Christmas Tonight!

I love this time of year! Don’t we all?  (Most of us, certainly.)  The thing that strikes me is how much we have to do and yet we still manage to throw in a few extras every day. I remember my mom saying, “I love Christmas. People do such nice things.” It occurs to me that everything Jesus touches becomes beautiful.  Many say that our Christmas holiday was developed to take the place of a pagan winter festival. That may be so. I have not done the research (‘scuse me for that), but here’s what I know: Christmas is now a beautiful and warm time because of Jesus.

The following verses are on my mind. Notice that they speak of Jesus coming to every place and person, of his care for sorrow and his love of light.  The words are by Phillips Brooks. Enjoy!

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night!
Christmas in lands of the fir tree and pine,
Christmas in lands of the palm tree and vine;
Christmas where snow-peaks stand solemn and white,
Christmas where corn-fields lie sunny and bright;
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night.

Christmas where children are hopeful and gay,
Christmas where old men are patient and gray,
Christmas where peace, like a dove in its flight,
Broods o'er brave men in the thick of the fight;
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night.

For the Christ-child who comes is the Master of all,
No place too great and no cottage too small;
The Angels who welcome Him sing from the height,
"In the city of David, a King in His might."
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night.

Then let every heart keep its Christmas within
Christ's pity for sorrow, Christ's hatred for sin.
Christ's care for the weakest, Christ's courage for right,
Christ's dread of the darkness, Christ's love of the light.
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night.

So the stars of the midnight which compass us round
Shall see a strange glory, and hear a sweet sound,
And cry, "Look! the earth is aflame with delight,
O sons of the morning, rejoice at the sight."
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night.

--Sherry Poff

Content...Whatever Sunday School Class I'm In

I was sitting in Sunday School the other day wondering once again, "Why did the Lord lead us to this class?" You see, we are in class with many of our friends' parents. That is to say, most of our class members have grandkids while we are still raising our children. We are trying to save for our retirement, they are, for the most part, retired. I have oftentimes thought that we maybe "should" be in a class of people our age; people who are going through the same trials we are...dealing with the kind of stress associated with raising teenagers, dealing with grammar school playground politics, financial burdens, etc.

As all these thoughts were running through my mind, our class began to take prayer requests. It struck me, the openness with which they shared their supplications. It honestly shocked me, their very transparent brokenness, and the depths of their pain. I had not before quite comprehended the depth of struggles that these dear brothers and sisters in Christ had seen and are still seeing in their lives. You see, the people in this class are consistently filled with joy. I mean real "Jesus through us" joy. The kind that makes you think that they not only have it all together, but that they must not be going through the horrendous pain and trials that I have. My limited reasoning suggesting that they couldn't be. How in the world would they be able to be such a steady witness of Christ, while hurting like I am...and like I have. I have often observed that there is something in their demeanor that draws you in. They literally exude the Love of Christ. So, I figured they must have a pretty good deal. They have been through their hard trials years ago and have come through it stronger and better. What I did not consider was that they were still in the midst of various trials.

Not only had they indeed gone through the current type of trials I am experiencing; but their current trials are harder, deeper, and consequently, their brokenness as well. God said to me in the stillness of my heart, "You and Brent are in this class to learn, from the example of their lives, these people are My over comers, My witnesses, and My good and faithful servants." 

I have been teaching Philippians on Wednesday nights, and our class has stood in amazement at the rejoicing of Paul in the most dire of circumstances. I have been personally challenged and commanded to rejoice in all things. I do this via Christ through me, in my mind, but not yet in a present tense sort of way that the Lord commands. I frequently allow my feelings too much weight, too much influence, and lay aside the truths I live to teach, to my great shame; however, these precious "elder" believers stand in daily witness to the truths of "to Live is Christ" and "I press on." A few months ago, I shared that the Lord was teaching me to look for a better country as Hebrews says, to not grieve the lack of leisure or easiness found here because this is not my home. These faithful saints before me not only know this truth, they live it. Which means, joy upon joy, I can too. Christ is building in Brent and me more of Him, less of us. A life meant to be sacrificed and not hoarded, not for us, but for others, but mostly for our Lord. I am but a bond-servant and my "happiness" is truly never found in the trials being gone, but in my life being gone--the daily dying to self, dying to the desire for an easier deal, living unto Christ. For he who loses his life shall find it.

So, as The Lord taught me all of this and spoke to me, I wanted to stand and proclaim, "Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake." 2 Cor. 12:10 These difficulties and trials are making me weak so that I can be stronger in His strength. So, I praise God for my trials, and I praise God for His servants that have taught me so much!!!

Sarah Beasley