Weekend Words

From Be Still and Know...

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" - Matthew 1:23

As we listen to the beautiful stains of Christmas carols filling the air, we are reminded of the real meaning of Christmas.  Jesus came to earth to be more than just the Babe of Bethlehem.  He came to be "Emmanuel, God with us."  Years before, Isaiah had foretold of His coming to earth.  "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel" (Isaiah 7:14)

At Jesus' birth the angel said to Joseph, "Thou shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us."  In the person of Jesus Christ, God came to earth that he might be "GOD WITH US."  But He came to be more than "God with us."  He came to be the Saviour that He might be "GOD IN US."  "I will dwell IN them, and walk IN them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (2 Corinthians 6:16).  Through Christ we can know what God is like and what He can do for us.

With His presence in us, we are assured that He will enter into each of our needs with us.

What is your need today?  Is it comfort?  He, the God of all Comfort, is WITH YOU, bringing His comfort to your hearts.  Are you lonely?  He has promised "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).  Are you fearful?  He is with you, quieting your heart as He says, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).  Are you weak, wondering how you will get through the day?  He is with you to strengthen you.  "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect" (Psalm 18:32).

The Christmas season will soon be over.  But the Christ of Christmas is always available every day through the year to meet our needs.  Emmanuel - GOD WITH US - in the person of Jesus Christ - DWELLS IN US - that He might LIVE HIS LIFE THROUGH US.

And the following reading by Spurgeon:  Something to keep in mind, not only at this time of year, that can often be busy and stressful for some, but at all times... 

A Quiet Heart

"In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." - Isaiah 30:15

It is weakness to be fretting and worrying, questioning and mistrusting.  Do we not unfit ourselves for action, and unhinge our minds for wise decision?  We are sinking by our struggles when we might float by faith.

Oh, for grace to be quiet!  Why run from house to house repeating the weary story that makes us more and more heartsick as we tell it?  Why stay at home to cry out in agony because of wretched forebodings that may never be fulfilled?  Be still and know that Jehovah is God!

Oh, for the grace to be confident in God!  Every word of His will stand though the mountains should depart.  He deserves to be confided in; and if we would display confidence and consequent quietness, we might be as happy as the spirits before the throne.  Return unto your rest, and lean your head upon the Lord Jesus.

- Charles H Spurgeon