For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) As we celebrate Christmas, one great tradition is Carol singing. In the carol, ‘Angels from the realms of Glory’ we sing these astounding words ‘God with us is now residing.’ We thank God for His great work of salvation as we journey through life and it is in this journey that God seeks to be our constant companion. He wants to become our personal ‘Emmanuel’. In His desire for fellowship and communion with His own, He teaches us how to commune with Him. At a time when King David was being pursued by his enemies, he wrote these words: “Show me where to walk for I give myself to you.” (Psalm 143: 8) No doubt David felt troubled and perhaps afraid, however, he did not direct his attention to the problem. He went to the One who had the power to keep him in, and help him through his trial. Lifting his voice to God he said, “I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done’. (Psalm 143:5) His focus was Godward not earthbound. Keeping our focus on God is a key to living in fellowship with Him. The book of James encourages us to: “Submit yourselves therefore to God.” (James 4:7 KJV). A fruit of submission is fellowship. Late in his life, the apostle Paul showed his ‘son’ Timothy the key to a full and joyful relationship with God. “Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear.” (1 Timothy 1:19) Are you getting the picture?
This Christmas, let us rededicate our hearts to Emmanuel, the one whose descent to a cradle led eventually to a cross. “Christ didn’t only come into the world that first Christmas night in Bethlehem, but He wants to come into our lives today, and every day of the year.” Billy Graham Pauline Anderson
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Struthers Memorial Church is a registered Scottish Charity No. SC 006960 | Struthers Memorial Church is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in Scotland Company No SC335480 | Registered Office: 33 West Stewart Street, Greenock, PA15 1SH. |