BETHLEHEM KING

This is the King?This is the King?This is the one for whom all angels sing?This is the King?Wee fragile thing. This is the Son of the Lord?

Here in this stall?Here in this stall?Here in this squalor, so rude, beasts and all?Here in this stall?By God's own call?This is the Son of the Lord?

Of this maid born?Of this maid born?Of this girl resting in straw to keep warm?Of this maid born?Salvation's horn?This is the Son of the Lord?

By shepherds praised?By shepherds praised?By simple shepherds, unlearned and amazed?By shepherds praised?Our Good News raised?This is the Son of the Lord?

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What times of strife.What times of strife.What risk that Herod would snuff out his life.What times of strife.Wickedness rife.Could he be Son of the Lord?

Star's diadem?Star's diadem?On David's city, the promise of men.Star's diadem?O'er Bethlehem.Long looked for Son of the Lord?

Strange men offer.Strange men offer.Strange gifts of frankincense, rich gold and myrrhStrange signs of priest-kingWith death to endure.All for the Son of the Lord.

Humility.Humility.Humble the Christ came to you and to me.Humility.How we must see! This is the Son of the Lord.

I am but straw.I am but sheep.I am but squalor, my wickedness deep.I am unlearned.Christ end my sleep!Be born in me, Jesus, Lord.

Micah 5:

2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me

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that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

HEAVEN LOOKS UPON MARY

This is the chosen little girlWith hazel eyes and hair awhirl,Gaily gathering hillside flowersOr watching clouds for hours and hours;Singing tunes with sweet bird’s breathOr skipping streets of Nazareth;Father, this is she.

This is the chosen blooming maid,Who with her friends had often playedThe rudiments of family life,Preparing now to be a wife.Observing all the sacred rites:Passover, Purim, Feast of Lights.Father, this is she.

This is the chosen woman nowReflecting prophecy on howA virgin gives Messiah life,And she not yet kind Joseph’s wife.Her’s is the vessel, now the time.She will accept your Seed Divine.Father, this is she.

This is the chosen handmaid now,Receiving gladly Gabriel’s vow.The first to know, fair bless’ed oneThat now is her salvation come.We watched her grow so beautifully,A precious child to you and me;Father, this is she

Oh yes, dear Father, this is she.

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Fulfill her waiting womb with me.This is the time, this is her story,This the moment Christ forsakes Glory.Wondrous conception like none other,She is now made my earthly mother.Awesome purity.Bless her with grace to watch me grow.From cradle to cross she’ll love me so!Yet I will not have much time to shareIn thanksgiving for a mother’s care.Yes, bless her with grace, as now we start,For one day a sword shall pierce her heart.Father, this is she.

BUSTLING BETHLEHEM

No roomAmidst the thrash of life,The stores and wares of trade.The household sphere.The daily grind.The roles which must be played.

No room Reserved for inner peace,For solace without price.For eyes that see Beyond the now.For change, for hope, for Christ.

JUST IN TIME JESUS

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I love to consider God's perfect control over the things which He must see accomplished. It was so in the birth of Jesus. A Roman emperor had to declare a census at just the right time. The one in power was perfect for the assignment. He was in love with his own glory and took special delight in collecting numbers on the resources and people within his grasp.

When the people of God heard of this command to be numbered in the places of their birth, they made special protest. 'The travel required would throw the whole territory into turmoil and would suspend all commercial endeavour! Why not allow the registration in the places of current residence?'

A special delegation of Jews traveled to the centre of the Empire to make protest. Implementation of the census was delayed accordingly, so that the protest might be heard and considered.

Meanwhile the child in the womb of little Mary of Nazareth is coming to full term.

She is betrothed to Joseph the carpenter, of the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah. A wedding has taken place in spite of the embarrassment of the early pregnancy. God has comforted Joseph in a dream, and Joseph is a Hebrew of such spiritual sensitivity that he discerns the dream correctly.

Disappointing news upon the delegation's return. Now the whole society must hit the road; and Joseph and Mary must travel to Bethlehem. Just as prophesied in Micah 5:2.

Motion pictures have adequately portrayed to us the painful trek, the panic in the over-crowded City of David, the loneliness and humility of the young couple, the stalwart courage of the teenager in labour and the ultimate relief and faith-boost in the securing of lodging among the gentle beasts. The moment of arrival of the new life in the film "The Nativity Story" is awe-inspiring.

Consider the control of our Heavenly Father in all of this; with

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empires and egotists; with diplomacy; with conditions on the road; with a young tradesman and his bride.

And a precious babe arrives in the right place at the right time...

"Let Earth receive her King."

ALL TOO PRISTINE

The Nativity Scene in the park is colourful, spotlit, orderly...and inaccurate. In our climate it is portrayed outdoors with softly settling snow around. The piped -in music overhead reminds us of the vulnerable sweet babe in the manger.

Years ago, I was given another impression. By Phillip Keller in his book "A Layman Looks at the Lamb of God". The author had been on a nature photography trip to East Africa. A threatening storm had caused their guide to seek out shelter in order to avoid a drenching.

Eventually they found a simple village of mud thatch huts. The skies darkened. An older gentleman motioned for them to duck and enter the flap doorway of one residence. As they entered, the growlings of the tropical storm commenced.

Lighting was so sparse inside that it took a minute for eyes to adjust. Before them were a couple of goats; at one end a long wooden table; an old woman sitting cross-legged smoking; a central fire burning an offensive fuel of manure chips; an inner pollution gathering around the wall torch.

On the other side of the room, scarcely illuminated, was a teen-age girl with large, liquid eyes and an infant at her breast. Keller and his colleagues felt a little awkward in this situation, but realized that these locals were happy to offer simple hospitality.

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Another thunder clap sounded outside. But the greater impression came to Keller's spirit. It was as if the Heavenly Father had stated by His Spirit: "My Son came into this world in just such a fashion as this!"

Keller heard himself responding, "Yes, Lord, and He almost missed out on even this, because there was no room until the last moment."

At this time of year do we really get it? The impression of how great a humiliation our Jesus underwent to launch a rescue mission for undeserving sinners? I am sure that an imaginative artist would take this scene in the hut and portray an implement or fixture somewhere casting the shadow of a cross.

Let us not lose sight of the fact that this celebrated infant became a man of great physical energies and charisma, sterling character, preaching hope, comforting the bruised, convicting the hypocritical, telling of a forgiving God and Father.

MOTHERS OF SALEM

When mothers of SalemTheir children brought to Jesus,

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The stern disciples drove them backAnd bade them depart.

But Jesus saw themEre they fled, and sweetly smiled,And kindly said:"Suffer little children to come unto me."

I chuckle whenever I hear this children's hymn. Imagine it being offered up as a Christmas song in the midst of the standard commercial fare (Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Jingle Bells). This is exactly what I did as a very young child attending one of my Dad's service club Christmas parties. Children had been asked to contribute their favourite carol to the program. Some were off-key, some were shy and muted, some were mumbled and then forceful with a few remembered refrains. But young Doug? He was loud and off-topic. Or was I?

Strangely, the experience does remain in my memory. Probably because of the puzzled looks which appeared on the faces of adults as I did my best in honour of Jesus. My parents even looked a little put off for a couple of seconds. The song was in fact a children's favourite at Sunday School (Jesus is a nice guy. His ways are good. He likes kids. He wants them near. He tells friends and mothers that it must be so.)

Is this not the message which presently struggles to the surface at Christmas? The rush is on; the shops are full; the tills are ringing; the restaurants host the company parties; the festive painted windows capture the imagination; the radios repeat the signature songs of Crosby, Williams, Carpenter and Matthis.

But who 'repeats the sounding joy' of God coming near, and especially to children? When you see it. Really see it. This humbling condescension of the Most High to the over-crowded City of David and the gentle beasts and rude smells of the manger. Nothing can be more captivating.

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SIMEON’S DAY

Oh the promise had been givenAnd it fueled so many years,As the old man graced the TempleWith his praises and his tears.

With his searchings of the scriptureAnd his seasons rich in prayer.Though observers often wondered‘Would this get him anywhere?’

But he sensed deep in his spiritThat the time somehow was rightFor the entrance of MessiahFor the shining of God’s light.

For the Hope of all the agesAnd the answer to his sin.As the day had barely startedAnd a baby was brought in.

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This, a son with eager parentsAnd a modest gift of dovesMeant to purchase now the boy’s rite(As in Jewry it behooves.)

And the old one heard the SpiritSaying, ”Now it has been done.Here, your life’s long expectation.Here to bless you, God’s own Son.”

It was strange to watch old SimeonWith his look of boyish glee,With his face illumed from Heaven,As he hugged his prophecy.

Baby yes, but Son of David,God among us, Joy’s release.Having served well, faithful Simeon,Take the next step-die in peace.

Luke 2:26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

(Picture: “Simeon’s Moment” by Ron DiCianni)

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DAYBREAK PUSHING SNOW

Bruce was starting to get the feel of it again. Three-thirty rising. Check the fluids. Test the blade lift. Canvas the parked car situation. This was the second coffee shop parking lot for the day.

The overnight snow had been heavy and wet. He could tell that the truck tune-up had been worth it. Almost decided against the job. Last year had been so light on snowfall.

But now things looked better. Payments would be made on the truck. On the braces purchased for the girl friend's daughter. On the back support due to the "ex".

The radio program featured the same old morning crew. The same small talk. The same sarcastic humour at the expense of a celebrity in scandal. Conversational ping-pong. The woman announcer laughed like a man. Cheap jokes.

Aggravated, Bruce spun the dial at random, and then gathered speed to move the heavy sparkling wave northward to the large pile right of the blue Jeep. Nothing interesting coming from the radio. Just some community info. Click.

Turning southward to address another section of the lot, he saw it for the first time across the street. Church bulletin sign. Spotlit. Reading, "God Donned Diapers". He just chuckled and gave more acceleration.

But then with each swath of the harvest of snow, he saw it again. "God Donned Diapers". By reflex he reached for the radio to give it another try. Then a little more volume..."born to raise the sons of earth. Born to give them second birth. Hark the herald, angels sing. Glory to the newborn King."

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The random spin had brought him to the local inspirational F M channel. He left it there for the next hour and two more parking lots.

ANUNCIATION

Cindy had accepted somewhat awkwardly the invitation to the Advent service at St. Matthew's. Sandy had come in to the Grill for lunch with his wife Barb, and the subject had come up.

It all sounded very promising with the tasteful decorations, the right kind of Christmas music and the telling of part of the Old Story. Crystal, her three year old, would be impressed. Good to get to the values of the Season. She knew that there wouldn't be much in wrapping paper this year, Mom just having started the new job.

But Cindy had her reservations. Her parents were church folk, but they quarreled all of the time. Dad drank too much. Mom had had to take up a part-time job just to make ends meet. Neither had been in favour of her move to a new city. And Rick, the father of her child, had been in her singles group. He had split after the "bad news" of the pregnancy and was selling cars somewhere in Alberta.

Sandy had been such a refreshing customer in the restaurant. Barb had come along later. She was real and funny, and this had made her "mothering" tendencies acceptable. Cindy liked her, and felt that she could be trusted.

And now the service was underway, and Crystal obviously felt

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special in her one good dress. It appeared likely that she would be prepared to accompany the kids out to their class after the first twenty minutes. The candles, boughs and red bows had made her eyes twinkle. She was even able to join in with the chorus of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". That man Sandy was barely visible up at the organ.

Cindy's interest was taken by the teen-age girl who took the platform. She opened to the story of the angel's announcement of strange birth coming to young Mary. Cindy could imagine the public awkwardness, the questions from the parents, the incredulous look in Joseph. No relations, but still a baby coming.

Mary had believed and accepted the report. In her humble outburst of praise, she had stated "for he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden...he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name." Low estate. Cindy got that.

Barb, seated next to her, had whispered with eyes still straight forward "He can be born in us too." The young woman turned and faced her full on. Eyes connected with mutual respect.The pretty young girl up front closed the book, and descended the steps to join her friends.

JESUS, IF YOU’RE REAL…

Cindy clicked on the light in the apartment hallway. Crystal clung to her shoulder like a little rag doll.

The evening with Sandy and Barb at the Advent service had been just what she had hoped for her child. Lots of colour, music, happy faces, and those wonderful stained glass windows all around.

At the coffee shop afterward, Crystal had chattered non-stop about the friendly kids, the little craft project and the story of the

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shepherds. Down in the parking lot they had thanked their new friends profusely for the outing.

Quick the unravelling. Quick the don of nighty. And with the good night kiss, the moaning, mumbled words: "Mom, I wish it wasn't over." Lights out.

Cindy settled in the big arm chair in the living room. Shoes kicked off. Lights on the little three foot "snow covered" Christmas tree. All else silent but the echoes of festive hymns registering in her memory.

And then Barb's comment about the Christ being "born in us" for the asking. Was it all just sentimentalism? Had she been too tired from work to receive the evening in a balanced way? She couldn't shake the fascination.

In the silence of her litle apartment, she began to have the impression that someone was listening.

Her thoughts shifted to the Bible reading, which the elderly gentleman, the retired teacher, had shared:

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."

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How incredible! This baby...Mighty God, Prince of peace, David's throne. For so many years, out of the church, the whole season had been a blur of Bing Crosby, Charles Dickens, coffee shop windows, harried shoppers and a continued sense of missing the big event.

But tonight she had met a few people who were honestly and evidently in love with Jesus as a present fact and friend. Alone in her living room, but still sensing a Listener, she began to cry quietly and without tears.

"Jesus, if you're real, would you please come to me, help me, forgive me for ignoring you. Get us through this battle."

Real business was in process. New life was flickering...

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BUD

I stopped in at a mall for some cough syrup and a peppermint tea for my daughter. She was stiffing it out at her office although little actual work was being done in the place, with Christmas break so close. Early signs of achy flu and cold with cough were giving her difficulty.

The Tim Horton's Coffee Shop was one of the few remaining smaller old design models. A long line-up. As is my fashion, I found something of interest to start up a conversation with the guy in front of me. He had a very early morning shift and was looking for lunch. Somehow I had turned on a switch. Information just poured out of this young man. The job; the marriage break-up; the access visit with the daughter several days away; the upcoming last minute shop at Wall-Mart; the Timmy's which he has just gotta have at home or at work. He had my undivided attention, and without censure. He liked that.

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Once up at the counter, I heard him say "What'll you have Bud? My treat." It seemed very right to accept. He just wanted to give. For him that was Christmas: giving, family, good will, charity, a rest, a legitimate opportunity to open up to complete strangers, and to wish Merry Christmas (no awkwardness in the use of the term). A warm hand-shake, and we were done.

Jesus would be pleased with that kind of exchange in His honour. He looks for it year-round.

And here it is Christmas morning. Wife and daughter are down with the flu and asleep. I am just getting over my bout. Son is choking down the vitamin C to stay healthy. A happy party was celebrated here yesterday with my Mother, on her way home from Brother Scott's Toronto abode. We drove her the final leg to London. She was ready for home, rest and familiar surroundings. It was wonderful to hear all the first-name greetings from friends as we headed down the hall. "Hi Bev. Glad you're back safe and sound, Bev. Bev, you'll be surprised with a delivery of beautiful flowers inside your room." (from the Vize and Shulha families, closest of friends thoughout the years)

Let me say that we must realize that He comes near. In the incarnation, Jesus comes near to our frailties, our joys and sorrows, our humiliations, our successes, our loneliness, fatigue, challenges in growth and learning, our awkward encounters, our temptations, yet all without sin. As the evangelist once said that is year-round shouting good news! Consequently He is our sympathetic, merciful and faithful high priest. Joy to the world!

And now it looks as if, for the first time, the men-folk will be on turkey duty. Nothing to it, right? Riiiggghhhttt.

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LOVELY LITTLE MARY

Scripture tells us about the Annunciation, the visit to Elizabeth's happy home, the betrothal and marriage to Joseph, the birth in the manger, the visit to the temple for the child's circumcision, the visit from the magi, the flight into Egypt, the return to Nazareth, the later visit to Jerusalem and her son's absence while in dialogue with the scholars, the miracle at the wedding feast in Cana, her attempt to remove her son from the stresses of overmuch ministry, her painful presence at the scene of crucifixion, her growing relationship with John the beloved, her inclusion with the 120 at Pentecost.

And that's it!

Historic tradition tells us something about her later life in Ephesus with John. Nothing about her death. Certainly nothing about her assumption into heaven.

Where have these things come from about her super-human features in the likeness of her Son? An immaculate conception...of Mary. A deathless assumption into heaven...of Mary. Perpetual virginity. A mediatorial role with respect to our prayers alongside Jesus.

These are the pronouncements of Popes. Popes who say that they were strangely warmed in their spirits after the release of the revelation. They all tie in with a need to represent her as worthy of the miraculous event of Jesus' immaculate conception. But she was human. Her Son would have to represent Adam's race in

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redeeming it (Romans 5:11-19). It was with her as it is with all believers. Grace is given to the undeserving for reasons known only to God. This is not to say that Mary of Nazareth was not a conscionable, refreshing flower in the Jewish community well versed in the faith of her fathers. The Magnificat bears this out (Luke 1:46-55).

To the Romish tradition I say...never mind that the scriptures have her delighting before Elizabeth in the arrival of 'her Saviour'. Never mind that Matthew's Gospel confirms that sexual relations with husband Joseph were postponed until after the arrival of Jesus. Never mind that the Gospels confirm that Jesus had brothers and sisters. Never mind that Jesus at least once put off the petitions of His mother to 'calm down' by replying that in the new economy 'his mother and brethren were those who heard the word of God and obeyed it'.

I guess that if an authority is big enough and repeats error long enough, falsehood becomes truth. Mary sees all of this with regret. Perhaps if given the opportunity she would say again what was uttered to the wine-bearing servants at the wedding feast in John 2:

5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

I am reminded of what was said by John at the end of his Epistle. John, the one entrusted with care of Mary in her declining years:

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19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

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21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

KENOSIS

KENOSIS

This is the Greek word for self-emptying. It is of particular interest in the second chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Philippians, where the humble mission of Jesus is described:

"5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

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9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father."

Can we get our minds around this? The eternally blessed God Son leaves Heaven for a cradle and a mother's doting caress and diapers. The young family journeys to Egypt to escape the jealous wrath of Herod. The Nazareth carpenter's shop. The young apprentice's trial and error approach to a trade. Impatient, overbearing customers waiting for a table and haggling over the price. The increasing propensity to late night journeys up the hill to commune with the Heavenly Father in prayer. The growing realization of his mission. The reading and re-reading of Deuteronomy 18 in the ancient script. Psalms 89 and 118. The news of the Baptist, and the community's heartfelt desire for a new Golden Age; for an end to Rome's yoke. And then that moment, at the Jordan, when corroboration comes from the clouds, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."

Our Saviour became man. Laid aside omniscience, omnipotence, omni-presence. Here was no Greek myth of an Olympian playing masquerade ball in the midst of mortals. Here was an incarnation, and because of it we enjoy a very trustworthy, sympathetic and approachable High Priest.

With His ascension and glorification (Acts 1), Jesus enjoyed again all divine attributes and powers without limitation.

Consider Hebrews 414-16Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. (The Message)

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LAMB WITHOUT BLEMISH

In the presribed procedure for the sacrificial lamb, Moses had been instructed to ensure through the priests that the animal was free from spot, blemish or fracture. No second-rate offering was to be presented to the Lord.

John the Baptist had seen Jesus at the Jordan River and had confirmed Him to be 'the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world.'

Christ must have lived a sinless life or he would have been disqualified. This places his clean living on a par with his obedient dying in accomplishing our redemption.

How would this look over the years of His upbringing? No spoiled and selfish whining for treats as a youngster. No yielding to the suggestions of pre-teen playmates to steal, fight, avoid chores or engage in harmful pranks. No slacking in the scripture studies of a young Hebrew boy. No talking back to his parents. No slippery salesmanship with a piece of furniture in the carpenters' shop. No untoward anger when any buyer complained of price, quality or deadline. No gossip about the shortcomings of the rabbi or any other villager.

This obedience must have been fueled by intense love for parents, love for the standards of scripture and love for the Heavenly Father in prayer. He was also the object of the Father's intense love. Love which drew the best out of Him.

Imagine the conversations between Joseph and Mary: "Woman, I cannot understand it. I think of my own youth, and then I see the boy operating without a ripple, without a complaint, without any pre-disposition to stick up for himself. Will this prove to be healthy or in his best interests in the future? Is it normal? Is it weakness?

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He learns well. He means well. But then, last season in Jerusalem. His disappearance in the temple and the impression he made upon the doctors of the law. Is he growing up too soon? Do I have a regular son to teach, to discipline, to tease or is he something else? We know of God's special plans...but I feel so inadequate."

And Mary would listen, nod and smile, "Husband, the angel who announced Him to me spoke of great things, and of deliverance for our people. God is in charge of this. We are of all couples most blessed. The boy is behaving as He should. He is starting to draw apart from us more frequently for prayer. This also is to be expected."

The Church focuses on a sweet infant's manger. An upbringing of no particular note. A whirlwind compassionate and miraculous Galilean tour. A verbal jousting with the Pharisees and Sadducees. An intense battle of will at Gethsemane, and a noble self-offering on the cross. We hasten to the point of Christ and Him crucified. In the Gospels thirty chapters out of eighty-nine deal with the Passion Week.

Let us not forget the heroic passage through thirty years of clean, honourable, sensitive sinless living which led up to Matthew chapter four. Without those as well we would find ourselves without a Saviour. But friends, what a Saviour!

TALE FROM ANOTHER PASSOVER

(As it might have occurred in Luke 2:41-51)

"I tell you, Husband, I can hardly believe it! There is a tremendous lesson here.

We were so caught up in the custom of the Feast. The trek from Nazareth. The camp. The friends and relatives along the way. The

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singing. The stories. The meals en route. The glory of the Holy City. The Temple with the smoke and smell and noise of sacrifice. It was all over so quickly.

But we lost track of our son. Lost sight of Jesus. And we KNOW who He is.

And where was He to be found after all our panic? In the midst of the Doctors of the Law. Sacred scriptures. Holy Doctrine. He had been poking and prodding and marveling with them. Just the same sort of wonder and enthusiasm which we have seen in the boy in the fields outside Nazareth. Examining the creatures, the plants and flowers. The sights, sounds and smells.

He puts me to shame. He even put some of the teachers to shame. His love for God's Word so far exceeding His need for ceremony and even fellowship. Oh Jesus, our sterling young man. What lies ahead for you?"

Psalm 119:

97O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

98Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

99I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

102I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.

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103How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

SONG OF ASCENTS

It was just before sun-up on the morning of the Great Feast. Intentionally the traveling men and their sons had camped outside the City after days of adventure, songs, stories and reunion on the pilgrimmage.

Young Caleb rubbed his eyes and stretched out stiff muscles after the sleep on the grass. He took a long swig from the water skin and squatted down at his lofty and full view of the City and the ascending arteries to the Temple. It seemed to shimmer in the dawning as if over-eager for sunlight to reveal its brilliance and magnificent design.

Caleb thought of the dusty march and the robust fellowship and anticipation of the men. Laughter. Humming. Rhythmic hand clapping. Names called out in joyful recognition. The pace

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relentless, but quickened by the good thoughts of what lay ahead.

This morning a solid band of cloud blocked the horizon's distinct line, but brought on, a few moments later, a more surreal rising above the vapour. Caleb could now see many groups of men stirring on other hillsides. This would be his third visit, and to a different feast. The psalms being recited spoke of the troubles and needs of men, the blessings of family, their sense of separation in a pre-occupied world, the all-sufficient power of God, His promise of Messiah and the heart-moving glory of His House.

Not another morning for camp-fires and protracted meals. A few bits of fruit and bread, another swig of water, a pause for the face-anointing of oil, and the march would renew. Oh, the importance of giving their God a worthy house of recognition, learning, petition and praise. Caleb was also recognizing a sense of Spiritual Presence in the camp-site, in the larger scene of the other surrounding hills, in the quickening of his own eager heart. Another entire glorious day for God and His people. In Jerusalem.

Psalm 132 (One of the Songs of Degrees)

1Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions:

2How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;

3Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;

4I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,

5Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.

6Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.

7We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.

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8Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.

9Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

10For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.

11The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.

12If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.

13For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.

14This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

15I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

17There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.

18His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

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IN MUFTI

He was the glorious Son of God in mufti. I can remember Phillip Keller using words to this effect in his noteworthy book "A Layman Looks at the Lamb of God". This is an excellent book on the entirety of the Bible theme of the sacrificial lamb. It may be just the right size to impact the "busy" man or woman.

The words "in mufti" suggest an officer out of uniform and in civilan clothes, or some sort of disguise. It had particular reference to certain Muslim leaders or judges. One who comes so unadorned may be ignored by the popular throng who look for the indicia of success, wealth and public renown. Uniforms often raise the inference of such credit. We assume the best in the adorned one, the decorated one, the one who is heralded in the street.

But with such trappings removed will the intrinsic worth of the man make itself known? Hear the words of Isaiah in chapter 42 concerning Jesus:

1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

2He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.

3A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

4He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

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Eugene Peterson gives an interesting turn to this in The Message:

1-4 "Take a good look at my servant. I'm backing him to the hilt.He's the one I chose, and I couldn't be more pleased with him.I've bathed him with my Spirit, my life. He'll set everything right among the nations.He won't call attention to what he does with loud speeches or gaudy parades.He won't brush aside the bruised and the hurt and he won't disregard the small and insignificant, but he'll steadily and firmly set things right.He won't tire out and quit. He won't be stopped until he's finished his work—to set things right on earth.Far-flung ocean islands wait expectantly for his teaching."

Jesus had the touch of the commoner. Hillside village. Carpenter shop. Fishing docks. Vineyards. Crops of grain. Pastures of sheep. Vigorous constitution. Strong craftsman's hands. A hardy voice easily heard by large crowds, but used so much more frequently for quickening, considerate private conversation.

I am glad that he did not easily stand out, so that the power of his message and life could develop gradually, subtly and without alarm. Just like his parables.

As the Lord said unto the prophet Samuel in the chosing of David as king, "the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b)

There is another consideration here. In the Gospel visit Christ's purpose was to serve and save. The fine trappings of King and Judge were not appropriate. But in His Second Coming, things will be different.

Hear the prophecy of Isaiah in chapter 33:

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22For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.

EMANCIPATION

Psalm 130:6 (King James Version)

6My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

In Spurgeon's Commentary on this Psalm in "The Treasury of David" I found an interesting story.

At the end of the American Civil War on the day before implementation of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, a black community in the South had a unique idea. They would spend the night awake and in prayer, song and discussion, waiting for the sun-rise.

They would watch for the early light of freedom. Darkness reminded them of generations of oppression, humiliation, taskmasters, destruction of families, ignorance, terrifying flights northward and stolen moments under the stars in worship. The new light would show them standing independent with choices and chances and a future path of advancement worth the struggle.

The Psalmist speaks of waiting for the deliverance of a Rescuer who brings forgiveness, mercy and plenteous redemption. We know this to be Jesus. He alone can settle the accounts, release from the shackles of sin and bring in a new world "wherein dwelleth righteousness".

Do we look for His appearing? In the meantime, do we occupy? Where lies the balance between anticipation and accomplishment? These days the prophecy teachers push us to the brink in a course

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of study which will never be reliable this side of Glory. Fear does not legitimately increase the Gospel family. Love and noble sacrificial service will. Let us focus our study on the attributes of our Rescuer and His rallying call to help others. In this fashion confidence comes to make the voyage.

Jesus told the parable of the wise steward occupying in the service of the absent Master:

Luke 12: 39-4439-40"You know that if the house owner had known what night the burglar was coming, he wouldn't have stayed out late and left the place unlocked. So don't you be slovenly and careless. Just when you don't expect him, the Son of Man will show up."

41Peter said, "Master, are you telling this story just for us? Or is it for everybody?"

42-46The Master said, "Let me ask you: Who is the dependable manager, full of common sense, that the master puts in charge of his staff to feed them well and on time? He is a blessed man if when the master shows up he's doing his job. (The Message)

UNDOUBTEDLY THE PSALMS

Undoubtedly, in frequent times of prayer and meditation, Jesus would have had the Psalms of David in his mind and spirit - shepherd, musician, warrior, worshiper, King David, the forefather of Christ according to the flesh. We are encouraged in the epistles to develop the mind of Christ. Accordingly, the Psalms are fitting nourishment. You might try the following selections, reading one psalm for each day of the month. Get alongside Jesus in these sessions:

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DAY / TOPIC / PSALM

1, 2 BLESSING - 1, 1283, 4 REVIVAL - 85, 1445, 6 SALVATION – 40, 1167 RESTORATION – 518 DELIVERANCE – 1079 MERCY – 10310, 11 TRUST – 34, 3712, 13, 14 VICTORY – 27, 30, 7315, 16 CALVARY – 22, 6917, 18 RESURRECTION – 16, 11819, 20 KINGDOM – 45, 7221, 22, 23 CHURCH – 63, 84, 13324 WARFARE – 1825, 26 PRAISE – 96, 14527, 28 PROTECTION – 91, 12129, 30, 31 CREATION – 104, 147, 139EVERYDAY SHEPHERD – 23

OPEN THOU MINE EYES, THAT I MAY BEHOLD WONDROUS THINGS OUT OF THY LAW. (PSALM 119: 18)

JESUS’ OLD TESTAMENT

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I have an old dog-eared large print New Testament which has gone the miles with me. Portable. Companionable. Marked up with discoveries and reminders. On one page near the back I noted the instances in the Gospels where Jesus affirmed the truth of Old Testament accounts and personalities. There was no attempt in his theology to make parables or allegories out of Old Testament history.

Consider the following:

1. Noah and the Flood.2. Murder of righteous Abel.3. Lot and the destruction of Sodom.4. The sad legacy of Lot's wife.5. Abraham the patriarch.6. Jacob's well.7. Moses and the burning bush; and the daily mannah; and the brazen serpent; and the ten commandments; and the law of divorce; and the cure for leprosy; and the yearly Passover.8. Jonah and the whale; and the preaching of repentance to Ninevah.9. Adam and Eve and marriage in the beginning.10. Elijah and the widow in the drought; and the raising of the dead child.11. Elisha and the curing of the leprous Naaman; and the multiplication of bread.12. The Queen of Sheba attesting to Solomon's glory.13. Malachi's prophecy of one coming in the spirit of Elijah - John the Baptist.14. Daniel's prophecy of the Abomination of Desolation; and of One coming in the clouds with the angels.

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15. Joel's prophecy of the heavens shaken by judgment.16. Zechariah's prophecy of the entrance of Messiah into the Holy City - Palm Sunday (9).17. All of the messsianic scriptures reviewed by Jesus with the two on the Emmaus Road.18. Isaiah's prophecy and the Vineyard (5); and the suffering, silent lamb (53); and the speaking in parables (6); and the merciful miracles of Messiah (35); and the Spirit of the Lord upon His Anointed (61).19. Ezekiel's prophecy of the Good Shepherd (34).20. David's Psalms of the Good Shepherd (23); of the Christ seated at the Lord's right hand (110); of the Grand Hallel in preparation of Passover (118); of truth coming out of the mouths of babes (8); of Golgotha's Passion, My God, My God...(22); of final committal into the Lord's hands (31); of the traitor in the midst (41); of the prospect of rising from the dead (16).21. The prophecies of the Time of the Gentiles and its end as spoken by Isaiah (63) and Daniel (8) and Jeremiah (30).

THE QUIET MAN

He came to do his Father’s will,This quiet man of Nazareth;At thirty years he pondered still The mission that would mean his death.

A carpenter of low estate,The quiet man lay down his toolsAnd turned to his appointed fateTo ransom sinners Satan rules.

The quiet man at Jordan’s flow,Approached the holy prophet JohnFor baptism, ere God would show

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The Lamb the Dove would rest upon.

In wilderness, fasting in prayer,The quiet man withstood the testOf Satan’s smooth seductions there,Convinced this world was not God’s best.

In Galilee he met the cries Of every pressing human need;And healed their hurts, their hearts and eyes.This quiet man of bless’ed creed.

On holy mount with God’s envoys,Enwrapped in glory from above,The quiet man chose servant’s joys,Descending to the vale in love.Descending, condescending, yes,To save and heal the sin-possessed;To preach a Kingdom truly blessed,This quiet man of God obsessed.

The quiet man, a prey to powers,With sweat like blood through all his pores,Prayed strengthening in dark night hours:“Oh Father, not my will but yours.”

Mid jeering crowds as nail wounds screamed,The quiet man hung from a crossAs sin, dismissed from God he seemed,Yet faithful, would not suffer loss.

Into the very bowels of hellWhere Satan ruled with cruel delight;The quiet man heard death’s death-knellAs God pronounced him just and right.

Descending, condescending, done!For sin he bled and did atone.For life he battled death alone,This quiet man sent from God’s throne.

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His body rested in the tombUntil the Easter morning light,When slipping off the sheets of doom,The quiet man arose from night.

Upon the Mount of Olivet,Alive again, by saints adored,And pledging Spirit comfort yet;The quiet man ascended Lord.

Oh there is yet another mornWhich angels will announce with pride,With trumpet calls for those twice-born;The quiet man shall claim His Bride!

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