The Birth of Christ

Jesus, also called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. He left the splendors of heaven to come live on earth, the earth He created, to live with mankind, to suffer pain, hunger and hatred, and finally to be crucified on the cross, the punishment reserved for vile criminals. He did this all because He loved us. "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour" (Ephesians 5:2).

The story of the birth of Christ, of all stories, lies nearest to the heart of Christians. It is one of the greatest miracles of all ages. In it is revealed the love of God to mankind.

Man, through sin, separated himself from the fellowship of God. God promised Adam and Eve a Redeemer after their transgression in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15). It was God’s plan to restore or bring back what was lost.

Complete text of: The Birth of Christ

He inspired his prophets to foretell of the coming of their Redeemer. To make it more impressive and that man might be looking for Him; He gave them rituals to observe in their worship pointing to Christ. Through centuries many prophets have spoken of Him as they were led of the Holy Ghost. The patriarch Jacob foretold in the blessing of Judah: “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah… until Shiloh come” (Genesis 49:10). Moses the great man of God said: “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken” (Deuteronomy 18:15). The prophet Isaiah spoke words which Jesus much later applied to Himself: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives” (Isaiah 61:1). More than seven hundred years before the birth of our Savior, the prophet Micah pinpointed the city of his nativity by saying: “But thou, Bethlehem… out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2). His coming was in a time when gross darkness prevailed, “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people” (Isaiah 60:2).

The fullness of time had come and the angel of the Lord announced the great event. First Mary was told, “That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35), and “Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Later it was announced to the shepherds who watched their flocks by night, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). A multitude of the heavenly host in a night chorus praised God saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). After the angels were gone into heaven, the shepherds went to behold this wonder of wonders and found it as the angels had made known unto them. Wise men from the east, guided by a star, sought Him and found Him as foretold (Matthew 2:11). Many people marvel at the birth of Jesus and search the Scriptures for details to be assured that Jesus is the only “name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Jesus confirms this great gift in John 3:16 by saying: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God gave his Son to be crucified that through this atonement, shedding of his blood, we might have the forgiveness of sins. Now if Jesus had not come into the world, there would have been no atonement. Our salvation depends upon his birth, his death, his resurrection, and our acceptance of Christ as Savior. It is of utmost importance that one believes on the “only begotten of the Father” and accepts Him as his personal Savior. He came to give the more abundant life.

Let all men seek Him, find Him, adore Him, and live such lives as are acceptable to Him. Is it possible that Christ’s birth is commemorated at Christmas, and Christ Himself should be left out? When this happens, many people attempt to fill the resultant emptiness with glitter and decorations, with things and activities. A sincere Christian, seeing the commercialism of the Christmas season, will feel that the true Christmas spirit has been lost. Christmas should be a time of rereading and celebrating the timeless holy story. The Christian celebration should not focus on festivities and selfish activities. Let us joyously call to remembrance “what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1). “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). With the eye of faith and in the spirit of true humble worship, may we, as the wise men, follow the star that leads to the Christ child and give Him our devotion!

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The Responsibility of Parents

It is the nature of parents to love their children. When children are small, parents diligently attend to their needs, giving them the best of care. They rejoice in their steady growth and happiness. When children become sick, a mother spares no efforts day or night to nurse them back to health. Parents delight to see their children achieve worthwhile objectives in life. All this and much more is the privilege and duty of parents toward their children.

If parents are Christians and live the Bible, they will live an exemplary life before their children, a life they wish their children to pattern after. Since “the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Genesis 8:21), it is necessary that training and teaching be done early in life. It is said, “A child learns more by observation than through instructions.”

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). To a great extent, the future happiness and destiny of children hinges on the teaching and instruction they receive. Living and teaching the Ten Commandments is not a matter we can face with indifference. Parents who live unconcerned and ungodly lives will have an effect upon their children. On the other hand, there are blessings that follow generations of God-fearing parents.

“For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Sin leaves a trail of sorrow in this world and the sinner reaps sorrow and suffering in hell forever. However, the judgment on sin is removed when the sinner repents and the Lord forgives him. Many children suffer physically and mentally because of the sins of ungodly parents.

The influence that parents have for good or evil is much greater than they often realize. Parents who do not worship God, read the Bible, or have family worship in their homes are not doing their duty before God and their children. Fathers and mothers should be faithful and unwavering in their Christian lives.

Complete text of: The Responsibility of Parents

Parents need to be alert to evil spirits that influence children. Evil spirits are subtle and destructive, and will seek to control a heart that is young and tender. When these become established in a child’s life, they are difficult to root out.

The spirit of rebellion is rampant in the world today. We read in 2 Timothy 3:1-2 that there will be disobedience to parents in the last days. The spirits of pride, anger and envy become evident in a child’s heart at an early age. It is important that parents possess the spirit of God so they can discern Satan’s work and deal with their children as the Lord directs.

Power to resist these spirits will only come through earnestly seeking the Lord in prayer. Failure to successfully accomplish this by God’s grace will leave the child with many frustrating disadvantages.

A child often manifests a stubborn self-will. When teaching and pleading in love and gentleness will not convince him, stricter methods of discipline must be applied. This will be for the future good and salvation of the child. The home and God’s kingdom will be blessed and society will benefit.

In Proverbs 13:24 we read, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15). Oftentimes a lack of love for the child prevents parents from taking the right course in discipline.

These scripture quotations from the book of Proverbs do not approve nor encourage child abuse. The “rod of correction” has proven effective when administered with love. The pain the child feels causes the parents to suffer also. When a pure love for the child and his soul is alive in the heart of the parents, the punishment given will bind parents and child closer together. Parents who discipline with anger are apt not to achieve good results because confidence between the child and parents will be greatly strained or broken. Oh! That all parents would use the Bible method of training their children, and God’s blessing will surely follow.

Providing an atmosphere where children are taught by love and example is essential. Give children a consistent example of love, tolerance and compassion and you have given to them guidelines to constructive and consistent living. Show them that unbecoming language and behavior does not need spite or ridicule to correct it, and you have demonstrated to them the heart’s capacity for warmth in a trying situation. Teach them that sorrow and misfortune can befall anyone and that everyone merits compassion and understanding in the name of Christ—then you have given them the key to the heart of their fellow man.

Demonstrate to your child that God loves all men equally, and he will see the white fields of harvest our Savior saw (John 3:16, John 4:35).

Show your children by example that the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God (James 1:20), and you will have begun to lead them into the realm of man’s insufficiency and God’s sovereignty. God will conduct the affairs of all men according to his perfect will.

Show kindness and impartiality to those who are least and you have shown them the door to greatness.

Teach them that the redeeming grace of God is God’s remedy for sin and failure in every human heart, and you will have bequeathed to them the true reason for thankfulness. This will open doors of blessing and faith to them. If they acquire an unfeigned love for the truth, they will be led to the door of eternal life.

Family Beatitudes

Blessed is the family that honoreth the Lord;
That loves to worship side by side with hearts of one accord.
Blessed are the parents who will ever lead the way,
And bring the children to his house upon the Lord’s Day.

Blessed is the family that finds no greater thrill,
Than joining hands in Christian love to do the Master’s will.
Blessed is the family that daily bows in prayer,
And of the increase of their toil, will give the Lord his share.

Blessed is the family that taketh great delight,
In making of their home more than a shelter for the night.
Blessed is the family, whose circle is complete:
That find in one another a companionship so sweet.

Blessed is the family that bears a common load;
Rejoice and prays together as they travel on life’s road.
Blessed is the family where peace and joy abound;
And where distrust and greediness are never to be found.

Blessed is the family that maketh God their choice;
In whatever plans they draw will listen for his voice.
So that finally, when they, God’s will on earth have done;
They, with God and angels, in heaven will have a home.

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The Hidden Cry

What means this throbbing in my breast?
This constant search for peace and rest?
This loneliness I feel?
Even when I mingle with the crowd
This aching void is deep and loud;
Its cry is real! So real!

Vain World, can you appease this quest?
Do your vast stores supply this rest?
Then quell this longing cry!
Lo! Riches, laughter, pride, and fame,
When claimed, are merely but a name!
They fail to satisfy!

Ah, ‘tis my soul! It is thy cry!
Thou seest eternal death is nigh,
Unless God gives thee rest?
Entombed, thou art a part of Him;
And hence, you seek release from sin,
To dwell with Him at last!

Oh! I am wretched! I’m lost in sin!
Estranged from God is my soul within!
Have mercy, Lord on me!
Hark! Hark! A voice now calls my name:
“Dear Sinner, I have borne your blame:
I shed my blood for thee!

To those who come, I give sweet rest,
A quietness within the breast;
'Tis found alone in Me.”
I’m coming, Lord, I’m coming now!
Low at Thy cross I gladly bow;
I bring my all to Thee!

Complete text of: The Hidden Cry

Sweet peace is mine at Calvary!
My burden flees, my soul is free!
(Here would I ever stay!)
Yes, Jesus stills that hidden cry;
My soul has now a home on high,
And waits for that great day!

You may be acquainted with this hidden cry if Jesus does not control your heart. You may not altogether understand this yearning. It’s your soul crying out for God. He made it, and it reaches out for Him. “Man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). That soul shall live on and on—eternally.

There is a great restlessness sweeping over the face of the earth; much running to and fro (Daniel 12:4). A confusing and foolish search for pleasure prevails instead of man turning earnestly to God for the answer to his soul’s quest. Many men and women, boys and girls give up honesty and decency with the vain hope of satisfying this aching void within. In their attempt to fill this emptiness, it is natural for people to pursue “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). It is sad to think that thousands, even millions, are being led farther and farther into Satan’s great trap with these lusts. At the last day they will face the piercing truth that Satan was a deceiver and that sinful, carnal living was only an illusion. At the end of life’s way they will be cast into the fiery pit of hell. In hell! There they will suffer untold torment and agony through the never-ending ages of eternity. (See also Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:8)

Today is still the day of grace, the time when sinners can come to the Lord for forgiveness. Today, if your heart is throbbing and crying out for peace and rest, turn to Him whom your soul loves. Sin separates us from God, but there is One who can save you—Jesus, the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16). He longs to save you. He alone can give you rest of heart and mind. He so tenderly invites “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Jesus suffered and died on the cross to redeem our souls (1 Peter 2:24). We were the guilty ones! Justice demanded that each of us should die—even the eternal death. But because of this redemption, death shall be “swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). Jesus was the innocent “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). He loved the souls of men so much that He was willing to leave his Father’s throne with all its glories and come to this earth. Jesus lived here as a man and then gave his life on the cross. He shed his blood to atone for our sins. “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:15).

Many people think that they will be saved simply because they believe in Jesus. Truly, we must believe in Him, but “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). Jesus Himself said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

Your soul may be restless, and you may fear eternity because of sin in your heart. Come to Jesus with your whole heart and ask Him to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Sin cannot enter heaven. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). But take courage! “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

As you read these words you may feel the Spirit of God knocking so gently at your heart. Come to Jesus now! He is ready to forgive and to deliver you from the bondage of sin and fear.

To answer God’s call, open your heart to Him. Acknowledge that you are a helpless sinner, and that you are eternally lost. Believe that your only hope is in Jesus, who suffered and died for your sins. This will bring a deep sorrow for your sins. As you repent and make a full commitment to God, He will forgive you. You will feel a calmness and peace that will satisfy the cry in your heart. It is important to follow in obedience as the Holy Spirit begins to direct your life. He will lead you to confess your sins and make restitution where necessary. This is the new birth Jesus speaks of in John 3:3.

A born-again person receives a new nature, new desires, and a heart filled with God’s love. Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, abides in the heart of a born-again person, and the longing of the soul is satisfied. He has fellowship with his Maker! As he remains humble and obedient to the still small voice of the Spirit of God, he will be led in the way that leads to eternal bliss.

May we make the plea once more? Won’t you come to Jesus today? Do not muffle the hidden cry any longer! In a world of confusion and turmoil where sin is rampant on every side, you can have sweet peace and rest!

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