By Rev. Larry W. Greiner

In a little flat in London one Christmas Eve, writes Edmond Segrave, not a single gift had been purchased for the bright boy of the house.  It was not that his parents didn’t love him — they just didn’t have a penny to spare.  “He always loved to read,” recalled the unhappy father, clutching at straws.  “I know a grumpy old publisher who always entertains his authors and staff in high style the day before Christmas.  Maybe he’ll be in good enough humor to give me a damaged book or something from his overstock.”  The father’s hunch paid off.  “Help yourself in the shipping room,” said the publisher indulgently. 

So it was on Christmas morning there was no pile of toys to confuse the boy — just one small package.  But his eyes shone with joy when he opened it, and the parents shared in the glow.  A few days later, the publisher received a note from the boy. “Thank you,” it read, “for the magic carpet, the fountain of life, and the beautiful golden key.” 

“What’s all this?” grumbled the publisher, “I just gave the boy a book.”  To the old publisher it was just another book, but to the young boy it was filled with gifts of imagination. 

How amazing it is to think that God gave us the great gift of His Word and yet to so many it is just another book.  Oh Christian, may we realize the gifts and treasures that can be ours just by opening the Scriptures and asking God to reveal to us, by His Holy Spirit, the riches of His Word.  Let us not neglect any longer the wonderful Word of God which is “a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.”  This Christmas, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another”(Colossian 3:16 ).  Only then can we experience the true peace and joy of Christmas, in the midst of an ungodly culture.  

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 )   

DIVINE POETRY  

I saw God write a gorgeous poem this very morning.  With the fresh sunbeam for a pencil, on the broad sheet of level snow, the diamond letters were spelled out one by one, till the whole was aflame with poetry. —Phillips Brooks

Who brought me hither
Will bring me hence;
No other guide I seek.

—John Milton

THE PEACE OF GOD  

“These things I said unto you that you might have peace.”  The life of the soul is to move without jar or discord.  It shall be like a quiet engine-house, in which every wheel co-operates with every other wheel, and there is no waste or friction in the holy place.  “All that is within me” blesses God’s holy name.  And yet, while peace reigns within, there may be tribulation without!  “In the world you shall have tribulation.”  Here is a peace which is not broken by the noise and assault of brutal circumstances.  The most tempestuous wind cannot disturb the quiet serenity of the stars.  When the world stones me, not one grain of its gritty dust need enter the delicate workings of my soul.   That was the peace of my Lord, and it is my Lord who says to me: “My peace I give unto you!”  So “be of good cheer” my soul!  The Lord has “overcome the world,” and thou shalt share His victory.

—John Henry Jowett (1863-1923)  

FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD  

The martyred Jim Elliot expressed fellowship with God in this way:  “To stand by the shadows of a friendly tree with the wind tugging at your coattail and the heavens hailing your heart, to gaze and glory and to give oneself again to God, what more could a man ask?  Oh, the fullness, pleasure, sheer excitement of knowing God on earth.  I care not if I never raise my voice again for Him, if only I may love Him, please Him.  Mayhap, in mercy, He shall give me a host of children that I may lead through the vast star fields to explore His delicacies whose fingers’ ends set them to burning.  But if not, if only I may see Him, smell His garments, and smile into my Lover’s eyes, ah, then, not stars, nor children, shall matter — only Himself.”

“As the hart (deer) panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God”(Psalm 42:1).