Matthew 19:14 (New International Version): Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (New International Version): 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
...and what has always been my most favorite part of Handel's Messiah that we especially enjoy at Christmas ~ even more than the Hallelujah chorus!
Handel, George Frederic's Messiah, 20 Air for Alto: He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd
(go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLdAVsYhTTg&feature=watch_response to listen to this beautiful piece):
"He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall gather the lambs
with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are
with young. (Isaiah 40:11)
Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him that are heavy laden, and
He will give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He
is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
(Matthew 11:28-29)
Want a new take on these words? Check out The Message version of Matthew 11:28-30:"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
We can not wait for Cai Yun to come home to us - we have been waiting so very long for that day. More importantly, we fervently hope that Cai Yun will follow the words of Jesus and come unto Him.
