The title above is taken from third stanza of the popular carol - O little town of Bethlehem written by Rector Philips Brooks(1835-1905) of Philadelphia following a pilgrimage to the Holy land.
The second stanza of this carol is particularly reminiscent of the current season we are celebrating - Christmas, here are some excerpts of it:
For Christ is born of Mary....
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth
Great lyrics, wouldn't you agree? Certainly.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace(Isaiah 9:6)
It is a blessing to be grateful for the continuous outpouring of God's Love and mercy which can not be merited but given by grace(of which we celebrate on this occasion of Christmas).
Lets get more enlightenment from the hand of Apostle Paul. shall we?
O yes! here we go...
When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His son, made of a woman, under the law to redeem them that were under the law that we may receive the adoption of sons(Gal 4:4)
Man O man! What a great inheritance we have in Christ Jesus! It's immeasurable.
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners(1Timothy 1:5)
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men(Titus 2:11)
Lets stand fast therefore in the liberty where with Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage(Galatians 5:1). Lets by Love serve each other, bear one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ. For He has given us a new commandment; that we should Love one another as he has loved us. The scriptures say he loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end(John 13:1b)
And in this season of Christmas and indeed at all times and in all places, lets not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, lets do good to all men especially those who are of the household of faith(Galatians 6:9-10)
And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him(Colosians 3:17)
And...
As the new year dawns, may it bring your way joy unspeakable and refreshing and fruitful seasons in your life and family.
May God grant you according to the riches of His glory to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in your inner man, and may you by the abounding grace of God always have all sufficiency in all things that you may abound to every good work.
Merry Christmas to you.
Peace & love
Sterling libs
