OzThoughts Wednesday 16th December 2009.

OzThoughts Wednesday 16th December 2009.

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As we think about the message of Christmas and how we receive it, our attention must come to bear on the Baby of Bethlehem. As we considered yesterday, the beginning of John’s Gospel sets out a statement of faith as to who Jesus is and his existence as God at creation. John goes on to make the statement that “The word became flesh and dwelt amongst us.”

Matthew in his story of Jesus tells something more of the one who became flesh and dwelt amongst us. The angel messenger told Joseph in a dream two names that Mary’s son would bear. The first name was Jesus, which sets out in its meaning the mission of Jesus: “for he shall save his people from their sins”. The second name was “Emmanuel” which sets out the reminder of the fact that “God is with us”.

We see more clearly a part of the message of Christmas, the Babe of Bethlehem is God with us who is to be the Saviour from our sins.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I thank you again for the Babe of Bethlehem. There is so much I do not understand but I thank you for your holy Word which reminds me of your message to men through Jesus. I see a message of your presence and your salvation. I pray that the holy spirit may continue to reveal the fullness of this truth to me. Amen.


[Listen: Two Tracks: (1) A Child this day is born; and (2) Who is He :
http://www.regalzonophone.com/audio/MF306%20-%20Vocal%20-%20(a)A%20Child%20This%20Day%20is%20Born%20(b)Who%20is%20He.mp3]

A child this day is born,
A child of high renown,
Most worthy of a scepter,
A scepter and a crown.

Chorus
Noel, Noel, Noel,
Noel, sing all we may,
Because the King of all kings
Was born this blessed day.

These tidings shepherds heard
While watching o'er their fold;
'Twas by an angel told them,
That night revealed and told.

They saw a host on high,
In robes of white arrayed,
Which said: go ye to Bethlehem,
And be ye not afraid.

This day your Lord is born,
By name Immanuel,
Whom prophets long ago foretold
Should ransom Israel.

The shepherds joyful sped
To Bethlehem straightway,
And while with joy they hasten on
They chant this sacred lay:

All glory be to God
Who reigns enthroned on high,
Goodwill to men and peace on earth.
O wondrous melody!
Author: Anon
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 72


Who is he in yonder stall,
At whose feet the shepherds fall?

Chorus
'Tis the Lord! O wondrous story,
'Tis the Lord, the King of Glory!
At his feet we humbly fall,
Crown him, crown him Lord of all!

Who is he in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?

Who is he to whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing?

Who is he on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony?

Who is he who from the grave
Comes to succor, help and save?

Who is he whom from his throne
Rules through all the worlds alone?
Author: Benjamin Russell Hanby (1833-97)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 104

Matthew 1 (New International Version)

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.
25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matthew 1 (The Message)

21 She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus--"God saves'--because he will save his people from their sins."
22 This would bring the prophet's embryonic sermon to full term:
23 Watch for this--a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Emmanuel (Hebrew for "God is
with us").
24 Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God's angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary.
25 But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.
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