Take My Yoke

Take My Yoke Upon You: Missio Dei 

 

 ‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’ Matthew 11:29-30

When you are a cancer patient such as Pat, my wife, you carry a concern, a burden, that weighs heavy on you. This burden is also carried by the whole family and close friends.

Life is especially overwhelming for Pat this past year. But I notice that throughout the year, while receiving many cycles of chemotherapy and stem cells transplants; despite being admitted to hospital for five times and attending outpatient treatments about 2-3 times a week, Pat continues to be in high spirits, confident that the Lord Jesus will take care of her.

In these trying periods, Pat learned to transfer and share her burdens with Jesus, her Lord and Saviour.

‘Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.’ Psalm 55:22

Pat, the family and friends have learnt to harness ourselves to the ‘yoke’ of Christ

Farmers used a wooden yoke to strap the shoulders of two animals such as oxen or horses together so that they could combine strength to pull a load that would have been too much for one animal to carry.

Jesus Christ assures us that His yoke is easy. We can only surmise that He is taking on the heavier lifting; He takes on the larger share of the load. That way we lift off our burdens and give it to the Lord and Christ lifts it off our shoulders.

In hitching our shoulders to the yoke of Christ we learned:

• To move in the same direction as Christ, to be on the same path
• Not to carry the whole burden ourselves but to lean on Christ
• Being closely yoke, we become refreshed and can carry more than we ever thought we could.

That is why Saint Paul and all the early followers of Christ can say, despite persecution and hardships, sometimes leading to martyrdom:

‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.’ 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Poor farmers often cannot afford oxen or horses; these farmers will yoke themselves to the plough to till the land. So when Jesus spoke of being yoked and carrying the weight upon His shoulders, His hearers in 1st Century Judea and Samaria, understood and emphatise completely. But Jesus meant that He carries the weight of the whole world not just a plough. He welcomes us who are burdened and heavy laden to be yoked to Him. 

There is no problem too big God solve it. He will help us lift that burden. He will carry you.

 ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28

There is no problem too big God cannot solve it

There is no mountain too tall He cannot move it
And there is no storm too dark God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep He cannot soothe it

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know my brother that He will carry you
And if He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know my sister that He will carry you

‘For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.’ Psalm 62:5-7

Lionel

In Spirit And In Truth

 

'For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.' John 4:24 (NLT)

In the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, the woman commented on the various forms and places of worship practiced by the Jews and the Samaritans, each claiming to be more superior than the other. The Jews worship at the their temple at Jerusalem and insisted that Jerusalem is the only place of worship. The Samaritans worship at their temple on Mount Gerizim which they regard as the holiest place on earth.

However, Jesus dismissed the comparison of forms, rituals, places and styles of worship by simply stating,

'Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem.' John 4:21 (NLT)

He then went on to say,

'The time is coming - indeed it is here now - when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.' John 4:22

If we are to worship God we need to understand what it means to worship in spirit and in truth. 

• Worship in Spirit. Worship is an experience of the heart, it must originate from within, from our spirit. Worship must be sincere, motivated by our love for God and gratitude for all He is and has done. Jesus said 

 'These people honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me;in vain do they worship me.' Matthew 15:8-9a

Worship is not a mechanical ritual or a formality that takes place for an hour at the end of a hectic week - but an experience from deep within the spirit; deep within the heart.

• Worship in Truth. Worship must be based on the truth of all that we know of our Triune God. Jesus was quick to direct the Samaritan woman's attention from the 'where' and 'how' to worship to the 'whom' to worship. It must never be thoughtless but grounded on knowledge of who God is and what He has done for us.

Worship is facilitated by God's Word, in that we can meditate on God's Word when we worship. We allow the truth of God's Word to influence, fill us during worship.

• Worship in Spirit and Truth Simultaneously. Worship must have heart and worship must have head - that is to say, worship must engage your spirit and your thoughts at the same time. We do not worship in spirit as one setting and in truth in another setting, we engage the both simultaneously. Our minds and will as well as our emotions have to be moved. 

Psalms 95 aptly describes what it means to worship in spirit and in truth; worshipping with our spirit and vitality:-

'Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our Salvation. Let us come to Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.' Psalms 95:1-2 (NLT)  

and with our minds and wills:-

'Come let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care. Psalm 95:6-7 (NLT)

The word 'worship' is derived from an old English word weorþscipe, which means 'worth-ship' or 'worthiness.' 

Thus, worship is giving value to something, to honour someone or something. Real worship of God means we ascribe to Him ultimate value, holding our God in the highest regard.

'For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in His hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains.' Psalm 95:3-4 (NLT)

The hymn 'O Worship The King' clearly and rightfully points to God's greatness and majesty, leading us to worship God and give him ultimate glory.

O worship the King all glorious above,
and gratefully sing his power and his love:
our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendour and girded with praise.

O tell of his might and sing of his grace,
whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
his chariots of wrath the deep thunder-clouds form,
and dark is his path on the wings of the storm.

The earth, with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, your power has founded of old;
established it fast, by a changeless decree,
and round it has cast, like a mantle, the sea.

Your bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
and sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.

We children of dust are feeble and frail -
in you do we trust, for you never fail;
your mercies, how tender, how firm to the end!
our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend.

O measureless Might, unchangeable Love,
whom angels delight to worship above!
Your ransomed creation, with glory ablaze,

In true adoration shall sing to your praise!

Lionel

Under The Shade Of His Grace

 

'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it;

I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. 

On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it, it will bear fruit and become a splendid cedar.

Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. 

All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord will bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. 

I the Lord have spoken and I will do it' Ezekiel 17:22-24

The Charis Methodist Church's new sanctuary, building and renovated premises was consecrated and dedicated today, 21 January 2024, to the Glory of God. The theme of the worship service and the topic of the sermon delivered by Methodist Bishop, Rev(Dr) Gordon Wong was, 'Under The Shade of His Grace.'

The Bishop was quick to point out that the topic was well chosen because the name Charis comes from the Greek word Χάρις meaning grace and kindness. It is a prayer, said the Bishop, that Charis will be a church where many people will find comfort, salvation and fulfillment with the ministry of the church - under the shade of God's grace.

'Under the Shade of His Grace' used during the dedication service of the church, will likewise, be the theme of Charis Methodist Church's witness and ministry. In a world of trouble and tribulation, the church will reach out and welcome the community to enjoy the comfort and shelter of God's grace.

The Charis Congregation @ Dedication Service

Bishop Gordon Wong based his sermon on the passage Ezekiel 17:22-24. There are several lessons to be drawn from this bible passage:

• Charis Methodist Church is Established by the Design and Initiative of God. Pay attention to the positive actions of God's will,
• I myself will a take a shoot from the top of the cedar. 
• I will break off a tender sprig.
• I will plant it.

• Charis Methodist Church shall (will) Establish a Fruitful Ministry
• It will produce branches
• It will bear fruit
• It will become a splendid cedar

• Charis Methodist Church will Serve the Community and Needy
• Birds of every kind will nest in it
• Birds will shelter in it.

• Charis Methodist Church will Thrive but Only by God's Grace
• I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall
• I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish
• I the Lord have spoken and I will do it

We celebrated the 35th Anniversary of the church today. This is because we count our age from the day we became independent of the mother church, on 1 January 1989, and became a local conference of the Methodist Church in Singapore. 

In reality the congregation of Charis Methodist Church started way back in 1966 when several of our pioneers started an English Worship Service at 4.30 pm at the Geylang Chinese Methodist Church in Aljunied Road. It was inaugurated by Bishop Robert F Lundy, the Bishop of the Malaysia-Singapore Methodist General Conference. 

The English Worship Service was managed autonomously by a English Working Committee. The Chairpersons of the Working Committees were Goh Say Hong (1968 to 1975), Victor Koh (1976), Lim Eng Chong (1977), Lionel Lee (1978 to 1982), Lim Eng Chong (1982/83), Lionel Lee (1983-1988) until the first Local Church Executive Committee was formed on 1 Jan 1989 with Lionel Lee as the Chairman. The LCEC chairpersons of Charis Methodist Church were Quek Koh Eng, Koh Hai Theng, Charles Loh, Khoong Hock Yun, Too Shiun Jye. In 2024, LCEC leadership transferred to the third generation under Gabriel Tham. 

That English Service included two worship services, Sunday School, two Methodist Youth Fellowships, the 17th Company Boys Brigade, Young Adult Fellowship, Adult Fellowship, Young Adult Bible Class, Children's Ministry called the Charis King's Army, Adult Choir, Children's Choir, Evangelism, Social Concerns and Missions Ministries. 

Thus, Charis Methodist Church existed as a congregation for 57 years since 1966.  For 37 years, from 1966-1993 when we acquired the present property upon which the new buildings were dedicated today, we were a Church without a Home. But it did not really matter to us, because we always knew that the Lord God will provide shelter and nest.

'Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches.' Ezekiel 17:23b

The Bishop pointed out that these two words nest and shelter are translated same in Mandarin as 'Home.' We are reminded that God has provided Charis Methodist Church with a home just as Christ said, 

'Upon this rock, I will build my church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it' Matthew 16:18b (NLT)

The Charis Methodist Church Choir sang the song, 'Upon This Rock' at the dedication service. The Choir sang the same anthem on the 3 Apr 1993 at the inaugural service at our newly acquired property. It sang again on the 20 Jan 2019 celebrating our 30th Anniversary as a independent local conference.

 

When others see with earthly eyes

Just what they want to see

You will see the things that never die

You will know and recognize

By simple child-like faith

The priceless truth that

Others will deny.

When others say I'm just a man

Who likes to dream His dreams

When others call a miracle a myth

You'll listen for eternity

In moments as they pass

And see with spirit eyes

What others miss.

Upon this rock I'll build My kingdom

And on this rock forever and ever it shall stand

And all the powers of Hell itself

Shall never more prevail against it

For Satan's thrones are built on sinking sand

Upon this rock I'll build My kingdom

And on this rock forever and ever it shall stand

Upon this rock of revelation

I'll build a strong and mighty nation

And it shall stand the storms of time

Upon this rock.

If in a simple carpenter

You see the Son of God

If you would chose to lose

When you could win

If you would give your life away

For nothing in return

Then you are where

My kingdom will begin.

Upon this rock I'll build My kingdom

And on this rock forever and ever it shall stand

Upon this rock of revelation

I'll build a strong and mighty nation

And it shall stand the storms of time

Upon this rock

I'll Build My church

Upon this rock

I'll Build My church

Upon this Rock

Upon this Rock

The clarion message, is that Christ alone will build Charis Methodist, His Church.

Lionel

Blessing and Benediction

'May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favour and give you His peace' Numbers 6:24-26

Many of us, simply disregard and perfunctorily dismiss the benediction performed at the end of the church worship services; we can't wait to get out of church. We fail to appreciate the wonderful words of assurance, how much the Lord God intends to enrich our lives and bless us. We fail to realise that as we leave after a time of worshipping God, the benediction is like a parting gift to sustain us for the week during which the presence of God will no doubt wane within us as we become distracted by our many chores and to-do lists.

The Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26 is the most commonly used Benediction. God instructed Aaron at the time of the Exodus to bless the Israelites. It was given at a time of uncertainty, dangers, concerns as the Israelites realised that the dry and arid desert had nothing to offer. They were completely reliant on God and God did not leave them destitute, God delivered.

• The Lord bless you and keep you. This is a promise of God's protection bestowed as a blessing on His people, the Israelites then and now on all Christians too.

• The Lord make His face to shine upon you. This is a promise of God's presence not just casually but deeply, intimately and close up as if face to face.

• The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. This is the promise of God's peace. 

The end of the a church service is not just a return to society after having worshipped God. It is also God sending us into the world, commissioned for ministry and mission empowered by the Holy Spirit. We receive the blessing of God so that we will have the strength and ability to live lives of blessing to others. Having received the benediction we are sent out as Jesus Christ's witnesses and ambassadors.

The Benediction is both a prayer and pronouncement. The apostles and early church leaders pronounced the benediction as a signature conclusion to their messages using  

• The Benediction as an Encouragement
• The Benediction as a Blessing
• The Benediction as a pronouncement of Grace

Examples are:

Hope 'May the God of hope Fill you with all joy and peace in believing, So that you may abound in hope By the power of the Holy Spirit.' Romans 15:13

Service 'Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory forever and ever.' Hebrews 13:20-21

Endurance 'May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Romans 15:5-6

Love 'The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all'. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Glory 'Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen' Ephesians:20-21

Peace 'The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4:7

Success 'Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen'  Jude 24-25

Sanctification 'Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.' 1 Thessalonians 5:23

One of the modern benedictions was written and put to music in 1998 by John Rutter, the Clare Benediction. John Rutter has a long association with Clare College, Cambridge University. He read music at Clare in the 1960s and subsequently returned as its director of music and director of the chapel choir.

The Clare Benediction is a set to soothing melody and harmony. Beginning with 'May the Lord show His mercy upon you...' it is a prayer for protection and guidance, when asleep or awake, in this life and the next. 

May the Lord show his mercy upon you;

May the light of his presence be your guide:

May he guard you and uphold you;

May his spirit be ever by your side.

When you sleep may his angels watch over you;

When you wake may he fill you with his grace:

May you love him and serve him all your days

Then in heaven may you see his face.

May the Lord's loving kindness surround you;

Keep you safe as you journey on your way:

May he lead you and inspire you

As he grants you the gift of each new day.

May he bless all your loved ones and cherish them;

Ev'ry friend, ev'ry stranger at your door:

In the name of his Son our Saviour Christ

May God bless you now and evermore

Next time don't just rush out at the end of the worship service. Take time to let the blessings of the Benediction sink in. Then, let us learn to bless each other. We are blessed to be a blessing.

May God bless you now and evermore.

Lionel

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Tsunami by Hokusai 19th Century

'Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.' Psalm 91:1-3 (NLT)

A tsunami of crisis aptly described 2023; it was a most challenging year for the Lee family. Pat started treatment for T-cell Lymphoma which has lasted for more than a year. It was one relentless cycle of different chemotherapy drugs after another. It took a toll on Pat's health, immune system, weight and energy. Debbie and Becky, our two daughter, were tested as potential donors for a allogenic stem cell transplant for Pat on 22 February 2024. Debbie has been selected to be the donor and she is back in Singapore for medical examinations, tests and mobilisation of stem cells. 

We hope and pray that Pat will achieve remission and be cured of the Lymphoma. Family members and many friends from around the world are joining us in prayer. Above these prayers, we know that we are at God's disposal entirely and His will shall prevail in our lives.

At such times of prayers and seeking assistance from God, we are reminded that God will protect those He loves. Martin Luther wrote the hymn of 'A Mighty Fortress is our God' declaring this assurance.

Described as the Battle Hymn of the Reformation, Martin Luther wrote it to rally the reformation against the onslaught of persecutions and opposition. One can imagine the numerous times when the singing of this hymn assisted Martin Luther through many a difficult year, as the reformation took on the might and influence of the Roman Catholic Church

The lyrics are inspired by Psalm 46. This Psalm described 3 different scenes indicating the presence of God in all circumstances.

• The Raging Seas - Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:2-3

• The Peaceful Stream - There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Psalm 46:4-5

• The Mighty Fortress - Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice and the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46: 6-7

A mighty Fortress is our God,
A Bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His Name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is forever.

When one is buffeted with life’s difficulties and challenges, it can be a very frightening experience. One problem follows another much like the relentless waves of a raging storm. Yet, Psalms 46:1 resonates across the waves, 

'God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in times of trouble.'

So, despite a difficult year past, looking ahead, this hymn will be our anthem for 2024 - A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.

Lionel

An Attractive Community

The Sanctuary - Charis Methodist Church

 

'Love each other deeply, because love will cause many sins to be forgiven. Open your homes to each other, without complaining. Each of you has a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace.' 1 Pet 4:8-10.

After a long hiatus of more than 4 years, Charis Methodist Church returns to a new church building at Koon Seng Road. The church was rebuilt and renovated but it took longer than we expected as the Covid-19 pandemic affected the construction and development progress. Thankfully we enjoyed the tremendous hospitality of Living Hope Methodist Church who offered us their facilities so that we can continue to conduct our worship services.

Many Charisians braved on to worship together. But being away from our own premises have affected us, both in attendances at worship services and our close fellowship with one another. The leadership of the church faced many challenges including many criticisms regarding the Church development during this time but they journeyed on with faithfulness  and diligence. 

Today marks our first worship service at the new church building. Very appropriately we traditionally hold a Covenant Renewal Service on the last day of the year. As the body of Christ, we renew our covenant with God and with one another. 

GraceFields - The Charis Stained Glass Window 

The Congregation will stand before the altar facing the stained glass artwork beautifying the chancel, which I shall call, GraceFields. Credited to our brother Andrew Loh who visualised and conceptualised the work, this wonderful piece of art depicts the Holy Trinity represented by the Rays of Light breaking through Clouds for the Almighty Father, the Cross for Jesus Christ and the Dove for the Holy Spirit. The Triune God is entwined with the Body of Christ, His church in Charis, represented by the Communion Chalice and Bread. The Blessings of God in this Communion, shines like rays upon the wheat-fields ripe for harvest, the ministry and service of the Charis Methodist Church  

Indeed, when we committed ourselves to rebuild the church building we also pledged to improve our ministry and witness of the church by being An Attractive Community upon completion. What does it mean to be an Attractive Community? 

• A Engaged People. The Christian fellowship is described by the Greek word, Koinonia meaning a communion by intimate participation. It is used frequently in the New Testament to describe the relationships within the early Christian community. The early church members were committed to one another. Like them we should not be afraid to live lives of interdependence with one another. Koinonia carries the principle of Engagement; of Total Commitment.  The Bible describes this phenomenon like a living body with all the different parts gelled in unity.

'Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.' Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)

 

'He (Christ) makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts to grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.' Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) 

• A Sharing People We are a people whose relationships with one another are so deep that we share many things in common. It embraces the concept of joint participation, sharing together, caring of one another. But this closeness may present a danger of hurting one another either intentionally or unintentionally. Society often prevents itself from bearing the pain of hurt by raising up barriers and not getting too close to each other. The words of Simon and Garfunkel in the song “I am Rock” states “I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain.”
  
  
  In contrast, the Christian network forces us to break down barriers and to share with each other; our possessions and our lives.

'All the believers are united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not theirs. so they shared everything they had.' Acts 4:32 (NLT)

'Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and be willing to share.' I Timothy 6:18

'And don't forget to do good and to share with others in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.' Hebrews 13:16 

• A Generous People An attractive community means a generous community. It is interesting that the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians used the adjective for the offering he was raising from the Greek churches in aid of their fellow Christians in impoverished Judea. The church is a fellowship of people who exhibit the principle of generosity. We should give freely as we see the needs of others within and without the church.

'..make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift not one given grudgingly.' 2 Corinthians 9:5b (NLT)

 'You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.' 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

'Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.' 2 Corinthians (9:11a) 

 

Now that we have the opportunity to worship and be a church at Koon Seng Road, we must not forget to go to church and worship at one of our several worship services. During the Covid-isolation months the churches were not able to meet and worship services were conducted online. Many of us, at first thought that technology and communications have enabled a new form of connectivity, welcomed the Zoom-enabled or Live-Streaming of church worship services. Even as the Covid-restrictions were lifted and worshipping in person as the body of Christ was made possible, many chose not to come to church but continue to worship online. This will be a mistake. The Bible states 

'And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.' Hebrews 10:24-25

What is the cement? It is the love that God has for us, a love which we give to each another. For successful fellowship in this community of love, this love is also expressed practically by the ability to forgive and to receive forgiveness; the ability to mend broken relationships. Max Lucado (Ref 1) wrote “In repairing a relationship, it’s essential to realize that no friendship is perfect, no marriage is perfect, no person is perfect. With the resolve that you are going to make a relationship work, you can develop peace treaties of love and tolerance and harmony to transform a difficult situation into something beautiful."

The apostle Peter wrote, 

“Love each other deeply, because love will cause many sins to be forgiven. Open your homes to each other, without complaining. Each of you has a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace.” 1 Pet 4:8-10.

An Attractive Community means we are true neighbours, brothers and sisters, sharing our joys and pains. We are united by common experiences, interests and goals. We are God’s Lively People. We are the Body of Christ.

One heart

One spirit

One voice to praise You

We are the body of Christ

One goal

One vision

To see You exalted

We are the body of Christ

And to this we give our lives

To see You glorified

Lionel

Ref 1. Max Lucado God's Inspirational Promise Book, Word Publishing Inc 1996

Let's Keep Christmas

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10

The Christmas lights and decorations are switched on along Orchard Road in Singapore for the festive season. The shops are loaded with goods and the streets aglow with Christmas decorations. Christmas is celebrated all over the world, the holiday and the most wonderful time of the year! It is celebrated by everybody; no matter one’s beliefs or culture.

BeckyAge2@Orchard Road, 1986

Now in its 40th year, Christmas on our shopping street is an annual light-up that transforms Orchard Road into a festive wonderland. 1985 was the first time Orchard Road was lit up. The Lee Family strolled down the brightly coloured streets when Rebecca was only 2 years old. 

There is a reason for this obsession with lights. This time of year in the Northern Hemisphere is the winter solstice. It is cold, damp, dark and dingy; the same conditions prevailed on that first Christmas in Bethlehem dark and dreary.

People needed something to lift up their spirits in the darkest day of winter which this year fell on 22nd December. On this day, the Chinese celebrate the Tang Yuan Festival by eating glutinous balls filled with peanuts, sesame seeds, or red beans in sweet peanut, almond or ginger soup. The Scandinavians celebrate 'Yule' with light and warmth at which time they burn the largest logs they could find to bathe in the warmth and light of the communal fire. They would cut down fir trees, the evergreens, and brought these trees into their homes to remind themselves that life persisted even in the darkest of times. 

Photo by Martin Ruegner on Getty Images

The Romans celebrated Saturnalia on the 25th Dec, a time of revelry in honour of the sun god. By the fourth century, the Christians had turned this pagan holiday from the feast day of the risen sun to that of the risen Son.

Modern traditions of Christmas are the carols, cards and Santa Clauses. Rudolph the red nose reindeer was a story written for the departmental store chain, Montgomery Ward to attract shoppers to its shops. The joy of opening gifts is a gleeful moment of every Christmas day. It is a sheer delight to see the glow and sparkle in little children's eyes when they open up their gifts. The glitter and the glow of this very commercial Christmas season entices people into believing that the message of Christmas is good tidings and good cheer for everyone. 

Now what is wrong with that? Isn't this the fulfillment of the prophecy of great joy which the angels gave to the shepherds? This joy and celebration is not a bad thing, it goes back to the sources of these holidays where at such times of cold, damp and loneliness people have needs. This year, 2023 especially, there is hardly anything nor any reason to celebrate with two major wars in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine. Covid-19 keeps coming back keeping us indoors and away from the crowds. 

But a celebration, both sacred and secular help relieve the stresses of these times. So, Christmas has become a cultural tradition for everyone, every year. I hope that this will not change for many more generations to come.

It is true that the commercialization of the Christmas can confuse its central message. What is Christmas all about?  In a Charlie Brown cartoon video, Linus  answers this question in a his most imitable manner.

Let us keep in mind the central message of Christmas - Christ came from heaven to earth and by His birth, God dwells among us. Share the good news! All religions teach of the hunger for God. What is uniquely Christian is that God reaches out to establish a warm and personal relationship. Emmanuel - God with us.

Worship of Shepherds 1539 Bronzino

'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' is an English Christmas carol written by Charles Wesley and George Whitfield in 1739. Charles Wesley was inspired by the sounds on church bells while walking to church on Christmas day. He started the first stanza with the words 'Hark.' His compatriot George Whitfield came up with closing phrase, 'the newborn King.' The current tune is adapted from Felix Mendelssohn's cantata, Festagang.

As we sing carols this Christmas, let us take the time to think about the message of the songs and the truths they proclaim. We can then join the Wesleys in singing "Glory to the newborn King.

1. Hark! The herald angels sing,
   “Glory to the newborn King;
   Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
   God and sinners reconciled!”
   Joyful, all ye nations rise,
   Join the triumph of the skies;
   With th’angelic host proclaim,
   “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
   • Refrain:
     Hark! the herald angels sing,
     “Glory to the newborn King!”
2. Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;
   Christ the everlasting Lord;
   Late in time, behold Him come,
   Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
   Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
   Hail th’incarnate Deity,
   Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
   Jesus our Emmanuel.
3. Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!
   Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
   Light and life to all He brings,
   Ris’n with healing in His wings.
   Mild He lays His glory by,
   Born that man no more may die;
   Born to raise the sons of earth,
   Born to give them second birth.

So let's be inspired like Charles Wesley and celebrate Jesus' birthday. Come on Ring those Bells

Merry Christmas!

Lionel

Updated First published 25 Dec 2007

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