muses

Trust John Piper to come up with a list of what the Disciples prayed for in the New Testament. But I thank God that there are people who do the hard work of studying the Word of God, and selflessly share the gems they uncover with His people so that we would all benefit. Thank you, Lord, for the generosity of your people.

What should we pray for?

Oh my gosh, I was so surprised when I received the Jan/Feb issue of Discipleship Journal today after missing three issues last year. I called SingPost, I prayed, I sent emails to DJ, but there was still no DJ magazine. I had already given up actually, but I made a simple prayer yesterday that if God is willing, I would be able to receive my subscription, and He has answered! Thank You Abba!

As I had my sabbath on Sunday, reflecting on authentic Christian living, I know that my growth in holiness in 2008 had been compromised due to my mask-wearing. When laws and commandments become rules and the essence of having a relationship with God is replaced by legalism, the masks come on because it becomes an outward conforming to rules. And today, during Word Meditation class, I’m reminded of this issue of holiness once again. If I had diligently applied the lessons and teachings from the Proverbs meditation, I would have seen greater growth in holiness. But I didn’t. And now it’s repentance time. One of my steps of repentance would be through accountability. The masks would have to come off, and I know I can share with siblings who are also genuinely pursuing God and desiring to love Him more.

It’s Christmas eve, and I still have presents to buy! Argh, the stress! Never will I do Christmas shopping this late again.

Anyway, I recall a Christmas episode of the Simpsons, where Bart lamented the loss of the meaning of Christmas. “Don’t they remember that it’s the birth of Santa Claus?” *LOL* It was meant to be funny, but come to think of it, there are many who doesn’t know (or maybe don’t care to know) that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s captured in the name actually - CHRISTmas? Just like in Chinese, 圣诞节 = day of holy birth, or for Taiwanese, 耶诞节 = day of Jesus’ birth. And like what John Piper said, Santa Claus is such a poor substitute for Jesus Christ. Would you prefer receiving gifts on a particular day of a year, or knowing the Creator who desires to give good gifts to His children every day? But of course, a jolly old man who gives presents to good children is more acceptable than God born as a baby in a filthy manger who would grow up as a man and later die on the Cross so that sinners may know Him and trust Him to save them. It makes better retail sense, doesn’t it?

As I was telling some people this week, I was shocked when someone reminded me last week that Christmas was one week away. One week?! I’ve yet to write my cards and buy presents! Oh my gosh… Abba Father, please multiply my time. Make me efficient in what I have to do. Thank you.

Anyway, we were singing Christmas Carols at service today, and a couple of carols stirred up some thoughts in my mind. One was O Holy Night. It is one of my favourite carols - grand and melodious. It also helped that Josh Gorban did a fabulous take on the song. A couple of lines from the first verse always brightens my heart when there are sung:

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

In sin have we pined (i.e. to suffer grief and regret over), but only with the appearance of Jesus did we know how much God values us to give us His only Son. Because of Christ’s birth, we can hope and rejoice!

The other song was From Prophecies of Old, which may not be a popular carol based on its apparent absence on the internet.

From prophecies of old the promise does unfold
For in them is foretold God’s gift of love;
What glorious news to tell: Christ came with men to dwell
Our Lord Emmanuel - God’s gift of love;

We cannot comprehend The grace God did extend
That made the Savior so descend From heaven above;
Tonight we will recall The scenes that still enthrall
When Christ became for all God’s gift of love.

And so the Lord came down To David’s ancient town;
A King without a crown - God’s gift of love;
There was no great display, No pomp or grand array,
He in a manger laid - God’s gift of love.
With every bell and chime That rings at Christmas time
We sense the glorious truth sublime, We’re singing of!
It’s wonder fills the mind And blessings here we find
Christ is for all mankind - God’s gift of love

And this ties in perfectly with the sermon delivered by Rev Khan in Isa 9:1-7. We see the promise fulfilled: the child was born, and the son was given. And we can await His everlasting reign:

7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.