"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten (revealed) of the Father, full of grace and truth....And His name if called The Word of God."
(John 1:14; Revelation 19:13)
John F. Wade wrote, "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful," in 1743. There is just no greater expression of worship, even to this present day-- "Jesus, to Thee be all glory given, Word of the Father now in flesh appearing." The Luke 2 passage is by far the most famous and most used "Christmas Story" in the Church. But in order to get the full impact of the Christmas Story, one must include our text, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.... His name is called the Word of God." The baby in that dark, cold stable was He of which another Carol says, "Yet in thy dark street shineth the Everlasting Light."
You may struggle from time to time with the "mundaneness" of life, every day concerns, worries, apprehensions. From time to time you may watch or listen to Christian media, or hear guest speakers in your local church who speak of great exploits, such great commitment and enthusiasm for the work of Christ and His Church, always busy, consumed with, "the work of the ministry"--------------------- and you get discouraged because it seems as though you cannot measure up, have failed or are just of no account in the Kingdom. Whatever the Holy Spirit says to you at such times, obey. But do not obey some hype which can appear as great spirituality.
This season, just take some moments from time to time and remember the words of some of the great Carols. This Glorious Jesus Christ, of Whom they all speak, He Who is, "Word of the Father now in flesh appearing," appeared for all you and me. And in honor of the Advent admonition to celebrate The Second Coming of Christ, He Who is "Word of the Father now in flesh appearing" will again be He Who is "Word of the Father now in flesh appearing!! Now don't think yourself too mature for such a seeming "simple" reality. Once again, consider Oswald Chambers' word, "Beware of always trying to be profound. God became a baby."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I sing with the angels and saints of the ages, "Jesus, to Thee be all glory given." Amen.
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Read of the private super tanker sent to help Israel:
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
