A Christmas Message

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 10, 1 December 1950, Page 1

A Christmas Message

By Mrs. J. Hictt, Dunedin

Joy to rite world the Lord hath come. Immanuel, God with us, has been fulfilled. The angel’s message to the shepherds was joyous beyond thought —“Be not afraid, for behold 1 bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.” Jesus brought joy to the world with His advent, and in His last message He said, “That my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Jesus is still with us, His joy remains with us and in us. There are many lessons to be learned at Bethlehem. Here is one which may be helpful to us. How faithful are God’s promises. The coming of the Messiah was a promise fulfilled. The world had grown grey; generations rose and passed a,way; many w ere in despair, others mocked. The fires of hope burned low. Had God forgotten? Had sin destroyed God’s power to keep His promise? No! Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. In the fulness of time, God sent His Son, born of a woman. Have you l>een long pleading for some promise? Are you growing impatient? Is doubt creeping in? Learn at the manger in Bethlehem to wait for the fulness of time. Still plead His promises. Heaven and earth may pass away, but the word of the Lord endureth for ever. We are in the line ot His will. The promise of victory over evil will be fulfilled. May we stand among those who believe His promises and who grow not wearyr The angels said, “Fear not.” The outlook for 'iod’s people seemed hopeless; crushed by the

invader, suppressed by Rome —Would a deliverer ever come? And then the glorious message of good tidings of great joy. Immediately the shepherds heard the celestial choir singing “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill to men.” Christ came fo reveal God’s goodwill to men. Those humlde shepherds became witnesses, for they made known abroad the saying that was told them concerning this child. They passed on the message, “Unto you is l>orn a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend on us, we pray, Cast out our sin and enter in Be born in us this day. And we, too, will proclaim to the world the joyful tidings: Behold He makes all things new. He is aide to save to the uttermost all that come unto God through Him. Tlu* restless millions wait the light. Whose conung niaketh all things now. Christ also waits; hut men are slow ami late. Have we done what we could? Have I? Have you? May this Christmas time of glad tidings so flood our hearts and minds that we W’ill go forth with joyful footsteps to carry the glad tidings to those who have never listened to the voice of Jesus. Then this Christmas wifi he the brightest and best of all the Christmas days that have gone before. Wt owe a debt of love to all people on Jesus’ account. As we pay this debt we get other things in full—peace, joy, and abundant life. S< we wish you all a joyous Christmas crammed full with love for Jesus and for those for whom He came to save.