right out of this frame to he here with us!” So great was the child’s loneliness for his parent, I ’m sure the father would have been deeply touched if only he could have materialized before their eyes. Two thousand years ago God did just exactly that. He stepped out of the frame of human history or as John expresses it, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Has the Lord Jesus Christ now become real to you, or is He more like a picture on the wall, a motto, a doctrine, or a church creed? I t may be nice to look at, but that’s not enough for salvation. This glorious Christmas day, the Saviour can live by faith in your heart, and cause you to live anew. This is what is meant by being bom again. Through the Lord’s matchless grace, we can say of Christ, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeak able gift.” WHAT’S THE OCCASION? No doubt as Christians we have a tendency to forget what is the vital thing behind the celebration of Christ mas. It may be like the dozen or so women who were having a delightful time together at a restaurant. As they shared lunch, someone asked, “What’s the occasion anyway?” The hostess quickly explained, “We’re celebrating a baby’s birthday.” Since no child was visible, the polite question followed, “I don’t understand; where’s the baby?” The woman was rather shocked that any one would wonder, “Oh, I wouldn’t bring him along; he’s too small, so I left him home. He doesn’t know any thing about it.’’ That’s understandable, and yet isn’t there a seasonal and spiritual application here? How many people there are who celebrate the birth day of the King of kings, the Saviour of the world, and yet, in essence, they’ve failed to invite Him into their lives as Saviour. More than this, too many Christians forget to bring the Lord into every sphere of activity in which they are engaged. For some, it’ll be a big Christmas, and yet for many it’s still a little Christ. We bedeck the fir or pine tree and yet not pause to con- 26 God desires and seeks to visit us. Is there room in our hearts’ inn?
sider the accursed tree on which Christ hung for us. In all of the tinsel and trappings we must be sure that we place the emphasis where it properly belongs. With the shepherds of old, may we return to the crowded marts, glorifying and praising God for all the things we have heard and seen.
Fear is the dark room where negatives are developed.
THE BIRTH OF ROYALTY In the palaces of kings and queens, the heralding of the birth of a son, an heir apparent to the throne, brings news of greatest joy. Britishers remember some years ago when Queen Elizabeth gave birth to Prince Philip. The news was spread far and wide. The throng crowding Buckingham Square burst in to applause and wild cheers when word was flashed. A moment before a quiet air of anticipation had pervaded the air. Then a guard came out into the courtyard and shouted so all could hear, “A prince has been bom! A prince has been born!” Like wildfire word spread in every direction. Associated Press re calls that tears welled up in many eyes. The Sunday night stillness was punc tuated with, shouts and cheers. That must have been a night those people will never forget. More than 1900 years ago another announcement was made. Only this Child was not to be the ruler of the British Empire. He was the Son of God, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Saviour of the world. Does the news of His birth cause both tears and triumphs? The message should re sound not only at Christmas time but all the time through every aspect of our lives.
When it comes to helping others, un fortunately, too many people follow the path of least assistance.
FORGOTTEN IN THE CRUSH There was a very exclusive dinner party held at a certain home in honor of the birth of a new son. Guests ar rived on the chill December evening to
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