When I was a young ministerial student, Noel Smith was editor of the Baptist Bible Tribune, the publication he founded in 1950. Anyone who reads this and attended Baptist Bible College of Springfield, MO, in the 1950s or ‘60s will recognize Smith’s name. His pen was powerful; it could also be sublime, as his following reflections on Christmas will demonstrate:
“An infant named Jesus was born more than 1900 years ago in the days of Caesar Augustus. No responsible person doubts it—not Jews, Unitarians, Muslims, etc. The historical evidence is there to prove it. Time dates from before or after this infant’s birth. The Greeks were going to date time from the Olympics, the Romans were going to date time from the founding of Rome, the French were going to date time from the Revolution. All of these failed and most never heard of their efforts. Time dates from before or after the birth of Jesus Christ. If this was all you knew about Jesus, you would know enough to stir any reasonable man’s imagination to know why.
Jesus is the only universal character the world has ever known. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses are Jewish. Paul was more universal than any but Jesus, but he was no son of man. Gladstone, Lloyd George and Churchill were Englishmen. Abraham Lincoln was an Americn. Americans are closer to Jesus than they are to Lincoln. The English are closer to Jesus than to Churchill. Why?
Jesus stood before the physically, morally, and spiritually sick of this world and said, ‘Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ No other man outside of an insane asylum ever said a thing like that and made such an invitation. Why? Think about it.”
Here is another favorite Christmas meditation of mine, attributed to Keith L. Brooks, founder of The American Prophetic League of Los Angeles and author of many books:
“Jesus Christ was born in the poorest of circumstances, but the air above was filled with hallelujahs of the heavenly host. His lodging was a cattle pen, but a star drew distinguished visitors from afar to do Him homage and present Him with rich gifts.
His birth was contrary to the laws of life. His death was contrary to the laws of death. No miracle is so inexplicable as His life and teaching.
He had no cornfields or fisheries, but He could spread a table for 5,000 and have bread and fish to spare. He walked on the waters and they supported Him.
His crucifixion was the crime of crimes, but, on God’s side, no lower price than His infinite agony could have made possible our redemption. When He died, few men mourned; but a black crepe was hung over the sun. Though men trembled not for their sins, the earth beneath shook under the load. All nature honored Him; sinners alone rejected Him.
He preached His Gospel for only three and one-half years. He wrote no book, built no church, had no money back of Him. After 1900 years He is the one central character of human history, the perpetual theme of all preaching, the pivot around which the events of the ages revolve, the only Regenerator of the sinful human race. What thinking man can keep from exclaiming, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
“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)
YOU and GOD 