COVENANTER

Robert Robinson, born in 1735 in Swaffham, Norfolk, lost his father at a young age and fell into a life of sin during his apprenticeship in London. Despite a troubled youth spent in rebellion, he was converted after hearing George Whitefield preach, eventually becoming a pastor and the author of the well-loved hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Yet questions linger about whether Robinson himself later strayed from the faith, a sobering reminder to guard our own spiritual walks diligently.

You may know the moving story behind the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul,” written by Horatio Spafford, a devout Presbyterian and successful Chicago lawyer of the mid-19th century. After losing his four young daughters in a tragic shipwreck, Spafford penned the hymn’s powerful words while crossing the very waters where they perished. The words of the hymn remind us that even in life’s darkest valleys, we can echo the Apostle Paul: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed… struck down, but not destroyed,” upheld by the hope of the resurrection in Christ.

In the Gospels, we see the raw humanity of Jesus Christ vividly displayed, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He sought the presence of His friends during His darkest hour. This profound moment reminds us of the value of standing by one another in times of need, a calling echoed throughout Scripture with exhortations to love, bear burdens, and show hospitality. As we face a new year filled with challenges, let us commit to standing by one another with practical acts of love, wisdom, and encouragement, reflecting the heart of our Savior.

The time between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve often feels like a peculiar “no man’s land,” yet it offers a unique opportunity to pause and reflect on the Lord’s faithfulness over the past year. It’s also a time to look ahead, setting Christ-centered goals for the year to come. In both reflecting on the past and planning for the future, we should prioritizing the ultimate pursuit: abiding in and treasuring Jesus Christ above all else.

The New Testament offers profound responses to Christ’s birth: angels proclaim “good tidings of great joy,” shepherds glorify God, Magi worship, and Simeon declares his peace in seeing the Messiah. Why such rejoicing? Isaiah 9 foretells the significance of this child: He will rule with wisdom as our Wonderful Counselor, with power as our Mighty God, with eternal care as our Everlasting Father, and bring true peace as our Prince of Peace. This Christmas, may we echo the joy of Isaiah’s proclamation, declaring, “To us a child is born, to us a Son is given.”

In 1785 Rabbie Burns, one of Scotland’s most celebrated poets, wrote “To a Mouse,” inspired by his accidental destruction of a mouse’s nest. In this poem, Burns reflects on the frailty of human plans and the sorrow of life without hope, poignantly contrasting the mouse's present-focused existence with his own grief and fear of the past and future. For the Christian, however, the message of Christmas replaces grief and fear with the everlasting hope, joy, and peace found in Jesus Christ, who came to redeem and dwell with us forever.

Pastor Rob reflects on Pastor Kyle’s godly character. Like Paul in 2 Corinthians, Pastor Kyle’s humility and grace are evidence of God’s sanctifying work, often through the very weaknesses and afflictions that reveal Christ’s power. Let us be encouraged to embrace our own thorns, trusting in the Lord’s sufficient strength made perfect in our frailty and trials.

Martin Rinkart (1586–1649) was a German Lutheran pastor whose entire ministry took place in his hometown of Eilenburg during one of the most devastating periods in European history—the Thirty Years’ War. For 30 of his 31 years as pastor, he served amidst war, famine, and plague. Despite these overwhelming hardships, in 1636 Rinkart wrote a prayer of thanksgiving for his children that became the hymn Now Thank We All Our God—a timeless reminder of gratitude even in the darkest of times.

George Matheson, a Scotsman born in Glasgow in 1842, faced profound trials early in life, including total blindness by age 20 and the heartbreak of a broken engagement. Despite these hardships, Matheson pursued pastoral ministry and wrote the cherished hymn O Love That Will Not Let Me Go, inspired by the enduring love of God amid his personal struggles. This hymn, a testament to God's immutable and everlasting love, continues to remind believers of the faithfulness and sacrificial love of Christ.

It’s easy to take the Lord’s gifts for granted, particularly the gift of elders who care for our spiritual well-being. In His kindness, God has appointed qualified men to shepherd us, guarding, guiding, and feeding our souls with wisdom and understanding. In the ARP, both ruling elders and teaching elders serve as spiritual overseers, not merely to conduct church business but to nurture our faith—what a gift to thank Him for!

God’s authority surpasses all political landscapes, and His kingdom endures while nations rise and fall. Regardless of who holds office, every leader is established by God, and we are called to honor them and pray for them as Scripture instructs. While we may engage with the political realm, our ultimate allegiance lies in God's eternal kingdom, as we are set apart to proclaim His excellencies.

Though the nations rage and strive against the Lord and His Anointed, Jesus stands immovable, unwavering like a lighthouse amidst stormy seas. As His people, we too face resistance from those who rebel against God, yet we find refuge in the strong tower of Christ. With countless trials around us—whether personal struggles, societal upheavals, or global unrest—our confidence remains firm, for God is our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble.