Interesting Green: Reflection - What Child is That?

Source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Chapter 20, "What Child is That?" Page 197.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

PHOTO: How is Jesus your Saviour and Lord?
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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What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Bible, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king, to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

(Source: Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer, Christmas Carols New and Old, First Series [London: Novello, Ewer & Co., 1871], #14)

PHOTO: The lyrics of this charming carol were written by William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898) in 1865. Dix, and English poet and lay theologian, wrote a poem "The Manger Throne"; three verses of the poem became our well-known Christmas carol, "What Child is This?"
Picture from Hymnology Archive - William Chatterton Dix, 14 June 1837–9 September 1898
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0N8hUG1ieP2F_urls_fP-RA97CvAhNAYcfreoLa4PmVU4cHfDuegPPieHd9HXaSH3QX1oIWLeneMwoFn-TVPC0EOaQIAIkf583lPDrVlkvdMeqDR1AAC6yQizXHP8BoF4mO0KnJHZmU/s1600/StrandMagazine-vol9-p588-Dix.jpg
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b11858da2772cf01402ee6e/1541793706206-RXD5EKJEP37KS8V436YO/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kKVcmtbDR-3wBIuf6IjXfOgUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8PaoYXhp6HxIwZIk7-Mi3Tsic-L2IOPH3Dwrhl-Ne3Z2E7QTNoK0YUlDVhjAL-mutoghmzXyv6ZtRTPT6oCu3Q5bTvJybZOtvbWRiFosmN10/StrandMagazine-vol9-p588-Dix.jpg?format=500w
https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/william-chatterdon-dix

History of the Carol [1]
The lyrics of this charming carol were written by William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898) in 1865. Dix, and English poet and lay theologian, wrote a poem "The Manger Throne"; three verses of the poem became our well-known Christmas carol, "What Child is This?"

The tune for the carol is known as "Greensleeves", a traditional English ballad that dates from the sixteenth century. Apparently, the tune was first copyrighted by a man called Richard Jones (with lyrics that were neither religious nor respectable). The tune probably has an older origin. In his play, The Merry Wives of Windsor (1597), Shakespeare named the tune twice: once in Act II, Scene I ("I would have sworn his disposition would have gone to the truth of his words; but they do no more adhere and keep place together than the Hundredth Psalm to the tune of 'Green Sleeves'") and once in Act V, Scene 5 ("Let the sky rain potatoes; let it thunder to the tune of 'Green Sleeves'"). The tune was played when the enemies of King Henry VIII were hanged.

PHOTO: The tune for the carol is known as "Greensleeves", a traditional English ballad that dates from the sixteenth century. Apparently, the tune was first copyrighted by a man called Richard Jones (with lyrics that were neither religious nor respectable).
Picture posted by etsy.com - “Greensleeves”
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https://i.etsystatic.com/11680606/r/il/de6379/846384461/il_794xN.846384461_r5ky.jpg
https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/250984213/historically-stylized-dress-greensleeves?show_sold_out_detail=1&ref=anchored_listing

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.

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.
Picture posted by etsy.com - “Greensleeves”
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PHOTO: Lady Greensleeves (English Edition) by C.K. Brooke
Prologue: "You've heard the song about me. Minstrels still sing it. Musicians play the tune to this day. To any listener, the lyrics would convey the composer believed his love was unrequited. Was it? I am the one he called Lady Greensleeves. This is my story."
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadgpiVs_hRGdSMH4k676Ryst0P8Qv3-X_gWtNMhBzgQGIShsYDwVTn5Bz2Muk8stRIeAVPar2AcDdVarUwHt3yZCKjwZ_5yR1VT1RCkTI4kJC5LRmgRqlVGYw0_MHd-vmEbRhlD4tsLQ/s1600/720115106_1.png
https://d2t3xdwbh1v8qy.cloudfront.net/content/B083HMVVMJ/resources/720115106
https://www.amazon.es/Lady-Greensleeves-English-C-K-Brooke-ebook/dp/B083HMVVMJ#reader_B083HMVVMJ

It was used as the tune for the hymn "The old Year Now Away Has Fled" in New Christmas Carols, published in 1642. It became the tune for several other hymns as well.

It was in 1865 that Dix brought together his lyrics and the tune; probably helped by English composer and organist John Stainer (1840-1901), who did the harmonisation. Dix was working as a manager of a maritime insurance company when, at the age of 29, he developed a near fatal illness, during the course of which he had a significant spiritual experience and read the Bible with much attention. This resulted in the writing of several hymns, including "What Child Is This?" The carol was published in 1871 in Christmas Carols Old and New, edited by English clergyman and hymnologist Henry Ramsden Bramley (1833-1917) and John Stainer. The two contributed to a revival of Christmas carols in nineteenth-century Victorian England.

PHOTO: It was in 1865 that Dix brought together his lyrics and the tune; probably helped by English composer and organist John Stainer (1840-1901), who did the harmonisation.
Picture posted by etsy.com - “Greensleeves”
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN9vdfPeDnlT_ay-tkafiuXLnR6yYN4-0b50ie8QRpM3sJ1jmS0vU9am6VppocAzru2OPfOLWVIyst523TeqxCkNavdVw0ObJ2Gd9v4d7SvzphGpVjh_Bh6KIFF2ASXTL7judpU0dtYE/s1600/il_794xN.846350269_s6ix.jpg
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Biblical Insights from the Carol [1]
The important question is asked at the beginning of the first stanza: "What child is this?" Mary, the angels, and the shepherd are mentioned, referring to the account of Christ's birth in Luke 2. The answer to the question is quickly provided in the second half of the stanza: "This, this is Christ the King". This refers to what we read in Matthew 2 about how the magi from the East came looking the new-born king of Israel (Matthew 2:2). We are urged to hurry ("Haste, haste"), the way the shepherds "hurried off" (Luke 2:16) after being told by the angel of Christ's birth and after witnessing the angelic choir. "To bring Him Laud" means to praise, glorify, and worship Him, the way the magi "bowed down and worshipped" Him (Matthew 2:11) and the shepherds glorified and praised God (Luke 2:20).

PHOTO: "What child is this?" Mary, the angels, and the shepherd are mentioned, referring to the account of Christ's birth in Luke 2. The answer to the question is quickly provided in the second half of the stanza: "This, this is Christ the King".
Picture posted by SlideServe - Jesus, the Son of God, who comes to our lives, to our hearts - Advent (coming), Parousia (Greek: presence), Epiphany (manifestation)
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https://www.slideserve.com/fathi/adviento

How is Jesus your Saviour and Lord? Think of the cross on Calvary and the throne room in your heart. What does "enthrone Him" mean to you? What are the implications of doing so for your life's goals, activities, and relationships? How would this change your priorities?

How is Jesus your Saviour and Lord?
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.

PHOTO: The ox and ass would be a reference to Isaiah 1:3. The ox was a clean animal while the ass was unclean, according to the dietary rules in the law of Moses. Some church fathers saw this in the context of the nativity story to mean that Christ brought together both Jews (represented by the ox) and Gentiles (represented by the ass). This becomes clear when we read in Acts how Jesus commands His disciples to preach the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, leading to a church containing members from both groups, united by and in Christ.
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https://www.agefotostock.com/age/en/Stock-Images/Rights-Managed/MEV-10925721
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-good-christian-men-rejoice.html

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)

PHOTO: How is Jesus your Saviour and Lord?
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, wounding Him so that we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).
Picture posted by alexpixels on 05 January 2019
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https://www.deviantart.com/alexpixels/art/isaiah-53-5-779715764

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.

PHOTO: 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", a reference to John 1:14 - God became man and pitched His tent among us, for our own good.
Picture posted by piqsels.com
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https://www.piqsels.com/en/search?q=crucifixion
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/reflection-once-in-royal-davids-city.html

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).

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).
Photo by lzf, posted by Depositphotos, Inc
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https://st2.depositphotos.com/2146559/5229/i/950/depositphotos_52297845-stock-photo-cheering-woman-open-arms-at.jpg - (52297845_11.png)

https://depositphotos.com/52297845/stock-photo-cheering-woman-open-arms-at.html

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.

PHOTO: 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.
Picture posted by iStockphoto
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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 [2]
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.

PHOTO: 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. Even in the midst of our suffering, our hopefulness should be apparent.
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https://www.gotquestions.org/img/OG/submit-to-God.jpg
https://www.gotquestions.org/submit-to-God.html

Our life's activities [2]
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.

PHOTO: "How can you be so hopeful in such difficult circumstances?" 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.
Picture posted by Johanna Whitaker
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https://cms.hostelworld.com/hwblog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/07/Cycling-the-Danube-@adventuresofsophh-Bratislava.jpg
https://www.hostelworld.com/blog/solo-travel-makes-you-undateable/

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.

PHOTO: Our life's activities
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.
Picture posted by Clinton Lofthouse Advertsing Photographer and Digital Artist
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https://www.clintonlofthousephotography.com/Stills-Portraits

Our life's relationships [2]
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.

PHOTO: Our life's relationships
We must present our faith 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.
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https://www.christianmingle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/1908_CM_EN_MG_TA-Banner_1920x1080_Bible-verses-for-women.jpg - (Bible-verses_1.jpg)

https://www.christianmingle.com/en/believe/living/bible-verses-for-her

How would this ("enthrone Jesus") change your priorities? [3]
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).

PHOTO: 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.
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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.

PHOTO: We have fears that need to be overcome by the promises of God. We have doubts that need to be answered. 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.
Picture posted by Calvary Baptist Church of North Lenoir County
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https://www.cbckinston.com/morning-memos/2017/6/14/gods-promises-are-there-for-the-ones-that-will-ask-in-faith

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.

PHOTO: 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.
Picture posted by dyed4youart.com - Woman worshipping the Lord in glorious sun.
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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. [3]

PHOTO: 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.
God only calls us to tell others the reasons which that very day are making us hopeful in Christ.
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/803188914779139778/

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.

PHOTO: In "enthroning" Jesus in our life, our priorities will be to reverence God instead of man.
Picture posted by clair0bscur pm 29 October 2014 - Guardian Angel, Model : Jessica Truscott
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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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Reflection - What Child is That?
Question from source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Chapter 20, "What Child is That?" Page 197.
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] From "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Copyright © 2017 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-11-6752-2, Chapter 20, "What Child is That?", Page 191-197.

[2] BibleRef, Ministry of Got Questions.org, What does 1 Peter 3:15 mean?, https://www.bibleref.com/1-Peter/3/1-Peter-3-15.html

[3] John Piper, desiringGod.org, chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary, Make a Case for Your Hope, posted on 19 October 1980, https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/make-a-case-for-your-hope

Links

Chapter 7 - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-good-christian-men-rejoice.html

1 Peter 2:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A24&version=NIV

1 Peter 3:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+3%3A15&version=NIV

Isaiah 1:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+1%3A3&version=NIV

Isaiah 8:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Isaiah+8%3A14&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 53:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53%3A5&version=NIV

James 2:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2%3A17&version=NIV

John 1:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A1&version=NIV

John 1:5, 9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A5%2C+9&version=NIV

John 1:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1%3A14&version=NIV

Luke 2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2&version=NIV

Luke 2:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A16&version=NIV

Luke 2:20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A20&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

Matthew 2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2&version=NIV

Matthew 2:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A2&version=NIV

Matthew 2:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A11&version=NIV

Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV