Monday, December 27, 2004
Third Christmas Day
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men
HE IS ALREADY HERE
In Johann Sebastian Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" he sets to music the events of the Scriptures from Christmas Eve to Epiphany. Near the end of the work there is a trio for soprano, alto, and tenor where, in typical Bach fashion, he writes the music to match the text. The soprano and tenor with hurried and anxious flourishes are singing back and forth, "Oh, when will the time be ripe? When will the comfort of His people come?" And then all of a sudden, right between them both, comes an alto voice singing in firm rhythm, "Be still, He is surely already here!"
Oh, blessed Christmas, which assures us once again that Jesus is already here! How often are the moments of our lives when we run about fretting, consumed with anxious worry. "When will Jesus come to me?" we cry. "Isn't he here yet to help me?" The answer of Christmas is, "Yes! He is already here. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men." Do you thirst for His salvation even today? As you look about your world, do you long for the devil's head to be crushed and the Savior's victory made known? Be still. Be comforted. He is already here.
He is already here to live and die for you. He is already here to be with you in all your need. He is already here to bring light to the darkness and to Shepherd us all out of the valley of the shadow of death. In the midst of chaos and confusion you are invited to hear His infant voice. This is not the voice crying in the wilderness-- not the voice of preparation and anticipation-- but it is the voice crying in the manger announcing that all is fulfilled. Be still, He is surely already here! 