The Jesus of Bethlehem

by A. J. Tomlinson

 

(Excerpts: Originally printed in the WWM, 12/15/1923)

Joyous Christmas times! They come every year to remind us of the Saviour who was born in the little town of Bethlehem not far from Jerusalem. The story is an old one, but it is ever fresh and interesting. The prophets had told the story long before it became a fact. "And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel" (Matt. 2:6).

…I assure you that nothing can afford you more real heavenly joy than to remember the little Jesus and the circumstances surrounding His miraculous birth, what He came for and what He has done for you. O, life, life, the more abundant life that we get through Christ can never be too greatly appreciated by those who have obtained it. I almost leap and shout at the top of my voice as I give this message now. I cannot describe my feelings and the exhilarating joy that floods my soul... I want every one of you to feel it. May these Christmas times be the most joyous of any we ever experienced as we remember the precious babe of Bethlehem.

Present Your life to the Saviour—Unspoiled

Matthew 2:11

“Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputa­tion for wisdom and honour” (Eccl. 10:1). Among the Jews, oil made fragrant by be­ing mixed with precious spices was used for many different purposes. With it priests and kings were anointed when they entered into their offices and guests at the tables of the wealthy were treated to it as a luxury. It was used medicinally as a topical applica­tion; and with it those who had passed away, and the clothes in which they were wrapped, were covered before burial. Very great care was taken in the preparation of the ointment used for such special purposes. As delicately put together as the ointment was, it was easily spoiled and rendered worthless. It was necessary not only to take great pains in making it, but also in preserving it from contamination once prepared. Attracted to the sweet smell, a fly would soon corrupt the ointment and turn it into a terrible odor. Likewise, a righteous and noble character may be corrupted and destroyed by a little foolishness. An insignificant-looking fault or weakness may outweigh great attributes and achievements. The fault which shows itself in someone’s character is not like a stain or flaw in a marble sculpture that is restricted to one area and is no worse after many years, but it is like a sore in a living body, which weakens and spreads to the entire person. Thus, we must carefully guard our minds, hearts, actions, and speech. The good ointment of the Holy Ghost will not only draw people to admire it, inquire after it, and glorify God, but it will draw flies that will try to spoil it. (Just like insects are drawn to a bright light.

 I am reminded of a mission trip where flies swarmed my plate of food during lunch­time. I swatted at them many times and was tempted to give up because they were numer­ous and persistent. Perhaps those around me thought my efforts were of no use and that I was being too careful. Yet, when I later saw where they were coming from, I am glad I put up the fight! I could have been sickened and perhaps even worse—by one fly! Where do the spiritual flies come from that you and I battle so relentlessly? They come from the god of the flies, Beelzebub, and they feed on the filth of the world and try to spoil our lives and our testimonies for Jesus Christ. Christian, remain guarded and do not compromise with the world! “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish” (2 Cor. 2:14, 15).

Robert J. Hawkins, WM General Coordinator

A SON IS GIVEN

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14). “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Fa­ther, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).

 What a wonderful event to celebrate the fulfillment of the promise of God to all mankind—the Son of God was given to be our Saviour! He was born to a virgin named Mary. She named Him Jesus because Gabriel, the angel of God, had instructed her to. The prophecies of old were fulfilled in the new. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made un­der the law” (Gal. 4:4).

 Heaven witnessed this glorious event and the story is given in the book of Luke: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swad­dling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host prais­ing God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:8-17).

 The shepherds believed and were inspired to tell others of the Christ child. We know our time is short to work so let us be inspired to tell others about Jesus, the Saviour of the world.

God bless you and your families is my prayer.

Betty Bishop, General WMB Coordinator

Which the Lord Hath Made Known Unto Us

(See Luke 2:8-20)

Shepherds were not revered in society at the time of Christ’s birth and were often disregarded in social circles. Yet, the Lord granted them a revelation that many in palaces would never know or accept. This is just like the Lord to give great gifts to a small group of social misfits. Even more beautiful to me is that those sheep were with them and although they were only stubborn, mute ani­mals, they were shown something that even King Herod could not see.

Today, our ministers (shepherds) are often despised by the world. This happens in part because of the abuse of some ministers in the denomina­tional world who seek personal prof­its over the gospel. However, ridi­cule often comes to those ministers and their sheep who take a stand for what God has revealed to them. The Church of God shepherds and sheep who have a heavenly vision of the Body of Christ and where it is located are often the object of scorn to the rest of the world. It stands to reason that the world would consider us arrogant to think we know about something they have not yet seen. This is surely how the shepherds in that field would have been viewed by the world.

These shepherds could have just sat down and relished their vision, but in verses 15 and 16, they discussed going to find the King and then they moved with action. They made their way to the manger and they joined the heavenly worship when they saw Him. Their ac­tions didn’t stop there. In verses 17 and 20 we see that they told what they had seen. They shared their vision and rev­elation with everyone.

Shepherds and sheep, today some of you can rejoice that you have re­ceived a vision of the Body of Christ. You know who the “It” is of Ephesians 5:25-28. You know where It is. You, by the grace and wisdom of God, have solved the great mystery of Ephesians 5:32. If this is the case, you cannot go back to the fields and resume your du­ties as shepherds or good sheep without wanting to spread the good news—the whole gospel.

the found, we must not fail to go and spread it abroad. Sometimes those who need to hear it and see it are right beside us on the pew. Some­times they are straying and need to be guided back to the Fold. Some­times they operate on a small portion of light, but have not yet been able to see what you know in the Word of God. Sometimes they are com­pletely lost. In any case, you are not a nobody with a worn-out message! You have been given a heavenly vi­sion and you have been given the mandate to share it.

As you celebrate the birth of our Savior this year, share the whole light that has been revealed to you! The world may not appreciate your work, but the Lord chose you to do it. You may never live in a palace or be revered by the masses, but you were selected by heaven to do this good work. Go without fear to win the lost and keep the found with the full light and revelation of Christ and His Church through the Assembly Band Movement this year!

Merry Christmas!

Allene Cox, General ABM Coordinator

Christ Came into the World to Save Sinners

HE IS TO BE LOVED, OBEYED AND HONORED

The time is here again to observe the birthday of Jesus Christ. While no one knows the date of the birth of our Lord, December 25 has been set as His birthday and we feel it is good to celebrate on this day in some appropriate way in commemo­ration of that time when He came into the world a little baby in fulfillment of prophecy and the word of the an­gel. Even if the date is not known, we know He came into the world to save sinners. We know, too, that there is salvation in none other because there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we shall be saved. We know, also, that He is to be loved, obeyed and honored by those who accept Him as their Saviour, be­cause our God has exalted Him and given Him a name that is above every name and the time will come that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow of things in heaven and in earth and every tongue shall confess that our Saviour is Lord.

 Many of us know the Christmas story well. It has been a part of us all of our lives because we can’t remem­ber when we first heard it. But it is so beautiful that it seems to belong to every Christmas message, because without this true story there would be no Christmas. There has never been a story like it and there will never be another. Only our Christ was born of a virgin. Only our Christ was conceived of the Holy Ghost. Only Mary was vis­ited by the angel to announce the fact that she would bear a son and His name should be called Jesus.

 Many true stories have been writ­ten and told but none like the won­derful story of the birth of Jesus. No other baby had a special star to lead the wise men to the place where He was. It is written of Jesus only, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” When the wise men learned that Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem, they started on their way and the star went be­fore them until it came and stood over where Jesus was. How happy those men were and they rejoiced with exceeding great joy when they knew their search was ended and they would soon see the Christ of God. They came to the house where He was and they worshipped Him and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

 This part of the story concerning the birth of Jesus is truly wonderful, but this is not all. When the time came for Jesus to be born Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the very place where He should be born according to the Scriptures. There was no room for them in the inn, so Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger. The news of His birth was not carried to the king or other men of high rank, but there were some shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flocks that night, and an angel of the Lord came to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were frightened because of this un­usual happening, and the angel said, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12). After the angel had delivered this message, these shepherds were allowed to be­hold one of the most beautiful scenes ever looked upon by human eyes. All of a sudden there appeared a multi­tude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

 The keenest imaginative mind could not picture a scene to compare with the one that the shepherds saw. This was God’s way of announcing the birth of His own Son. When we meditate upon the many happen­ings surrounding the birth of Jesus, we feel like saying with Mary, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:46, 47).

 This Jesus who is called Christ came into the world to save sinners. When the angel appeared to Joseph before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, he said, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Jesus Himself said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16, 17). The Apostle Paul said to Timothy, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all ac­ceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Tim. 1:15). John the be­loved said, “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin” (1 John 3:5). The writer of Hebrews referred to Jesus as a high priest “who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made high­er than the heavens” (Heb. 7:26). Then he said of Him, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25).

This Christ whose birth we cel­ebrate is our Saviour. Through Him we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Himself. John said, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath be­stowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1). Then he said, “Now are we the sons of God” (v.2).Through God’s great love, right now at this moment we are members of His family, and this kinship with Him came about through the gift of Jesus to be the Saviour of the world. He gave Himself for us and made it possible for us to be equal with Him. We don’t know what we shall be but we do know that when He appears we shall be like Him. If we had re­ceived our just dues, we should have died, but He took our place. We who by nature are the children of wrath have eternal life abiding in us through the Christ of Bethlehem, and He who came to this earth as a little babe is now at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. It is a won­derful consolation to us to know He is interceding in our behalf.

 Since it is through Jesus that we have eternal life, it is only reason­able that we should love, obey and honor Him. Who would not love one that has done so much for the eternal welfare of the soul? Surely we do love Him and He requires that we prove our love by being obedient and do­ing the things He has commanded. When Jesus had asked Peter the third time of he loved Him, he said, “Lord, thou knowest all things; thou know­est that I love thee” (John 21:17). So it is today, Jesus knows when we love Him. He told Peter to feed His lambs and sheep. There was something for Peter to do, and he worked faithfully because he loved the Lord. There is something for each of us to do and we must not fail in our service to the Master. Jesus said, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me” (John 14:21). Then He said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words” (v. 23). And again, “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings” (v. 24).

 These words of Je­sus show that love for Him and obedience to His Word go together. We do not love Him if we do not obey Him. If we do love Him, we will be obedient to Him. That means we will obey His Word when He said, “This is my com­mandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). It also means that we will obey His last words before He ascended back to the Father, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...” (Matt. 28:19, 20). It is only reasonable to believe that we will certainly have to know and do all of the commandments of the Lord ourselves before we are able to teach others to observe them. And it is nec­essary that we obey the command to let our light shine and put in practice all of the words of Jesus if we are to do the work that Jesus left for us to do. By doing these things we show we love Him.

 Our Christ is worthy of all of the honor that we can give Him. He is due honor along with the Father who sent Him into the world. He said, “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him” (John 5:22, 23). Then Paul commanded Timothy to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life and he charged him to keep this commandment unto the appearing of Jesus Christ, “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power ever­lasting” (1 Tim. 6:15, 16).

 We hold certain people in esteem because of their positions but none can be as worthy as our Lord. None but Jesus can save. None but Jesus can do what He has done for us and what He will do in the future. No earthly po­sition can equal His. Even though He came to this earth a little baby the first time, yet the day will come when He will return riding upon a white horse and upon His vesture will be written KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. He will be the mighty conqueror. Even now He is all powerful and we should always think of Him as having all power over all the power of the en­emy. And He is able to give those who serve Him overcoming power. Before He ascended to heaven He said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). Shouldn’t we love, obey and honor the One who came into the world to save sinners? I am sure we should, so at this season let us be careful to celebrate His birth in a manner that will be pleasing to Him. Let us show our love to Him by loving others. Let us obey Him by giv­ing as He commanded. We can follow the example of the wise men by giv­ing to the cause of Christ and to those less fortunate than ourselves. Let us honor Him and magnify His name throughout the Christmas season. Our Christ means more than all the world to us, so let us exalt Him in our lives, our words, our actions and our deeds that others may see Him in us and help us glorify God for sending a Saviour into the world to give Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people.

Our message this month is a reprint from the WWM, December 17th, 1960, by M. A. Tomlinson