Read Part 1 here and read part 2 here.
Time seemed to be able to wait no longer. Joseph sought to make things as comfortable as possible for his laboring wife. The desire of all ages was about to become a reality rapped in the garb of tiny infancy.
As Mary looked into the perfect face of her little boy she felt a thrill of wonder surge through her whole being! Holding the baby close her mind could not fully grasp the wonder of the moment. In her arms lay the Redeemer of the World.
All Heaven is filled with indescribable Joy. The Earth Lost by the fall will now be redeemed, The Savior Has been born! Earnestly the Angels search for any in Israel who are longing for the Promised Redeemer! Their hearts are bursting with great joy, yet where are they in Israel with whom they may share The Greatest News of all times? Tearfully they almost turn away for they have found non who are looking for the Savior. How can such joy be suppressed? Is there truly non who can share the joy of Heaven? But wait, Oh wait! From yonder distant meadow they hear a most welcome strain. Bending low their ears they catch the voices of a few eager countrymen. Yes, O Joy, they were talking of the coming Savior. It was the Prophecies they had on their lips! Huddled close around their dimly burning fire their faces were aglow with expectation. Far into the darkness of night they had been keeping faithful watch over their venerable sheep.
Suddenly a bright and glorious light shone over the plains of Bethlehem, illuminating the sheep and Shepherds with radiant light. In fear the shepherds looked to one another trembling. What could this be? They had not long to wonder for a sweet and melodious voice wafted over the meadow, “Fear not,” said the angel, “for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
Heaven could contain their joy no longer! Bursting out with raptured joy an innumerable company of Angels filled the valleys with rich and beautiful music, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!
Born to be a blessing Christ lived His whole life to bless others. Day by day thousands sought His presence to receive healing, life and compassion. He turned none away but bestowed upon them all their greatest need. Multitudes hung on the Words of life that He freely spoke to the weary souls all around Him. For three and a half years he ministered selflessly to the needs of humanity. Each hour the consummation of His life drew steadily closer.
When the hour had finally come the Son of God and commander of Heaven bent His weary steps toward a lonely mountain garden. The weight of the sins of all time seemed to crush out the very life of the life giver. Soon He would face all the torture of body that could be inflicted upon humanity, but would this guiltless man make it to His execution? The terrible penalty of transgression was about to prematurely end the life of its innocent victim. “Father, If it be possible let this cup pass from me!” The cry rent the still night air in chilling tones. Angels veiled their faces unable to bear the scene any longer. Nature seemed to weep over its Author. All the terrors of Hell were blasting upon the head the world’s Redeemer. “Yet not my will, but Thine be done.” Came the final submission. The Son of God would pay the debt with His own precious blood.
O sacred head, now wounded,
With grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
With thorns, Thine only crown:
O sacred head, what glory,
What bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to all thee mine
What thou, my Lord, has suffered
Was all for sinners' gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression,
But Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve thy place;
Look on me with thy favor,
Vouchsafe to me thy grace.
What language shall I borrow
To thank thee, dearest friend,
For this thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever;
And should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
Outlive my love for thee.
This represents a very small glimpse into the touching story of Redemption. The Lord of Glory has not only given up His life as a ransom but has risen again from the dead and desires to spend eternity with those who chose His matchless love. It is Christ’s desire that we would be dwellers in that land where all is joy and peace and bliss. Where there is no pain, no sorrow, no stress, and no fear. Where love is as common as the flowers and the air is filled with joyous song. There sunshine will be eternal and joy and peace will be everlasting treasures. God cannot imagine eternity without you! To reject is to pierce the heart of infinite love yet again and make Him long for you all the more. To accept is to fill Heaven with indescribable joy and interest for your success in this journey. God has made it impossible for you to be lost if you choose His plan of Salvation day by day and firmly resist the Devil and all his snares through the strength that God offers. Just as Christ endured trials and temptations and fought the devil at every turn so we must also endure the wrath of this cruelest of beings. But we will not meet this foe alone. Angels of God will be sent to give us aid.
Will you choose the love and ways of God? Will you choose to accept His plan of Salvation? Will you resist the Devil through God’s strength?
No comments:
Post a Comment