deep forests, cold and without food. Unfortunately they were re captured by the Communists, this time being kept under even closer surveillance, being treated even worse. Kept in a tiny hut they were not even allowed to speak to each other. One was a Swiss missionary who had calculated that it must have been Christmas Day. How could he get this message across to his friend? Gathering up some straw which covered the floor of his hut he broke it into pieces to form a word on the ground. The guard was unaware of what was going on as the one word "Em manuel" was spelled out in that rude and crude circumstance. What an encouragement to those two who were seemingly completely forsaken and forgotten. There was the assurance that Cod was with them. There is a Man, Jesus Christ Himself, in the heavens at the right hand of God. He has not forgotten His earthly experience. He knows and is touched by what you are experiencing. Since His ascension, He has no physical or geographical limitations. He is today with you and with me. Christ promised, "Lo, I am with you alway." This is what Christmas means to me! There is an interesting account in the Old Testament which illus^ trates further the word, "Emman uel." In Judges 16:6-8 we read, "And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee. And Samson said unto her, If they bind me with seven green withes that were never dried, then shall I be weak, and be as another man. Then the lords of the Philistines
brought up to her seven green withes which had not been dried, and she bound him with them." Note that interesting figure of speech, "She bound him with withes." These were willow cords which were strong enough to hold things tightly. When it says that God is with us, He is simply telling us that He has bound Himself to us with strong cords of love. Yes, "Emmanuel," God with us. Friend, He has bound Himself to you with His own integrity. He can never leave you nor forsake you. "I've found a friend, O such a friend; He loved me ere I knew Him. He drew me with the chords of love And thus He bound me to Him. And round my heart still closely twines Those ties which naught can sever. For I am His and He is mine, Forever and forever." Christ is Emmanuel. This is what Christmas is all about. God does not ever intend to leave us again! Dr. Ortlund is pastor of Lake Avenue Congregational Church in Pasadena, California. No Strings
Attached By ERNIE PEIRSON
Christmas immediately brings to mind the receiving of gifts. It may seem on the surface as a little bit selfish but it need not be when you think of it. It is exciting to Page 37
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