Freely Given

12/21/2020

1 Corinthians 2:12 “We have received…the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

This evening, a celestial event happened that has not occurred in approximately 800 years. It is known as the Christmas Star or The Star of Bethlehem. It is actually when Saturn and Jupiter will appear so close together that they will look like one bright glorious star. Alas, it was a cloudy evening where we live, so we could not view it. Interestingly enough, this event is also taking place on the night of the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year…which is not a bad thing in 2020. This day is historically celebrated by the pagan community. I have, however, seen many Facebook posts on my home feed today wishing everyone a Happy Winter Solstice. This is not something that I have any memory of in my youth or young adulthood. Either I was terribly sheltered, or this day has taken on new meaning in our current world. Sadly, as people move more toward the secular and away from traditional faith, there are many things replacing a relationship with Jesus. Even at a time of the year that is one of the most Holy for Christians, the birth of Christ no longer seems to be the focus.

As I often do, because I am an NIV girl, I am going to share its translation of the verse above. “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” It is through the Holy Spirit that we, even in our finite human capacity, can understand and receive the gift of Salvation which only comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This most precious of gifts, given over 2000 years ago, was not seen by any living person, yet through faith we know the truth of its transcendent power. This freely given gift was born in Bethlehem and died at Calvary. This gift, given at greatest cost, is within the grasp of every human being. No work need be done to earn it, and no amount to be paid on our end, for the price has already been paid for us by the Savior. All I need to do is recognize that I am a sinner and yield to Jesus as Lord of my life, and I am redeemed. Chambers writes, “When I am born again, the Spirit of God takes me right out of myself and my experiences, and identifies me with Jesus Christ.”

So, why speak of the Crucifixion at Christmas time? Well, because the two are intrinsically connected. My favorite ornament that hangs on our tree depicts an evergreen tree on one side and a cross on the other. Yesterday, I wrote about really experiencing Christmas Carols in a new way this year. I would like to leave you with this one that has touched me with its message, beauty, and truth. Read it slowly dear one, and let its exquisite words wash over you in a new way.

 

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies,
With th’angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem.”
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav'n adored,
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a Virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

                                                Charles Wesley 1739