Eric's Beijing Diary

I had a New Year's Eve party for some friends here last night. With everyone I invited, and everyone they invited, it got to be quite a crowd. Standing room only. Packed to the gills. As we say in China, "People mountain, people sea."

Somehow I always manage to scrounge up a couple cooks for the party. The chief chef for the evening this time, was Linda, a young lady I met at the English Corner a few weeks ago. I just happened to be talking with her the other day, and asked her if she knew how to cook. Fortunately, she told me she liked cooking, and it turns out she wasn't lying. Saturday, I ran into Rose at the house church, and she agreed to help with cooking. They did a great job. The string beans and pork dish was incredible.

We watched the Jesus film. I have seen many Passion pictures in my time, but that is the one I like best. The reason is that the Jesus film is not just a drama about Christ. It presents a clear gospel message. For several, it was thought of as a nice story, but not something that related to them personally. But for Linda, it was a defining moment. She wanted to start 2006 as a new person. It always strikes me how people can respond so differently to the same story. I must confess that I do not understand the sovereignty of God.

This morning, Claire took me to the church in Chongwenmen. As we were sitting on the subway, I was thinking about last night. I got a text message from another person who watched the movie with us, "I am so touched by last night's movie about Jesus Christ." As I read this message, I was struck by the thought that with all it's simplicity, there is no sweetness like the sweetness of the Gospel.

The Chongwenmen church is known for it's beautiful classic architecture. Today was a particularly beautiful day--cold, but clear. As we entered the old, traditional courtyard, my ears were filled with the sound of parishioners doing the "do re me" music practice before the service. I recognized the melody of an old gospel song. They weren't singing the words, of course, but you know how it is--when you hear the music to a familiar tune, the words have a way of floating through your mind. They seemed to be a confirmation of my earlier musings on the subway:

Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by,
Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter,
Sweeter as the years go by.

I would like to know more about the history of this place. It has obviously been standing here for quite some time. It is encouraging to me to see what Chinese Christianity has become in spite of all the trouble of the past 50 years. Or perhaps because of it. Would this sincere fellowship be here in this old place if China had known only bounty and good times? Somehow I don't think so. And the communion service afterwards was particularly reverent and peaceful. As the piano was softly playing "Break Thou the Bread of Life," I lifted my hand in worship to the Lord. I was hoping Claire would not rebuke me for this outward expression of worship. She did. She grabbed my other arm and pushed it upward, "Raise two hands!" She's right. A beautiful morning like this deserves complete and unreserved praise to Him who gives all good things to those who love Him.

Of Jesus' love that sought me, when I was lost in sin;
Of wondrous grace that brought me back to His fold again;
Of heights and depths of mercy, far deeper than the sea,
And higher than the heavens, my theme shall ever be.

Refrain

Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by,
Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter,
Sweeter as the years go by.

He trod in old Judea life' s pathway long ago;
The people thronged about Him, His saving grace to know;
He healed the broken hearted, and caused the blind to see;
And still His great heart yearneth in love for even me.

Refrain

'Twas wondrous love which led Him for us to suffer loss,
To bear without a murmur the anguish of the cross;
With saints redeemed in glory, let us our voices raise,
Till Heav'n and earth re-echo with our Redeemer' s praise.

Refrain