I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
Psalm 46:10 & 11
“Be still” is another way of saying “control busyness.” We must be able to slow down and hear what God has to say. I know that this is a tough time to talk about being still. The Christmas season, the time when hearing God is so important, has become too busy. We may not be able to control some of the inherent bustle. We must make efforts to slow down and allow the meaning of Christmas to permeate our celebrations. From the beginning of our local church, we have been committed to substance when we gather. At the same time we resist overtaxing God’s people. It is my prayer that your Christmas will be a time of God’s peace and true stillness. Instead of too many church activities, I hope that each family will gather and create traditions that remind everyone of the reason we celebrate. Maybe you could use the beautiful poem Twas the Eve Before Time Began by my dear friend and fellow Bethel Methodist member (Robinson), Ken Tindell.
Twas the Eve before Time Began
By Ken Tindell
Twas the eve before time began, and all through God’s space,
Everything was peaceful, for no sin had taken place.
The angels were all snug in God’s Holy Sight,
And Lucifer was still an Angel of Light.
When all of a sudden, there arose such a clatter,
God sprang into action (He knew the grave matter.)
Some angels had sinned and messed up their fate,
Alas, for those, it was already too late.
God started a plan that would bring sorrow, it’s true.
But when finished, eternity would be made safe for all, even you.
He created a man and from him a wife.
He put them in a garden and breathed into them life.
He gave them a mind, a spirit, and a will that was free.
They resembled the beasts, but also angels, you see.
Then came the fall with it pain, suffering and sorrow,
But there was always a hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The angels were watching with fascinated interest,
In hopes that with the manifold wisdom of God they’d be blest.
The Law and the prophets were a burdensome affair,
The need for a Savior was clearly pointed to there.
But how would He do it, and keep Himself pure?
The Angels thought mankind was a lost cause, I’m sure.
Those little old priests were so lively and quick
But the rituals and sacrifices just didn’t do the trick
Then in a moment, the plan was revealed,
By one man sin came, by one it’s repealed.
The angels were frenzied; there was glory on high;
They got so excited they appeared in the sky.
His mission was essential, but His life would be short.
He would suffer an awful death to enter my heart.
Now Adam, and Noah, and Moses, and Abe,
Could all go to Heaven, just because of that Babe,
The rest of mankind have the hope of heaven now too.
If our acceptance is real and our faith remains true.
Scarcely did God open this one narrow way
And still keep His perfect nature in sway.
Hey, God is no Santa; He didn’t use an elf;
He became a real man, He humbled Himself.
This story’s not over, but the end is so near.
So Merry Christmas to you, and be of good cheer.
Thanks to Jerry and Ken for such great thoughts expressed in such a manner!
Please remember your entire church family in the Hill Country, Fredericksburg, Port Neches, Robinson and Southlake as they travel to be with loved ones this Christmas week.
Double-Bonus: Both the Robinson and Southlake Christmas Cantatas are available to enjoy on your computer right now. The Southlake Cantata is downloadable through the sermon downloader associated with the Bethel Methodist website. Here are the links:
Robinson Cantata on Blip TV:
Southlake Cantata on the Bethel Methodist i-Tunes site:
http://www.bethelmethodist.com/newsite/media/sermons.aspx
Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
