OzThoughts Wednesday 3rd December 2008

OzThoughts Wednesday 3rd December 2008

I stood on the driveway of my home last night and I looked at a few houses in the distance which already have their Christmas lights display in operation. Christmas is coming and I can see the signs all around me.

Many years ago, I had the task of going and removing a blind young man from his accommodation where he was being abused by neglect and deprivation by his “relatives”. They had relieved him of all his property and while taking his pension gave the minimum of food and care in return. They did not allow him to live anything like a normal life for a young man of 27.

He came on the night of his release to a community carols night where I had the privilege of being the compere. He could not see anything but the sounds of the crowd of people, the singing, the band and everything that happened made him so excited. Life had taken a new direction for him he was free. Many challenges lay ahead but he was not bound by others.

So much of Christmas is visual. There are the decorations, the Christmas trees and the lights. Even the sight of children with their presents and the sight of food offered to those who come to share is something which is very special at Christmas.

How special was it for the Shepherds who having heard the angels to go to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. The Wise men also saw a star and came to see the baby King. Having seen Jesus they worshipped him.

I see at Christmas many things that can capture us and hold us prisoner and attract us away from seeing Jesus.

PRAYER AND MEDITATION:

[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_571.mp3 ]

I know Thee who thou art,
And what thy healing name;
For when my fainting heart
The burden nigh o'ercame,
I saw thy footprints on my road
Where lately passed the Son of God.

Thy name is joined with mine
By every human tie,
And my new name is thine,
A child of God am I;
And never more alone, since thou
Art on the road beside me now.

Beside thee as I walk,
I will delight in thee
In sweet communion talk
Of all thou art to me;
The beauty of thy face behold
And know thy mercies manifold.

Let nothing draw me back
Or turn my heart from thee,
But by the Calvary track
Bring me at last to see
The courts of God, that city fair,
And find my name is written there.
Author: Albert Orsborn (1886-1967)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 59

Luke 2:8-20 (The Message)
8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!
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