He Came As We Are

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                                     He Came As We Are

Matthew 2:16

Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. 17 Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:  18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning,

Rachel weeping for her children; And she refused to be comforted, Because they were no more.”

Hebrews 4:14 
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Mt.11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.-Jesus

These words are echoed to chilling heart-warming effect in Shel Silverstein's The giving Tree. I have recorded it as a special gift for all my parent-friends who have babies that I may never hold and rarely even see. I offer this book, reading it aloud and sharing a story that is Christmas and Easter all rolled into one! (Music by Franz Biebl, Ave Maria, on Cello-about the angel telling Mary about her boy and her response.) I recommend showing the pictures as the book is read. Or you can just watch the video with your child. And we'll share that space and moment in time!

I also posted a video for the adults who won't relate to the children's book. This song is a worship song we do a lot at CUMC without the 2nd verse. We discovered a recording with the Manger-to-the-Cross 2nd verse quite by accident. Now we share it with you!
Check yesterday's post for news about France!

Humble King:
O kneel me down again here at your feet
Show me how much you love humility
O Spirit be the Star that leads me to
The Humble Heart of Love I see in You

You are the God of the Broken
The Friend of the Weak
You wash the feet of the Weary
Embrace the ones in Need
I want to be like you Jesus
To have this heart in me
You are the God of the Humble
You are the Humble King

Here on this dusty ground I bow with kings
Where wise men laid before their offerings
But I lay no golden crown here at Your feet
Just this, my broken life, I offer Thee

Photo captions coming soon: