The Eighth Hungarian Tribe, 1982 (9. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1982-12-01 / 12. szám

THE NATIVITY

It is the season again to commemorate our Lord’s holy birth.

It is the season to renew our joyful devotions to our Heavenly Father for His greatest of gifts to the human family, even our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is the season when we are reminded of the greatness of God’s love:

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.

(John 3:16)

A SAVIOUR, CHRIST THE LORD

It is the season when we are stirred to review Saint Luke’s eloquent account of the nativity of our Lord, “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks 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 bom 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.” (Luke 2:6-14)

GOLD, FRANKINCENSE, AND MYRRH

It is the season when we are also reminded of Saint Matthew’s moving account of our Lord’s birth and the notable visit of the wise men. On arriving in Jerusalem, they inquired, “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.”

On being sent to Bethlehem, “... they departed; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:1-11)

It is the season for us to praise God as did the shepherds, the wise men, and the heavenly hosts; to praise Him for, “A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

It is the season to sing Isaac Watts’ stirring hymn to the resounding music of George F. Handel:

Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, ...and heaven and nature sing!