SERIOUS THOUGHTS.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 532, 23 December 1899, Page 2 (Supplement)

SERIOUS THOUGHTS.

DEAR READERS OP SERIOUS THOUGHTS. My message to you this Christmas in contained in the name ' Immanuel.' The angel, speaking with Joseph foretelling the birth of Jesus, reminded him of Isaiah's prophecy concerning this title of the Messiah, Immanuel, which being interpreter] means ' God with us,' comprises in one word tho whole scheme of salvation. It has been truly remarked that in the old testament God is represented as above us : in the gospels He is described as with us; whilst in the Acts and Epistles He is specially exemplified as in us. Now at this season of tho year our thoughts turn naturally to ' God with us.' From the earliest day our Father had been with His children. To Adam, in the garden of Eden, to Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; to Moses and Joshua and to many others God spoko plainly and made His presence felt among them. But, sinful men could not comprehend such a personality; it was too awful, it was beyond their understanding. So God, in the depth of His Fatherly devotion devised ' a more excellent way.' He caused part of Himself to come into the world in the form »f a little baby, born to humble parents, and to grow up, from the very beginning as one with mankind. So, clothed in a body like themselves, which was the only way they could behold Him, men saw their God. ' Tho Word, God, was made flesh and dwelt among us' writes St. John s and we heheld His glory. Thus for three and thirty years God dwelt with man in bodily shape; Jesus identified Himself with man, not holding aloof, but mixing with the people in their sorrows. That' He wenf about doing good ' was a necessity of His God-head. He saffered, being tempted in all points as wo are, yet without sin so that He might sympathize and know from personal experience our trials. Aud yet the God-nature in Jesus could not be hid but radiated out in acts of goodness and kindness to all around, using His divine power solely for the benefit of others. His mission finished, He departed from His disciples with these words : ' Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.' What plainer words could He have chosen ? Yes, and it was ever expedient that He should leave them in order that He might be spiritually with all His followers at once. Have you ever realised what it means to have Jesus with you always ? I onoe road a story of a man's dream. He thought tuat Jesus came in bodily form to his Inuse as guest, sitting at his table and accompanying him to his daily occupations. He who had often sung with feeling the hymn " Abide with me " began to feel embarassed with the constant presence ; he realised that his life would not bear looking into by " that kind but searching glance." Now, let us ask ourselves: " How would it be with us if Jesus were to come and knock at our door to-day, craving admittance? Would He be entirely wolcome ?" And yet, though we cannot see Him, He is with us. Oh ! that His Presence may he a joy and not a reproach! David expressed tho joy of the Immanuel when he said: "In Thy Presence is fulness of joy." Yes ! and it is a joy we never can experience till we realise it in the Presence of God, not only hereafter in the "face to face" realisation but here in this present time, " heart to heart, spirit with spirit." God with us in our struggles for right, the knowledge of whose Presence gives strength to our arm and courage to our heart ; God with us in our sorrows as sympathetic as when on earth " Jesus wept" ; at our triumphs and rejoicings as He was at the marriage feast. In our daily work, be it in the house, office or field " an ever present help, is God with us.