The Weary World Rejoices

The recent revelations of atrocities in Syrian prisons show us the depth to which man’s inhumanity to man can stoop. Hostilities and insecurities continue in places, but Syrian Christians are cautiously optimistic. Church bells ring out and churches were full over Christmas. We feel the ‘thrill of hope’ and pray with them that promises of inclusiveness made by the new government will stand, and that greater freedom and boldness may result in a move of the Holy Spirit that brings many into the kingdom of God.

Fall on Your Knees

‘Fall on your knees’ was this line in the song ‘O Holy Night’ that drew me to it in the first place. For me this Christmas has been all about knees because of my replacement surgery. Fall on your knees in worship as you hear the angels proclaim such good news. They announce the Saviour’s humble birth and a message of great joy. ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people’ (Luke 2:10).

Our world is so sad, weary and broken. We see war on many fronts, an increase in family breakdown, a pandemic of mental health issues and an environmental crisis. How we long for peace at every level. Deep, lasting peace and true joy can only flow from peace with God, brokered through Christ’s sacrifice.

Christmas still fills me with a thrill of hope. Christ taking on frail human flesh, becoming one of us, Immanuel. His perfect life and death in our place promise that like him we too can know resurrection. When Jesus comes again in glory at the end of time ushering in the fullness of his kingdom, everything will be made new. The nations will no longer rage against God and each other. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness (Psalm 96:13). There will be everlasting peace and joy for those acknowledging his lordship and renewal for all of creation.

‘The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands’ (Isaiah 55:12).

Forever Knees

How long will my new knee last? 15 years? 20 years? I do pray it’ll see me to the end without the need of revision surgery. Although my new joint has great potential, kneeling after replacement surgery often proves difficult or impossible.

Jesus knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of crucifixion asking his Father if there could be another way to save us from our sins and bring us peace with God. Jesus embraced his Father’s will and from his willing humiliation he is now highly exalted.

My resurrection body will have perfect knees that most certainly will be able to kneel comfortably, because on that day of Christ’s return,

‘…every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father’ (Philippians 2:11).