wise seek to make the tree good. May our “actions speak louder than words”.
Picture posted by Weebly on 10 August 2014
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https://mensajesparati.weebly.com/uploads/2/9/2/7/29277121/172_orig.jpg
https://mensajesparati.weebly.com/blog/nuestro-tiempo
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-while-shepherds-watched.html
PHOTO: “Dear Lord, We learn that the scene of a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger was to be a sign to the shepherds that they were seeing the Messiah. If the swaddling clothes were an indication of an important baby, then the combination of importance and poverty (manger) would have been an odd scene, unique enough to be a clear sign.
The cross and empty tomb is also a unique sign. When we see the cross, we are reminded of Jesus’ death on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for our sin. When we see or hear of the empty tomb, it point us to Jesus’ resurrection. And to our own upcoming resurrection as well. It symbolizes victory over death.
The cross (death) and empty tomb (resurrection) clearly demonstrated Jesus’s mastery over death and it holds promise for believers as well; that we also will have victory over death.
We need Your help to know what are our convictions, and what our experiences means. There will be debate and we will be constantly tested as we share our convictions and experiences.
We are reminded that the Bible is the source of our convictions and explanations of our experiences. The Word is the main reason why we have our Christian convictions in the first place. And if we’re not loyal to them, the Bible reminds us of why we should be. Without the Bible, we have no compass when sharing our faith.
Please help us to know why our convictions and experiences are important to us. If we don’t know why they’re important, then we won’t be inclined to remain loyal to them. Nor will we be able to argue for them when those who don’t share our convictions try to make us question them. Help us to be devoted to our convictions and experiences before sharing them.
Jesus called ‘The Church’ His Bride. He loves ‘The Church’ and is returning for ‘The Church’. He also refers to ‘The Church’ as His Body. We learn to love others and show the world outside our circle just who Jesus is. Without Church, we have no accountability and encouragement when sharing our faith, convictions and experiences. Please help us to share our convictions and experiences at the place where discipleship happens.
Jesus taught us to display our caring attitude and sense of responsibility through our actions and responses, which also can glorify You in heaven. Help us to lead our earthly life in perfect integrity just like Jesus. Jesus had perfect consistency between His words and works. Unfortunately none of the rest of us has this yet. Our works reveal where our faith is. Please help our works to bear fruits, just like the wise would do. With Your help, May our actions speak louder than words.
Please strengthen and guide us to share our convictions and experiences with others. Without Your help, we share our faith in our own strength. We pray for Your power to change situations as we share our convictions and experiences with others.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Photo: linux87／123RF
Picture posted by 藤島佑雪 (Fujishima Yū yuki), Vogue on 25 May 2019
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https://www.vogue.co.jp/horoscope/special/2019-05-25/fujishima
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-while-shepherds-watched.html
Chapter 20 - What Child is This?
The second stanza begins with another question: why is such a King lying in a manger ("where ox and ass are feeding"), lying in "such mean estate" (poor and humble circumstances). The ox and ass would be a reference to Isaiah 1:3 (which we have already discussed in Chapter 7). Those who are witnessing this amazing scene should not be distracted by the poverty of the new-born, because He is God himself! "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). As a helpless baby, the Word of God is not preaching to us verbally, but His silent light shines in our darkness (John 1:5, 9). His presence pleads with us to consider our sinful ways and to repent before God and trust in Him for salvation.
The fifth and sixth lines of the second stanza speak of how this baby will grow into a man who will die on the cross "for me, for you", for all of us sinners. He will suffer for us; carrying our sins on His shoulders and paying the terrifying penalty in our place. "Nails, spear shall pierce Him through" (Stanza 2), wounding Him for our sake. As the prophet Isaiah wrote:
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
The apostle Peter explains this further, saying that Christ was wounded for our healing, referring to how we must "die to sins and live for righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24). Therefore, we must glorify Christ who died for us. He is the "Word made flesh" (Stanza 2), a reference to John 1:14 - God became man and pitched His tent among us, for our own good.
Think of the cross on Calvary and the throne room in your heart. What does "enthrone Him" mean to you?
The third stanza transports us to the visit of the magi and their gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. Whether it is important people, like the magi (popularly thought to be kings), or simple shepherds (peasants), all are urged to come to Jesus, because He came to save all. No one is excluded from the grace and love that He extends to us. What we need to do in response is to love Him, and in our hearts and lives "enthrone Him" (Stanza 3); that is, make Him truly King of our lives as we seek to obey Him in every way (see 1 Peter 3:15).
We are called to raise our joyful song to our Saviour, even as Mary sang her motherly lullaby to Him. Our Saviour was born the King of kings and Lord of our lives. We are each encouraged to sing to Jesus our songs of praise and thanksgiving, of gratitude and worship, as we recognise who He is and what He has done for us. He deserves nothing less, and there is no better way to celebrate Christmas. We must truly come to Jesus (no one should be left out) and find in Him our true Saviour, King, and Lord.
What are the implications of doing so ("enthrone Jesus") for your life's goals, activities, and relationships?
Refering to 1 Peter 3:15, the following are the implications of "enthroning" Jesus in our life's goals, activities, and relationships.
Our life's goals
Set aside our hearts as the place where Christ is fully honored as the Lord. Focus intently on Christ's role as our master, living as if that were absolutely true in all cases, even in suffering. Peter calls us to full submission to Christ.
When we set apart Christ as Lord, it will change us. Peter says those who observe us will notice the difference. That difference is hope. Even in the midst of our suffering, our hopefulness should be apparent.
Our life's activities
Peter instructs us to be ready to answer the question our life should inspire: "How can you be so hopeful in such difficult circumstances?"
Peter anticipates people will become curious. Hopefulness and joy are starkly different from the normal human response to suffering. So much so that people will be eager to understand it.
What will we say when they ask? We must be prepared to give our defence, to make the case for faith in Christ. (Note that we need not worry beforehand how we will defend ourselves, as promised by Jesus in Luke 21:14-15. He will do it for us). We need to reject the cultural pressure to keep our beliefs to ourselves. Instead, believers should openly share the good news of redemption through faith in Christ.
Our life's relationships
It matters how we make that case for Christ. We must present it with gentleness and respect. Christians are not called on to condemn those who are curious about our hopefulness. Nor are we to be vindictive (revengeful), vengeful (unforgiving), or insulting to those who disagree. Rather, we should explain our faith without harshness or dismissiveness (scornful) but with gentleness and respect.
How would this ("enthrone Jesus") change your priorities?
Our personal readiness (mission) to bear witness to those we meet from day to day will change. Our primary activity in preparing to witness is to keep our own hearts happy in God. Morning by morning we have to follow the Word, not to anxiously amass (accumulate) arguments for every possible rebuttal somebody might have — rebuttal will come: that's what Jesus warned in Luke 21. No, we follow God's command and instructions, laws and decrees, that we desperately need, or our own hope will deteriorate (James 2:17).
We have fears that need to be overcome by the promises of God. We have doubts that need to be answered. The fight of faith is waged on our knees with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, and prayer. Reverence the Lord Christ in our hearts, and in that way we will always be ready to make a case for our hope. We need not worry beforehand how we will defend ourselves (Luke 21:14-15). We need to have our hearts brimming with hope instead of fear. In order to be hopeful persons instead of fearful persons.
God had made many promises to his people that should have taken away their fear and filled them with confidence and hope (Isaiah 41:10, 13; 35:4). Isaiah 8:14 promises that for those who fear Him, God will become a sanctuary (holy place). A sanctuary is a place where you can feel safe and secure and peaceful. So, set our mind on his promises to take care of us, and trust him with all our heart. If we do, our fear of men will be turned to hope, and we will have a reason to give for the hope that is in us.
How shall we not fear when the path of righteousness seems to lead only into darkness? Answer: Reverence the Lord Christ in our heart, and our fear will be replaced with hope. How shall we always be ready to make a case for our hope? Answer: Reverence the Lord Christ in our heart, and we will always have a reason to give for why we are hopeful. And when we emerge from that encounter with God with a renewed and lively hope in his promises, we will be ready to make a case for our hope. For God only calls us to tell others the reasons which that very day are making us hopeful in Christ.
So in "enthroning" Jesus in our life, our priorities will be to reverence God instead of man, if that was our intention all this while.
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PHOTO: The "Greensleeves" tune was first published in 1580 in two books: Richard Jones' A New Northen Dittye of ye Ladye Greene Sleves and Edward White's A ballad, being the Ladie Greene Sleeves Answere to Donkyn hir frende.
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PHOTO: What we need to do in response is to love Him, and in our hearts and lives "enthrone Him"; that is, make Him truly King of our lives as we seek to obey Him in every way (1 Peter 3:15).
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PHOTO: “Dear Lord, we learn that even when Jesus as a helpless baby, the Word of God is not preaching to us verbally, but His silent light shines in our darkness. His presence pleads with us to consider our sinful ways and to repent before God and trust in Him for salvation. This baby will grow into a man who will die on the cross for all of us sinners. He will suffer for us; carrying our sins on His shoulders and paying the terrifying penalty in our place. Jesus Christ was wounded for our healing as we must die to sins and live for righteousness.
Therefore, we must glorify Christ who died for us. He is the Word made flesh - God became man and pitched His tent among us, for our own good.
We want to come to Jesus, because He came to save all. No one is excluded from the grace and love that He extends to us. We pray for Your help to love Him, and in our hearts and lives ‘enthrone Him’. Please help us to make Him truly King of our lives as we seek to obey Him in every way. We recognise who He is and what He has done for us. He deserves nothing less. We must truly come to Jesus (no one should be left out) and find in Him our true Saviour, King, and Lord.
Help us to set our life’s goal to fully submit to Jesus Christ. When we set apart Christ as Lord, it will change us. Those who observe us will notice the difference. That difference is hope. Even in the midst of our suffering, our hopefulness should be apparent.
We need to be prepared to give our defence, to make the case for faith in Christ, as our life's activities. We learn from Jesus that we need not worry beforehand how we will defend ourselves. He will do it for us. Help us to reject the cultural pressure to keep our beliefs to ourselves. But instead openly share the good news of redemption through faith in Christ.
Please have our life’s relationships with others when we make that case for Christ, we present it with gentleness and respect. Please us from being vindictive, vengeful, or insulting to those who disagree. Have us explain our faith without harshness or dismissiveness but with gentleness and respect.
Please help us to make it our life’s priority to reverence God instead of man so that our fear will be replaced with hope, and have a reason to give for why we are hopeful. Help us to follow Your commands and instructions, laws and decrees, that we desperately need, or our own hope will deteriorate.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
Picture posted by Risa Makihara on 29 July 2019
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From "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Copyright © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-11-6752-2, "Conclusion", Page 199-201.
Conclusion
During the Reformation five centuries ago, some reformers were against singing in church. For example, Swiss reformer Ulrich zwingli banned all forms of music except the a cappella singing of psalms from the Bible. He insisted that worship must always be accompanied with "conscious attendance and understanding". He observed that "when one prays, mouth and mind are not long on the same track, much less so mind and song".
Most of us today would feel that Zwingli went too far. We are quite happy to sing songs during church services. But Zwingli did have a point, for often our singing becomes detached from mind and spirit. This is made worse when the congregation enjoys the music and the atmosphere created by the songs rather than reflecting on what they are singing and why. It seems that the more familiar the song, the greater the danger of this happening.
Though we sing them only during the Christmas season, Christmas carols are familiar enough to produce a sense of nostalgia and comfort when we hear them on the radio or in shopping centres or when we sing them in church. We would be all the more blessed if we paused to examine what we are singing. Christmas is usually a hectic time of shopping, buying gifts, participating in church programmes, and simply getting into the mood - not just for family and church, but for the wider society where many associate Christmas with unbridled consumerism.
It would be good to pause in our busy pursuits and frantic lifestyles to consider the good news of Jesus Christ, which is the subject of the better Christmas carols. Here, we have looked at 20 such songs that are worth our deeper reflection. If we realised how deeply-rooted the songs are in the Bible and sound doctrine, then this book has succeeded in its purpose. Sound doctrine results in deep devotion. Those who recognise this will also see how these Christmas carols can produce in us a more profound response of worship, a desire for holiness, and true godly service motivated by gratitude and love.
All this will arise from considering in heart and mind who Jesus is, why He was born into this world, and how He relates to us today. When we see Jesus for who He is and understand what He has done for us, our lives will not remain the same.
There are many other Christmas carols not mentioned in this book that are worth singing and reflecting on more thoroughly. I hope that this book provides a useful and edifying way of examining what we sing. This is helpful not only when we look at Christmas carols, but also when we consider the songs that we sing in church. Our worship songs must be chosen carefully - for sound doctrine, good poetry, and soul-stirring music. Those who choose songs for worship services are encouraged to reflect on the songs more carefully. Those who sing will be blessed if they take time to pause and reflect o the songs they sing.
Martin Luther once wrote, "[After] the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world". Indeed, our songs of faith are a treasure that we must guard and use properly.
May we sing our Christmas carols (and all other songs in church) with depth and devotion that result in true worship, holiness, and service for the glory of God.
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links)
Question from source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon
"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
Reference
[1] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - Angels from the Realms of Glory, posted on Saturday, 24 August 2019, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-from-realms-of-glory.html[2] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - Angels We Have Heard on High, posted on Friday, 30 August 2019, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-we-have-heard-on-high.html
[3] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning, posted on Sunday, 15 September 2019, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-brightest-and-best-of-sons.html
[4] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, posted on Friday, 27 September 2019, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/reflection-come-thou-long-expected-jesus.html
[5] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - Go, Tell it on the Mountain, posted on Sunday, 06 October 2019, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-go-tell-it-on-mountain.html
[6] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, posted on 21 October 2019,
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-god-rest-ye-merry-gentlemen.html
[7] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - Good Christian Men, Rejoice, posted on Friday, 01 November 2019, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-good-christian-men-rejoice.html
[8] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - Hark! The Herald Angles Sing, posted on Friday, 15 November 2019, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-hark-herald-angels-sing.html
[9] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, posted on Thursday, 28 November 2019, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-it-came-upon-midnight-clear.html
[10] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - Joy to the World, posted on Tuesday, 10 December 2019,
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/12/reflection-joy-to-world.html
[11] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - O Come, All Ye Faithful, posted on Wednesday, 25 December 2019, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/12/reflection-o-come-all-ye-faithful.html
[12] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, posted on Thursday, 16 January 2020, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/12/reflection-o-come-all-ye-faithful.html
[13] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - O Holy Night, posted on 01 February 2020, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-o-holy-night.html
[14] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - O Little Town of Bethlehem, posted on Saturday, 08 February 2020, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-o-little-town-of-bethlehem.html
[15] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - Once in Royal David's City, posted on Friday, 21 February 2020, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-once-in-royal-davids-city.html
[16] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - Silent Night, posted on Thursday, 05 March 2020, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflection-silent-night.html
[17] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - The First Noel, posted on Saturday, 14 March 2020, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflection-first-noel.html
[18] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - We Three Kings of Orient Are, posted on Saturday, 28 March 2020, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/reflection-we-three-kings-of-orient-are.html
[19] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, posted on Saturday, 11 April 2020, https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-while-shepherds-watched.html
[20] Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012, Reflection - What Child is This?, posted on Friday, 24 S[to; 2020,
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-what-child-is-that.html
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Genesis 1:27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27&version=NIV
Genesis 3:1-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A1-5&version=NIV
Genesis 3:6-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A6-7&version=NIV
Genesis 3:8-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A8-10&version=NIV
Genesis 3:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A15&version=NIV
Genesis 3:15; Revelation 12:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Genesis+3%3A15%3B+Revelation+12%3A5&version=NIV
Genesis 3:16-19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3%3A16-19&version=NIV
Genesis 5:1-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+5%3A1-3&version=NIV
Hebrews 1:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+1%3A2&version=NIV
Hebrews 1:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+1%3A3&version=NIV
Hebrews 2:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+2%3A17&version=NIV
Hebrews 2:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+2%3A18&version=NIV
Hebrews 3:1-6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+3%3A1-6&version=NIV
Hebrews 4:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4%3A12&version=NIV
Hebrews 9:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9%3A14&version=NIV
Hebrews 9:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9%3A15&version=NIV
Hebrews 9:22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9%3A22&version=NIV
Hebrews 9:27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9%3A27&version=NIV
Hebrews 9:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9%3A28&version=NIV
Hebrews 11:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A3&version=NIV
Hebrews 12:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A28&version=NIV
Hebrews 13:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13%3A8&version=NIV
Isaiah 1:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+1%3A3&version=NIV
Isaiah 6:2-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+6%3A2-7&version=NIV
Isaiah 7:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+7%3A14&version=NIV
Isaiah 8:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Isaiah+8%3A14&version=NIV
Isaiah 9:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A2&version=NIV
Isaiah 9:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A6&version=NIV
Isaiah 9:6-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A6-7&version=NIV
Isaiah 11:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+11%3A1&version=NIV
Isaiah 11:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+11%3A10&version=NIV
Isaiah 11:2-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+11%3A2-3&version=NIV
Isaiah 22:22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+22%3A22&version=NIV
Isaiah 28:29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+28%3A29&version=NIV
Isaiah 41:10, 13; 35:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+41%3A10%2C+13%3B+35%3A4&version=NIV
Isaiah 45:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+45%3A23&version=NIV
Isaiah 53:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53%3A5&version=NIV
Isaiah 60:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+60%3A1-2&version=NIV
James 2:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2%3A8&version=NIV
James 2:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2%3A17&version=NIV
Job 26:11,14 ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+26%3A11%2C14&version=ESV
Job 38:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+38%3A7&version=NIV
John 1:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1&version=NIV
John 1:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A3&version=NIV
John 1:5, 9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A5%2C+9&version=NIV
John 1:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A9&version=NIV
John 1:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A12&version=NIV
John 1:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A14&version=NIV
John 1:29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A29&version=NIV
John 8:36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A36&version=NIV
John 9:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+9%3A5&version=NIV
John 10:30 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A30&version=NIV
John 10:37–38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A37%E2%80%9338&version=NIV
John 11:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11%3A25&version=NIV
John 11:25; 14:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11%3A25%3B+14%3A6&version=NIV
John 13:34 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13%3A34&version=NIV
John 13:34-35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13%3A34-35&version=NIV
John 14:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A1&version=NIV
John 14:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A2&version=NIV
John 14:6-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6-11&version=NIV
John 14:13-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A13-14&version=NIV
John 14:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A17&version=NIV
John 14:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A23&version=NIV
John 14:27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A27&version=NIV
John 17:6-24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A6-24&version=NIV
John 17:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A17&version=NIV
John 18:36 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+18%3A36&version=NIV
John 20:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A28&version=NIV
Luke 1:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A19&version=NIV
Luke 1:19, 26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A19%2C+26&version=NIV
Luke 1:35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%28Luke+1%3A35&version=NIV
Luke 2:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A4&version=NIV
Luke 2:6-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A6-20&version=NIV
Luke 2:7 ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A7&version=ESV
Luke 2:8-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A8-18&version=NIV
Luke 2:10-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A10-12&version=NIV
Luke 2:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A14&version=NIV
Luke 2:17-18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A17-18&version=NIV
Luke 2:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A19&version=NIV
Luke 2:20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A20&version=NIV
Luke 2:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A25&version=NIV
Luke 2:30 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A30&version=NIV
Luke 2:36-38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A36-38&version=NIV
Luke 2:38 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A38&version=NIV
Luke 2:50 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A50&version=NIV
Luke 2:51 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A51&version=NIV
Luke 2:52 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A52&version=NIV
Luke 6:27-28 ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A27-28&version=ESV
Luke 9:58 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+9%3A58&version=NIV
Luke 15:20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15%3A20&version=NIV
Luke 18:9-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18%3A9-14&version=NIV
Luke 18:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18%3A24&version=NIV
Luke 21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+21&version=NIV
Luke 21:14-15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+21%3A14-15&version=NIV
Mark 10:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10%3A21&version=NIV
Malachi 4:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+4%3A2&version=NIV
Matthew 1:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1%3A1&version=NIV
Matthew 1:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1%3A21&version=NIV
Matthew 1:22-23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1%3A22-23&version=NIV
Matthew 1:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+1%3A23&version=NIV
Matthew 2:1-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A1-12&version=NIV
Matthew 2:2, 10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A2%2C+10&version=NIV
Matthew 2:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A11&version=NIV
Matthew 2:13–23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A13%E2%80%9323&version=NIV
Matthew 3:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+3%3A2&version=NIV
Matthew 5:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A3&version=NIV
Matthew 5:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5%3A16&version=NIV
Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34, 38-39, 43-44 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A21-22%2C+27-28%2C+33-34%2C+38-39%2C+43-44&version=NIV
Matthew 7:1 ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A1&version=ESV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
Matthew 12:33 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12%3A33&version=NIV
Matthew 14:33 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A33&version=NIV
Matthew 16:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A19&version=NIV
Matthew 19:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+19%3A24&version=NIV
Matthew 20:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20%3A28&version=NIV
Matthew 22:37-40 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A37-40&version=NIV
Matthew 22:41-45 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A41-45&version=NIV
Matthew 25:31-33 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A31-33&version=NIV
Matthew 25:46 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A46&version=NIV
Micah 5:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah+5%3A2&version=NIV
Nehemiah 5:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+5%3A5&version=NIV
Philemon 15-16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philemon+15-16&version=NIV
Philippians 1:9-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1%3A9-11&version=NIV
Philippians 2:3 ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A3&version=ESV
Philippians 2:4 ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A4&version=ESV
Philippians 2:6-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A6-7&version=NIV
Philippians 2:6-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A6-8&version=NIV
Philippians 2:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A10&version=NIV
Philippians 2:14-15 ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A14-15&version=ESV
Philippians 2:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A15&version=NIV
Philippians 3:13–14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3%3A13%E2%80%9314&version=NIV
Proverbs 3:7 ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+3%3A7&version=ESV
Proverbs 3:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+3%3A19&version=NIV
Proverbs 11:2 ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+11%3A2&version=ESV
Psalm 8:3-4 ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+8%3A3-4&version=ESV
Psalm 18:35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+18%3A35&version=NIV
Psalm 61:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+61%3A7&version=NIV
Psalm 72:10; Isaiah 60:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+72%3A10%3B+Isaiah+60%3A6&version=NIV
Psalm 72:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+72%3A11&version=NIV
Psalm 98:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+98%3A2&version=NIV
Psalm 110:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+110%3A1&version=NIV
Psalm 112:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+112%3A7&version=NIV
Psalm 119:105 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A105&version=NIV
Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+141%3A2%3B+Revelation+8%3A4&version=NIV
Revelation 3:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+3%3A7&version=NIV
Revelation 3:20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+3%3A20&version=NIV
Revelation 3:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+3%3A21&version=NIV
Revelation 4:1-2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+4%3A1-2&version=NIV
Revelation 4:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+4%3A8&version=NIV
Revelation 5:11-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+5%3A11-12&version=NIV
Revelation 7:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+7%3A9&version=NIV
Revelation 12:10-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+12%3A10-11&version=NIV
Revelation 21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+21&version=NIV
Revelation 21:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+21%3A4&version=NIV
Revelation 22:20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A20&version=NIV
Romans 1:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A17&version=NIV
Romans 3:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A23&version=NIV
Romans 5:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A1&version=NIV
Romans 6:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A5&version=NIV
Romans 6:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A23&version=NIV
Romans 7:15, 24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7%3A15%2C+24&version=NIV
Romans 7:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7%3A25&version=NIV
Romans 12:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A1&version=NIV
Romans 12:3 NLT - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A3&version=NLT
Romans 15:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+15%3A12&version=NIV
Titus 2:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+2%3A11%29&version=NIV
Romans 12:3 NLT - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A3&version=NLT
Romans 15:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+15%3A12&version=NIV
Titus 2:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+2%3A11%29&version=NIV
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- https://www.sksbooks.com/uploads/product_images/9789811167522_07-12-18.jpg
- https://www.sksbooks.com/products/songs-of-christmas-the-stories-significance-of-20-well-loved-carols/
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- https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c8/7a/a8/c87aa804b3c18aa4933988aef07cdfc9.jpg
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/633529872560257039/?lp=true
- https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-from-realms-of-glory.html
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeatemwY86llasDgpLUq0pvQRwJILrMZOEmPY-eh_MYwzX-ii6jkbTni5H_U6sbeU60xBFFDR_dYL1YJei7GwChGQZv1EUJTBmcn__KV_rQtIwwt2c3ROyq6FoV7rVZ_kWYVl8OJgkrU/s1600/1107813.jpg
- http://www.mobilmusic.ru/mfile/bd/ca/b4/1107813.jpg
- https://www.google.com.sg/imgres?imgurl=http://mtdata.ru/u7/photo3CEB/20835287296-0/original.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.liveinternet.ru/users/ostrovok_rykodelochki/post406479251/&h=878&w=710&tbnid=-BaA0OnmnN8M_M&tbnh=250&tbnw=202&usg=K_sxbEgsknXYVRnToUMLVwCKhOrt4=&hl=en-SG&docid=YKY0w2ettf6HNM#h=878&imgdii=r1oXdQ6ZUTnmjM:&tbnh=250&tbnw=202&w=710
- https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-from-realms-of-glory.html
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- https://blogkolibri.blogspot.com/2015/01/blog-post.html?spref=pi
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/39054721746833423/?lp=true
- https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-from-realms-of-glory.html
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNYWbTsVJgbX1Hv7LkIvUgHKO77WQcjFMG840TXRdNBd1yXHYmlJiCU2ySlyCnU9wDJ2BJ84OGQTjAm0hcuQUBxxG8YgkIoYwv77KQW37hcEAhGR8LfsLSSHkItH5mjzQZ3J1BuIZxnk/s1600/the-angels-and-the-shepherds-GoodSalt-stdas0407_1.png
- https://www.goodsalt.com/view/the-angels-and-the-shepherds-GoodSalt-stdas0407.jpg
- https://www.goodsalt.com/details/stdas0407.html
- https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-we-have-heard-on-high.html
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