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

Be Born In Me by Lynn J Simpson

Trembling heart, somehow I believe

That You chose me

I'll hold you in the beginning

You will hold me in the end

Every moment in the middle

Make my heart your Bethlehem

Be born in me

Be Born in Me, written by Nichole Nordeman

It was springtime 2013 when I first saw the double CD collection, Music from the Story, at my favourite Christian book store. It was the second Christian music collection I ever purchased, having recently started my Christian all-in journey. One CD takes you through the Old-Testament including songs dedicated to Abraham, Joseph, and my personal favourite, Ruth and Naomi. The second CD begins with “Be Born In Me.” Sung by Francesca Battistelli, “Be Born in Me” takes you on a journey with Mary as she comes to understand the significance of the message sent to her by an angel. 

Each song from the Music from the Story collection is written by Nichole Nordeman. Answering an interviewer’s questions, Nordeman tells how listeners can apply the teachings from each of her songs.

“I think one of the goals was to be able to listen to these songs and feel more connected to these people that walked before us and learned lessons that we’re still learning. There’s such a tendency to turn them into superheroes and have these big, takeaway, moral-of-the-story moments. For me it was all about the humanity. These were broken people who were desperate and needed God. They were just like us. I really believe that, and I think we forget.”

You can read more of her interview HERE. 

Upon first listening to “Be Born in Me” I was taken not only by Francesca Battistelli’s melodious voice, but also by the lyrics that depicted Mary’s insecurity and longing to please God. The beginning lyrics of “Everything inside me cries for order,” shows Mary’s teenage confusion of life plans. Later we hear “Trembling heart, somehow I believe that You chose me,” showing Mary’s acceptance and trust of God’s chosen path for her. Who has not been confused by God’s plan for their life? Who has not found themselves on their knees, trembling before our good God surrendering to His sovereignty? Yes, Nordeman did well showing how Mary is just like us—broken and desperately needing God. Yet, still chosen. 

May you go into this Christmas season knowing that no matter how much your insides cry for order and everything in you wants to hide, God is holding you from the beginning to the end. You are His chosen one. 

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Ephesians 1:11, NLT: "Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan."

Wishing I Could be Jesus by Marcia Lee Laycock

 

Photo by author

A while ago I attended a funeral for a young man who died too soon, leaving a wife and three young girls. The sadness overwhelms at times and it makes me wish I could be Jesus, just for a few minutes, just long enough to say, as He did, “arise.”

But then, I realize that He doesn’t need me to do His work for Him. He has already done it. He has already said that wondrous, mysterious word and brought that young man into His kingdom, given him time to have a productive, full life here on this earth, and then brought Him home, to the place where he has wanted to be, as a believer in Christ.

Often, especially during these difficult days when we constantly hear about a worsening pandemic, the world seems off kilter and full of so much pain and suffering it overwhelms us. And we want to be Jesus. We want to snap our fingers and make it all better. But He is and has already been at work. He has a plan for this earth, for each one of us, a plan that goes far beyond what we could ever imagine.

God told the Hebrew people exactly that when they were in circumstances that were full of pain and suffering – their captivity in Babylon. Living as slaves, they no doubt often cried out to God to bring them relief from all the suffering and pain they experienced and saw around them.

This was His answer – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV).

At this time of year some of us are in circumstances that are made even more difficult by all the joy and/or jollity around us. Our lives have been turned upside down. And sadness overwhelms.

Here are a few things we can do when that happens:

Look up. When we see all those decorated Christmas trees, look up. Look for the star or the angel on the top. And know Jesus is with you.

Look around. There are others who are struggling. Is there something you can do for them that will lighten their hearts, and yours?

Look ahead. Jesus has promised a bright future and given us a way to know we are secure in his hand.

Yes, there are times I wish I could be Jesus. But then I remember – He is the Messiah, the Living God, our hope and our comfort. We don’t need anyone or anything else.

****

A similar version of this devotional in included in Marcia’s book, Love in the Room, a collection of devotionals just for Christmas. It can be ordered from Amazon or by emailing the author – vinemarc@telus.net

 

 

Christmas Music: The Mystery and the Miracles by Sandi Somers

Besides other forms of worship, music has…been ordered by God’s Spirit.

~J.S. Bach~

 

Wise Ones Still Seek Him

Several years ago at our church Christmas concert, a male trio sang, “Wise Men Still Seek Him.” As their beautiful, reverent voices rang out, the chorus left an indelible impression on me (even though I preferred gender-inclusive language—“Wise Ones Still Seek Him”.)

.

Wise men still seek Him today

His light still shines to point them to the way

Though fools have said in their heart there is no God

Wise men still seek Him today

 

(You can watch two different versions of the song: the CBC choir.  Or Paul Overstreet’s solo.)

 The best message of the song to me comes from the Wise Men themselves. Who were these men? They were astronomers or astrologers--scientists. They must have been intelligent and highly educated. Perhaps they were wealthy.

 How did they know what the star was telling them, that towards the west, a King was to be born? Scripture tells us nothing except that they were from the East. It has been speculated that the Jewish Daniel in Chaldea (modern-day Iran) had passed down Scripture in some way to the general population. However, the Bible doesn’t give us this information, only that THE MEN KNEW!

Today, God speaks to people in ways they understand, often through their God-given interests. We may not know how God touches a person's life for them to seek Him. But these wise men show us that God was seeking them first. God pursues us, planning “to seek and save those who were lost (Luke 19:10).

These were Gentile men outside of God's first chosen people, the Jews. But God chose them to symbolize how, in a few years, He would open His arms wide to the Gentile world. In the same way today, God reaches out to those who might feel unworthy, who know they have done terrible things, who have made choices they regret.  No matter how we may feel out of God's grace, have made wrong life choices, or turned away from Him, God still extends His love and forgiveness to us.

 The wise men responded to God’s direction to seek Jesus. Theirs was a long journey across the desert, perhaps riding on uncomfortable camels through the heat of the day and tenting in the coldness of the night. Their route took them on a detour to Jerusalem to inquire of King Herod and the Jewish spiritual leaders.

 When they found the baby who would one day be King, they rejoiced. These intelligent, wise leaders bowed down in a gesture that indicated this baby was more esteemed than they. They worshipped Him. They offered Him valuable gifts.

 

 Gold (a treasured and prestigious metal) symbolized Jesus’ Kingship

 Frankincense (an aromatic resin from a tree) symbolized  Jesus’ priestly role

    Myrrh (a tree oil that refreshes, energizes and brings calm) prefigured Jesus’ death and resurrection

 When we come to Jesus, we acknowledge Him, honour and praise Him as our King and Great High Priest who intercedes for us, and we receive new life through His substitutionary death and resurrection.  

 One of the most meaningful lessons for me was how the wise men listened to the Lord. They did not tell King Herod about this new king and their life-changing experience. Instead, God sent them on a different route back to their home.

 When we encounter the living Christ, our lives often lead us in a change of direction. We leave and go another way from the way we came. Our lives have been transformed, and Jesus tells us to, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you" (Luke 8:39)

This Christmas as you hear and sing Christmas carols and attend concerts (if Covid restrictions permit concerts), may you focus on Jesus whom we are celebrating, honouring and worshipping. May you find hope, faith, joy, and peace in Christ, our sinless, pure Saviour.

~ ~ ~

 As you think of this month’s blog themes, we have two possible invitations for you.

Image by My All for Jesus

What is your favorite Christmas song? How has it become your favourite? How has the song impacted you? Research its history as to how/why it was written and composed. What insights has it given you about the meaning of Jesus’ coming? (Bob Jones gave us a great introduction in last December’s post: “Mary Did You Know?”, as did Cara Jantzen in "It's All About You, Jesus." and others.)  

 Think of special memories of singing in a cantata or chorale, music you played for Christmas, music from your family, or any other Christmas music idea that resonates with you. Include how that music has impacted you and what message it leaves for your readers.

 

PS: As we finish writing InScribe blog posts for this year, I thank you for your contributions, as bloggers, commenters , and readers. Tracy Krauss wrote in her annual report that this year’s writing has been of the highest quality. Thank you for your wisdom, the way God is leading you, and how your writing is impacting your life and the lives of others.