Luke 2

Ver. 34, 35. He is ordained of God, and brought into the world, as an occasion of the stumbling and falling of many Israelites, and as the effectual means of raising up many to eternal life and happiness. And such shall be his wonderfully mean and suffering circumstances, that many will speak against him with bitter enmity and blasphemy; and you, his mother, shall be tormented with anguish and pain, to see him so contemned, reviled, persecuted, and murdered; yet, by these means, it will clearly be discovered who are his friends that shall be saved, and who his enemies that shall be lost for ever

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. II.—The taxing pride of a Roman emperor in a wonderful manner occasions our Redeemer’s birth at the place long before marked in prophocy; and the enrolment of him and his family as descendants of David. And O how infinite was the debasement of the Son of God to save men! Yet pregnant with the greatest glory to himself and his Father, and with grace to men. Delightful are the tidings, the gracious offers, of him and his salvation 118 131* to sinners in the gospel. And with sincerity and grateful praise ought they to be received by us, and commended to others. A safe child-birth ought to be esteemed a great mercy: and both mother and child ought gratefully to be devoted to God. Thrice happy are they who long wait for the Lord! He will at last appear for their comfort, and open their lips in his praise. And it is only believing views of Jesus Christ that can render death and eternity truly pleasant and hopeful. But unhappy are they to whom this light, this Saviour of the world, becomes an occasion of greater sin and more terrible ruin. Even they who have distinguished honours allotted them have frequently some bitter trials annexed to them. And even they who live nearest to Jesus Christ must often seek him. It is enough that they find him at last, and lay up his words in their hearts.—While parents consider how carefully they ought to attend the ordinances of God, and bring their children along with them, let children ponder what a delightful pattern of early knowledge, devotion, trust in God, and obedience to mean parents, is represented to them in our Redeemer. 11 F