A True Christmas

"Does the world make itself ready to celebrate a Christmas in its way?  May the Lord rouse you, so that you might receive Him in the appropriation of faith of which the angel spoke to the shepherds, not only proclaiming that the Savior was born, but 'Unto you is born this day in the city of David, the Savior.'  A greater Christmas cannot be prepared for you."
                                                                                                         Rev. G. H. Kersten

The Lord's Dealings

The Lord deals graciously with His people.  Though He puts them into the furnace, yet He will not allow it to be heated one degree more than is needful to consume the dross and purify their souls.  He presides over it Himself.  His wisdom and love regulate its strength.  Thus, in the midst of all their trials, He never leaves them nor forsakes them.
                                                                                                        Thomas Reade

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  Hebrews 13.5

Seek to Grow in Grace

We must distinguish carefully.  It is one thing to be able to testify of forgiveness of debts.  It is another to be able to sing:

The Lord is my inheritance,
The Lord alone remains
The fullness of my cup of bliss;
The Lord my lot maintains.

                           Psalter 27:4

Sometimes a soul will understand this.  She will acknowledge that she possesses the first benefit, but will not always dare to say, "This other benefit is my portion as well."  You must understand, however that you cannot receive the second benefit in any other way than the first, namely, from out of the fullness of Christ.

Many never become richer in their experience, because they do not acknowledge their remaining need.

Gerard Wisse, from the book, Godly Sorrow.