Our Bible study finished reading the Old Testament, in the Chronological Bible a few weeks ago. It took longer than we anticipated. But as we concluded, I understood more deeply the mournful carol O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
We quickly read the Gospel accounts of Christ’s advent, birth, and early life. Now are comparing the Gospel accounts of the Lord’s first year of mission and ministry.
So, it feels a little disjointed to be listening to the John Rutter Christmas Album, a happy tradition for me. But, after studying the first year of Christ’s journey, I feel the exhilaration, the wonder . . . the bewildering reality His birth was.
It’s startling how sparingly the Gospel writers speak of the events that consume almost the whole month of December in our culture and the church. They only show how Lord Jesus fulfilled the OT prophecies of how, when and where the Messiah was to come.
Only one sentence explains why He came: to save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)
That explanation is the elephant in any room that displays a crèche (Jeremiah 23:6)
And that’s why I’m so glad that the old carols are still magnificent musical doors opening up to a hope, a gift, and a mystery – whether it’s the Wexford Carol, the Hallelujah Chorus, or I Wonder as I Wander.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 1For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)
Bible study is a good use of time; even those passages we think we know so well . . . especially in these days.
Christmas lights in Dallas!