What Child is This? by Susan Barclay

There are a lot of songs I love at Christmas, but What Child is This? is one that I've always loved. Written in 1865 by William Chatterson Dix, its haunting melody, pacing, and lyrics draw me in every time.

"What child is this?" the writer asks. He then goes on to answer that this babe is the "King of kings," "Christ the King," and the "son of Mary."

Much has been made of this child from the time of His birth. Joseph, his earthly father, considered breaking his betrothal to Mary, thinking she'd been unfaithful. Angels spurred shepherds to visit Him at the manger site. The magi were inspired to follow a star and seek Him out. Herod ordered the execution of all the boys two years old and younger in vicinity of Bethlehem because he feared who He would become. Jesus astounded the teachers in the synagogue with His wisdom when He was only twelve, then there were the years of His ministry after His baptism around the age of thirty. And what discussion of Christ can avoid mentioning his trial, crucifixion and resurrection?

In the centuries since the New Testament account of His life, Jesus has been loved, hated, revered, feared, misunderstood. His name has been misused and applied to ungodly causes as well as been the reason for many good ones. But the most important question of all is this: Who is Jesus to you?

You see, the answer to this question has eternal consequences. Jesus said, 

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me (John 14: 6), and

Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me (Matthew 12:30)

These are bold words. Jesus doesn't allow for any wriggle room. What you decide about Him matters. Oh, I know there are those who say that Jesus was just a man who has gone the way of all men, or He was a good teacher, nothing more; I have prodigals of my own and my heart cries out for them (and for you). We have a fierce enemy who knows how to mislead and deceive and to blind eyes to the Truth. If you are reading this as a doubter, I encourage you to investigate the claims of the Bible wholeheartedly and without prejudgment. Don't just seek out sources that confirm the belief you already hold; really do your homework. Jesus can stand the scrutiny. Follow the examples of Lee Strobel, journalist and former atheist, the late Nabeel Quereshi, a former devout Muslim, and others like them, and commit to the research. God knows if you really want to know and follow Truth and He is faithful to do His part if you will do yours.

The book of Isaiah and the New Testament identify at least 31 reasons why Jesus left His throne in glory and came to earth to dwell among men. He is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace. Know Him and live.

Who is Jesus to you? What child is this? These questions are too important to go unanswered. No answer is an answer, after all. God is reaching out. If you are stirred, I plead with you not to harden your heart. Every single one of us is going to die; no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Do not wait. God is the initiator and perfecter of faith. Seek Him and follow His life-giving ways. Those who are wise still search for Him. Today is the day of salvation. 

 

Instrumental version

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You can find out more about Susan Barclay's writing at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com

Beyond the Basic Wish List by Sharon Espeseth

Free Image of Sears Wish Book

Depending on your age, my readers, you may be familiar with Eaton’s or Sear’s Christmas Wish Book. You may remember times in your childhood, or your children’s childhood, when the arrival of the Christmas Wish Book delivered delight and anticipation to your home.

Unsplash Photo by

Annie Spratt

Now, in a more senior season of my life, I am looking forward to the coming of Christmas, still with delight and anticipation, but knowing full well that I don’t need the toys, jewels, or clothes that once turned my head.











What Do I Want for Christmas?




Any time with family is a special time. At Christmas this is especially important. The presence of family is a true gift--one for which we give thanks. Being with and connected to family and loved ones at Christmas is something one can never take for granted.


This Christmas I also want to be mindful of the gifts God gives us--the important, everlasting gifts, like unconditional love, forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. These are gifts, but we need to claim them. St. Paul tells the Ephesians, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)





Spiritual Bonuses

Besides these overwhelming, destiny-changing presents, God gives us spiritual snacks and supports for our heavenward journey. If we want to live abundantly, or travel first-class, we merely need to ask. Jesus reminds us that, compared to earthly fathers who want to give good gifts to their children, God the Father has more resources for giving gifts to those who ask. The gift, may or may not be a new car, but God knows what we truly want and need before we ask.

Praying for the Holy Spirit would be a wise choice. Christ promised he would send the Holy Spirit to be with us and comfort us. If we ask, the Comforter will bring us all kinds of gifts: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

Promises, Promises. . .

God promises blessing to make our lives more abundant. We’ve all heard, "Promises, Promises. . . ,” sarcastically spoken. But God delivers on his promises. In all circumstances, God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28)

We’ll still have our hills and valleys, but God can take care of this too. Isaiah prophesies that every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. (Isaiah 40:4)

Then there are times when God in his wisdom sees that it is better to leave us with our impediments. Paul pleaded with the Lord to take away his “thorn in the flesh,” but the Lord replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Grace is another promised gift that is ours for the asking. God’s grace doesn’t depend on our strength or worthiness.

Be Careful What You Ask For

Solomon, young and anxious about becoming king, asked God for “a discerning heart to govern (God’s) people” and “the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.” God was so enthused about his request that he promised Solomon he would be wiser than anyone before him and anyone after him. God’s gift of wisdom made Solomon’s reign unforgettable.

We too can ask for wisdom. In the New Testament, James advises us that if we feel lacking in wisdom, we should ask God. (James 1:5)

Jesus tells us we only need to ask and then we will receive. (Matthew 7:7-8) James warns his new-Christian readers, “You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:2b-3)

How Do We Ask for Worthy Gifts?

Jesus taught us how to ask for worthy gifts. We begin our prayer with praise and honour to God, Our Heavenly Father. Then we ask for our daily needs. It is wise to ask for deliverance from evil. We can ask forgiveness, but Jesus reminds us that we should also be willing to forgive those who wrong us.

How Can We Grow in Our Spiritual Lives?

Regularly “eating” our spiritual fruits will make life easier. Reading God’s Word and praying will help us grow. Asking for help to be more loving, joyful, patient and kind will foster better relationships with others. Although we can’t regulate how others treat us, we can ask for control over our reactions.

Satisfaction Guaranteed?

By appreciating God’s gifts, we will store up treasures in heaven where thieves can’t get at them. Fancy clothes, furniture, vehicles, gourmet foods--maybe these aren’t the big-ticket items. Christ says, “Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? (Matthew 6:25b) Still, Jesus suggests we ask for “our daily bread.” And if we love our neighbour as ourselves, we will share what we have with those who are in need.

As Christ followers, we will be happier if we seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness first. The rest will be added on. (Matthew 6:33) The real gifts are the ones that bring us closer to God, closer to our brother and sister, and closer to heaven.

One of the greatest gifts is our adoption into God’s family. As God’s children, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. To share in his glory, however, we are expected to appreciate and share in Christ’s sufferings. (Romans 8:17)

Thank You Notes

With all these spiritual gifts available, let’s remember always, and maybe especially at Christmas, to be grateful that God sent his only Son to come into the world to live among us and to die for our sins. Let us rejoice and be glad that God planned so well for us, his children.

Creche Scene at St. Anne’s Catholic Church
in Barrhead

Paul advises, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) These gifts that come down from the Father are the good and perfect ones. (James 1:17) Choose well, my friends, and we will be ready to greet Emmanuel when he comes.

Prayer: During this busy, but holy season, Lord, I pray you will teach us to judge earthly matters wisely, to set spiritually meaningful priorities, and hold firmly to heavenly matters. Bless each of our InScribe colleagues and their families and loved ones, especially during this season, when we welcome Christ Emmanuel into our hearts and homes. Amen. 



* Scripture verses are from the New International Version of the Bible.

Revised by Sharon from previous iterations published in Our Family, Offerings in The Edmonton Journal 

A Revelation about Revelation

In my November 28, 2015 post, I wrote about the large print New Testament I received for Christmas  in 1970. Being able to read the Bible for myself rather than have somebody read it to me was a spiritual boon.

John MacArthur's Grace to You broadcast of December 22 resurrected a memory of something I learned twelve years ago but I hadn't associated it with Christmas before.

Revelation chapter twelve begins with an image of a woman clothed with the sun and with the moon under her feet and on her head was a crown of twelve stars. Satan, described as a great red dragon, wanted to "eat" the child as soon as he was born. From the context and the metaphorical language, we can tell that the child who was to rule the world with a rod of iron is none other than our Lord. Additionally, the entire book is, as John aptly put it, the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The birth of Christ was no ordinary event. The miracle of the virgin birth is just one facet of this pivotal event in history. It fulfilled many Old Testament prophesies and showed the heavenly Father's great love for humanity, as John 3:16 states. All the saints of old looked forward to the Messiah and we now marvel at his majesty.

Thanks to excellent Bible scholars, we learn so much more from God's Word. Satan seeks to corrupt our understanding but our Heavenly Father gives us ammunition to refute those lies. This is why discipleship is crucial for new believers.

My prayer is that God will lead young Christians to my blog where they can receive the mentoring I never had when I was young in the faith. Your prayers for my ministry, such as it is, are greatly appreciated.