OzThoughts Wednesday 23rd December 2009

OzThoughts Wednesday 23rd December 2009

One of the real joys of this Christmas has been sharing fellowship with Salvationists and other Christians throughout the world who are doing their part in proclaiming “Joy to the World” in many ways.

Some have told of lone stands at Christmas Kettles, doing their part in a God empowered ministry of witnessing. Some have told of enjoying fellowship with other Christian and community groups and bringing their witness to them. Others have told of special indoor and outdoor concerts where the message of Christmas is wrapped in seasonal entertainment. Thousands have enjoyed themselves as they heard of the Babe of Bethlehem and the Christ of Calvary.

On Monday, I was with a Christian pianist and two other Chaplains in a hospital ward with aged people waiting for placement in appropriate accommodation in the community. It was great seeing them join in the carols and other Christmas songs. I know we are just one of many, many groups who will do a similar ministry to the sick and aged.

We can only thank God for the opportunities that are provided to us to do what we can , where we can to follow like the Angels and the Shepherds, and everyone involved in telling of the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, in Bethlehem.

Luke 2:15-18 (The Message)

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.

PRAYER:

Father God, thank you for your world wide ministry we are involved in with The Salvation Army, and the wider Christian Church. We thank you for the fellowship we share with hundreds who are about the same task. I pray that many might be found kneeling at the Saviour’s feet this Christmas. Amen.

MEDITATION:

They came at Christmas

In white shirts and caps on a truck they came
And stopped our kids’ street cricket game
They played a Christmas song or two
And then they called for us to sing
So we kids sang to everyone’s delight
Of baby Jesus birth on a Silent Night

Another Christmas they came again
After mum had told us with heartfelt pain
That this Christmas there would be no toys
And we were the saddest of girls and boys.
Mum told us there were many like us
And that we would not make a fuss
But simply enjoy whatever we could.

They came this time without the band
But they brought to us a Christmas grand
They put bags and boxes on our kitchen table.
They said they knew we were not able
To have the Christmas we would like
Because dad’s workplace was on strike.
Now their love gifts meant without his pay
We could celebrate with joy on Christmas Day.

Another Christmas they came to our place
They came again without the band
And they carried no gifts in their hand
But they came on a mission of love
They, with tears, said from their God above
And we knew they could do no more
Than pray for our dear brother lost in war.

Again this Christmas throughout this land
The Salvos will come with song and band.
They will come to some with food and toys
And somehow share in many Christmas joys.
They come that they might with everyone share
The very essence of the Christmas season where
In Bethlehem’s stable God’s gift Jesus was born.
(Ray Reese - Christmas 2003)

.
[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/songs/songs_034.mp3 ]

Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes,
The Saviour promised long;
Let every heart prepare a throne,
And every voice a song.

He comes, the prisoners to release
In Satan's bondage held;
The gates of brass before him burst,
The iron fetters yield.

He comes, the broken heart to bind,
The wounded soul to cure,
And with the treasures of his grace,
To enrich the humble poor.

Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim,
And Heaven's eternal arches ring
With thy beloved name.
Author: Philip Doddridge (1702-51)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 81

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