Letter for December 1987

Dear Friends,

What is it that makes Christmas happy and special for you? This is a difficult question to answer, as the happiness of Christmas tide is tied up with a whole bundle of memories and experiences. But for me, this I can say, that the joy of Christmas centres in my perception and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas joy most of all is hearing of Jesus born at Bethlehem. I have often felt that Christmas is really over when the last service is finished on Christmas day, for Christmas is all about meeting with Jesus and understanding the glory of his birth, and this is where I find real and my chief joy.

The joy is not just found in hearing again the story, though this does move me. Nor is the joy simply found in hearing again the familiar Bible passages concerning the birth and coming of Jesus, although joy is in this also. The joy is chiefly realised as the Spirit of God speaks to me from these Bible passages of the wonder and meaning of Christ’s birth.

This is why, as I was reading Matthew chapter 2 again - the story of the wise men - in order to find some thought to share with you in this Christmas letter, that it was the quotation from the prophet Micah given in verse 6 that touched my heart with joy. The words I am referring to are the last half of the verse - "for out of you (Bethlehem) will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel".

These words brought blessing to me first because I know they are addressed to me, and that Jesus came to the earth for me. How can I say this? It is from the last few words - "who will be the shepherd of my people Israel". The New Testament makes plain that the true believers in Jesus are the new Israel. We are God’s people and his spiritual Israel. Thus I know and feel these words are for me as they are for all true Christians. Is it not wonderful to realise Jesus came and was born for me and for you? He came for the world, but chiefly he came for his people, and believers in Jesus are his people. How personal is Christmas joy for the true believer. Jesus born for me, born for you. Joy is in this personal coming, because the glorious deduction is that all he came to provide and did provide is for his people.

My joy is further stimulated by how Jesus is described. This is a revelation. The Holy Spirit is inspiring this declaration of the reality concerning Jesus. He is Ruler and Shepherd. Not just in a general way, but personally he is my ruler and my shepherd. In human society rulers are never shepherds at one and the same time. Jesus was both all the time.

Jesus came as ruler with power to save and guard and keep us, his people. He is a ruler with power. Power to save us from Satan, from the sentence of punishment by the law of God which is death. Ruler also to protect and guard his people from all their enemies. He rules now to carry through his work of salvation, and he orders all history on behalf of his people. He will reign until he has put all enemies under his feet.

Then he is our Shepherd too. He delivers us but also leads us, feeds us, carries us and protects us. he loves us, and knows us all individually. "I am the good shepherd", said Jesus in John 10, "I know my sheep, and my sheep know me". What an intimate relationship of love is expressed here, and this is the real experience of the Christian. Jesus also said, "I am the good shepherd and I give my life for the sheep". Our Shepherd’s love is unsurpassed and invincible. His love carried him to the cross that he might save his people from their sins.

We are led to Bethlehem again, but there I see not merely a helpless babe, but my ruler and my shepherd, who came to deliver me and has saved me and will bring me to his glory; and for all this, and because he is a ruler and shepherd worthy of all glory, praise and adoration, I worship him. Thus Christmas joy and celebration is not the presents or the turkey or the family reunions so much as adoring him who in grace and love came to save his people.

Your servant for Christ’s sake,