“The Auxiliary accorded a grand farewell to Mr. P.O. Kurian (Asst. Manager, Accounts) on his retirement from a distinguished service of 41 years. Mr. Kurian worked under seven General Secretaries from Rev. Dr. A.E.Inbanathan to Rev. Dr. M. Mani Chacko and seven Auxiliary Secretaries Rev. Victor Mangalwadi in Allahabad Auxiliary to Rev. Mathew Skariah in Kerala Auxiliary.
Mr. Kurian began his service at the BSI Allahabad Auxiliary. In 1983 he was transferred to BSI Kerala Auxiliary, as there was a need for an Accountant in Kerala.
Mr.Kurian was fully involved in all the areas of the work of the Auxiliary office. He also maintained a personal relationship with the office bearers of each of the 141 branches and encouraged them in their work. Rev. Mathew Skariah, the BSI staff and Auxiliary office bearers thanked Mr. Kurian for his excellent and faithful service for the Bible cause. Rev. Skariah said, ” It will be difficult to replicate the commitment and hard work of Mr. Kurian for BSI. Serving the BSI was his greatest passion.”
“Mr. Kurian was willing to sacrifice all his personal needs and time for the sake of BSI”, said Rev. Varkey, former Auxiliary Secretary. The Kerala Auxiliary staff said, “He was a perfectionist in his work and he expected the same from all us. At the same time he was loving and willing to assist if we needed some helpWe will really miss him”. Rev. Dr.Mani Chacko, General Secretary presented a gift on behalf of the BSI to Mr. Kurian.
Mr. Kurian thanked the BSI for all the love and support he enjoyed for the last 41 years. Amidst tears of joy he said, ” Really, I enjoyed my work with the BSI. BSI was not just my workplace. BSI is my life”
We, at the BSI along with the Kerala Auxiliary, extend all our sincere prayers and wishes to Mr. P. O. Kurian for a meaningful retired life yet active in God’s work.
What a privilege it is for all of us to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. One of the famous Christmas carols which has become world known and sung during Christmas is the carol “What Child is this?” There is a beautiful and inspiring story behind this carol to recollect during this season of Christmas. William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898) was born in Bristol, England. His father, a surgeon, had written a biography of the poet, Thomas Chatterton, which accounts for the middle name that he gave his son. It also reveals the affection for poetry, which the father passed on to his son. As a young man, William moved to Glasgow, Scotland, where he pursued a career managing a marine insurance company (a company that insured ships and related interests).However, his true passion was poetry.
Dix fell seriously ill, and was confined to his bed for an extended period. He underwent a true spiritual crisis during this illness, and spent much time in prayer and the reading of Christian literature. He came through the crisis as a true man of faith, and devoted much of his later poetry to Christian themes. He wrote a number of hymns, at least three of which have survived to this day, the other two being As with Gladness, Men of Old and Alleluia! Sing to Jesus.
What Child Is This? was derived from a longer poem, The Manger Song. It was first published in 1865 in Britain, and quickly became popular in the United States as well. The song begins in the manger with the child sleeping on Mary’s lap, accompanied by angels and shepherds. But the second verse asks why he would be lying in such mean estate. It goes on to speak of Jesus’ purpose to plead for the salvation of sinners and alludes to the nails and the cross that he will face as a man.
The third verse moves to a joyful tone, asking us to bring Jesus incense and gold and myrrh. e reason is simple. The King of kings has come to bring us salvation, so we should respond joyfully in his honor. Greensleeves, the tune associated with this carol, is a traditional English tune that preceded What Child Is This? by at least a century probably more. It began as a love song, and may have been used with popular drinking songs. Today we hear it sung both as a love song and as a sacred song.
“Greensleeves” was written in a minor key, which gives it a sad feel in the First two lines. However, while the key remains minor, the last two lines take on an enthusiastic, joyful character that contrasts nicely with the earlier lines.
Dix died in Cheddar, Somerset, England in 1898 and was buried in the church cemetery there. What Child is this? The question, using Critical zoological Imagination, one of the principles of Biblical Interpretation I use in my study of the Bible can be viewed differently with different but unique connotations.
First, the question could be viewed merely as a question of rhetoric. What child is this? Really? It is Jesus, of course. We all know that even the kids know that. What one does not understand is that questions are not just for solving problems and requesting new information. Sometimes questions make a point. We call those “rhetorical questions.” Other times the form of a question expresses awe and wonder about something we know to be true, but and almost too good to be true. It’s too good to simply say it directly like we say everything else. When the disciples found themselves in a great windstorm, with waves breaking into the boat, and Jesus calmed the storm, they said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41). Key knew the answer from Scripture. Only God himself can still the seas (Psalm 65:7; 89:9; 107:29); this, somehow, must be God. But it was too wonderful just to say. This new revelation of Jesus’ glory was too stupendous to keep quiet, and too remarkable not to say it in some fresh way. God himself had become man and was in the boat with them. Who then is this?
It is in a similar vein that we say at Christmas, “What child is this?” We know the answer. It has been plainly revealed. And it is almost too wonderful to be true. God himself has become human in this baby, and has come to rescue us. The eternal Word has become flesh and dwells among us (John 1:14). It is clear and certain. We must say it straightforwardly and with courage. And it is fitting that at times, like Christmas, we wonder, we marvel, we declare in awe, “What child is this?”
Second, what prompts this question of awe, is not only that God has become human, but that he has come among us in this way in this surprising poverty. The First stanza gives us the glory we expect: Angels greet him with anthems sweet. That is the kind of arrival we expected. Heavenly hosts sing. The heavens are alight with song. But even here there is a glimpse of the unexpected. The angels sing to shepherds. That is odd. Angels, yes but shepherds? Shouldn’t there be dignitaries, especially from among the regal and religious establishment of the Jews, who have purportedly long awaited the coming of their Christ? Shouldn’t shepherds take a number behind the king and his court, the priests and the scribes, and the Jerusalem elite?
The unexpected is there in the First stanza, but it is the second where things get especially peculiar. Why does the newborn lie “in such mean estate” in the very place where “ox and ass are feeding”? Why a stable? Why this place of poverty? Why not a palace, but the lowest of all structures? Third, the question beckons us beyond lowly Bethlehem to a life of even greater lowliness. And not static lowliness, but increasing lowliness. Here at Christmas we celebrate that Jesus, “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men . . .” (Philippians 2:6–7). But why? Why this surprising appearance among us? To simply show us it can be done? Surely this is more than a stunt. Why has he come? What is he here to accomplish? Christmas commemorates more than his birth. It also presses us forward in his story, beyond the lowliness of the manger to a life of lowly sacrifice with no place to lay his head (Luke 9:58) and Finally to the ultimate lowliness, an odious public execution, condemned unjustly as a criminal: “. . . and being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
Some may suspect we are souring the brightness and joy of Christmas when we sing, “Nails, spears shall pierce him through . . .” Can’t we leave that for Good Friday? But the Word-made-flesh, coming without a cross in view, is no good news. The light and joy of Christmas are hollow at best, and even horrifying, if we sever the link between Bethlehem and Golgotha. “. . . The cross he bore for me, for you.” This time, he comes not in judgment, but mercy.
He did this for us. Christmas is for us only because his life is for us, and his death is for us, and his triumphant resurrection on the other side is for us. “Nails, spears shall pierce him through” does not ruin Christmas. It gives the season its power. The Cradle and the Cross are interconnected.
Fourth, the question makes us to realize the universality of the child. Lowly shepherds are here. And when the lofty of his own people will not bow the knee, foreign dignitaries traverse far, over Feld and fountain, moor and mountain, to honor him by laying down their treasures. Peasants come, and kings. the weak and the strong. the wise and the foolish. the low and despised kneel side by side with those powerful and nobly born. The manger is for all because the cross is for all. And this is all too much for simple fact-ending, cool-headed analysis, and calculated articulations. this is the stuff of singing. this is the time to say, to declare in the awe and wonder of worship, What child is this?
Conclusion: Isaiah, the Hebrew prophet who was believed to have lived about 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ had answered this question” What Child is This?” in Isaiah (9:6-7) when he prophesied: For unto us a child is born, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forever and forevermore…. Born in Jerusalem, Israel, he was said to have found his calling as a prophet when he saw a vision in the year of King Uzziah’s death. Isaiah prophesized the coming of the Messiah Jesus Christ. He was believed to have written chapters 1-39 in The Book of Isaiah with the balance of the book authored by several other prophets. Chapter 9 contains a well-known prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ. Verse 1 describes the northern part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was the First area attacked when nations like Assyria came from the north. Isaiah prophesied that this area known as “the Galilee” would not always be so troubled. Isaiah promised that God would send them light and joy through the birth of a child who would break the “yoke of [their] burden” (Isaiah 9:4) and be called “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (v. 6). All of these names refer to the Messiah the King of Kings and this prophecy was most completely fullfed when Jesus spent most of His mortal ministry in this Galilee area (Matthew 4:12–16). The prophecy continues to be fulfilled as the government, or rule, of Jesus Christ continues to eternally expand when individuals accept Him as their king and become eligible for the blessings of eternal life (Isaiah 9:7). This is indeed the answer to the question “What Child is This?
Mr. Caleb Martin Hilton, was appointed as the Associate Director, BSI Media and Special Audience Department with effect from May 1st, 2020. He is married to Mrs. Jeba Martin and they have two children – daughter Annie Lois Martina and son Joshah Luke.
Rev. John Vikram was appointed as the Auxiliary Secretary, BSI Andhra Pradesh Auxiliary with effect from May 1st, 2020. He is married to Mrs. Shilpa Benarjee and they have two daughters Lisney and Jesney.
On May the 21st, 2020 we had lost our dear friend Mrs. T. Lalsangzuali (1959-2020), Executive Committee member of the Mary Jones Women’s Fellowship. Her funeral took place on the 22nd of May. Rev. Remlalfaka, Secretary, Aizawl Auxiliary shared a word of comfort and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the BSI. Mrs. T. Lalsangzuali had been instrumental in the BSI ministry at the local as well as the Auxiliary level for good many years. It is indeed a great loss for our Auxiliary and for the Mary Jones Women’s Fellowship in particular. She is survived by her husband Rev. Lengluta and their children Ms. H. Lalthakimi, Mrs. H. Lalneihzovi, Ms. Rebecca Lalroluahpuii and Mr. Samuel Vanmalsawma.
We also deeply mourn at the loss of our dear friend Ms. Lalruatdiki Chhangte (1992-2020) who passed away on the 22nd of May 2020. Rev. Dr. Vanlalauva, President of the Aizawl Auxiliary conveyed condolences and words of comfort for the bereaved family. Ruatdiki was a well-known singer and BSI Campaigner, who toured the length and breadth of Mizoram with the BSI campaigners for the Bible cause. We will miss her dearly. She is survived by her Mother Mrs. R. Lalhmangaihi, her siblings – Mr. Jimmy Lalmuanawma, Mr. Jeremy Lalmuanpuia, Ms. Lalrintluangi and Mr. Lalhriatkima.
COVID-19
Dharavi, Asia’s biggest slum with a population of around 8.5 lakhs residing within a meager 2.3 sq km and using around 8000 common toilets. This clogged living condition is one of the major reasons for the spread of Covid-19. Most of the houses here are 10X10 feet or even smaller and 6 to 8 people dwell in each of those tiny rooms. A large population of Christians stay in Dharavi out of which many are our BSI donors. Around 80% of the total number of Covid-19 cases in Maharastra state are from Dharavi.
AMPHAN CYCLONE
There was no electricity, water, or internet after a devastating cyclone hit Kolkata last month. Reports confirm around 100 lives lost in and around the city of Kolkata. Water logged up to three to four feet. More than 15 thousand trees have been uprooted and damaged and the loss to property has been unprecedented in recent times.
The BSI Allahabad Auxiliary conducted a special meeting for Senior citizens. This first-time ever initiative had a good response. The event was filled with laughter, sharing of life and memories and prayer for the Bible cause.
This was a unique program and many participants wanted to have another get-together again. Most of the participants were members of the Bible Society. Mrs. Aruna Swarup, another participant at the event said: I am proud to be a member of the Bible Society. I am blessed and I thank God for the opportunity to be a part of the Bible Society Movement”. We pray that God would help us bless people with innovative programs to reach out to those who love the Bible and the cause of the Bible!.
“So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” Psalms 71:18 (ESV) Senior citizens are mostly neglected if not forgotten. The BSI Allahabad Auxiliary conducted a special meeting for Senior citizens. This first-time ever initiative had a good response. About 100 senior citizens attended the program and were blessed. Rev. Chittaranjan Polson, Secretary, BSI Allahabad Auxiliary shared about how Apostle Paul viewed the sunset years of his life and encouraged the senior citizens to find strength, hope, and comfort in God’s Word. Mrs. Shirley who attended the program wrote saying, “ Thank God for the lovely get together with people of my age. I pray for courage to pass the rest of life in the presence of God”.
Charles Finny was at the verge of giving up on life. “ I am frustrated with life. My burdens are too much to bear. I don’t want to live anymore”, Finny told himself as he walked aimlessly around Chennai City. By that evening, he had almost decided to end his life and went to Marina beach to drown himself in the sea.
With just a few meters to the sea, a little boy handed a tract to Charles. The tract was titled, “Who is Jesus?”. Charles Finny stopped to read the tract and found great hope and comfort. “ A single tract changed my life and my destiny. I found hope and comfort when I read it”, he says. Charles found Jesus who helped him pick up his shattered life and turned his life around. “ I was an alcoholic and the gospel changed me completely. Today, Charles is part of the United Christian Auto Drivers (UCAD) who give out tracts published by the Bible Society of India to people they meet everyday. “ A single tract changed my life. Now, I want to be an agent of change”, he says.
The Bible Society of India (BSI) has several specially developed Scripture portions and selections such as “True Friend “, “Daddy, Where are you? “, Fear Not “, “Assurance of God “s Help “, “Answer to your problems”, “Life Forever “, etc., These tracts have been also translated into many languages. These tracts are distributed by many volunteers. B.G. Luke is one among the many volunteers who distribute Scripture portions and selections published by the Bible Society of India. The former scientist with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is still passionate about sharing Hope and comfort that the Word of God brings.
Luke has been faithfully distributing tracts to many college students, young people, college students, broken families, drug addicts and alcoholics in and around Bangalore. “People respond differently. Some ask for tracts while others simply refuse. I get jeered too”, he says. Luke recognises the importance of sharing Scripture portions with people. “I know the Scripture verses will bring about a change in their lives. I feel happy and satisfied when I give tracts to people”, he says.
Luke has distributed several hundreds of the tract ‘ Is Liquor the Answer’ in Bangalore. “I still think that the tract is the best way of presenting the Gospel”, he reiterates. “ BSI prints many scripture selections and portions in many different languages and occasions. This means I can give out the copies to anyone one I meet”, he adds.
Each month, BSI distributes tracts through a team of dedicated volunteers. Lives are transformed. Brokenness is healed as people find hope and comfort.
It is with deep sadness we are informing you of the passing away of Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitian, the supreme Head of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, and the 21st Mar Thoma Metropolitan, on the 18th October 2020, at 2.48 a.m. at Thiruvalla, Kerala. He was 90 years old. Metropolitan was a respected member of the Executive Committee of the Bible Society of India since 2013 till date. He was also the President of the BSI Kerala Auxiliary between 1998 to 2001. Metropolitan’s contribution and guidance in building up the organisation of the BSI as a whole was exceedingly valuable.
Most Rev. Dr. Joesph Mar Thoma Metropolitan was an extraoridinary servant of God who had great impact on the ministry of the Church and whose life has touched and transformed innumerable lives, both the clergy and the laity. He was a great philanthropist and a person of deep empathy for the suffering humanity. Metropolitan’s funeral will take place at the Mar Thoma Church Headquarters at Thiruvalla at 3.00p.m. today.
May we uphold the bereaved family of the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the Mar Thoma Church and all those connected to the Metropolitian and are feeling the void and loss.
We express our deep gratitude to God for the remarkable life and witness of the Metropolitan and for what he meant to the BSI, to the Church and the humanity at large.
BSI will truly miss the Metropolitan, especially his presence and input at the Executive Committee Meetings.
‘ I have come to get an ESV bible’ said one visitor to the Bible Exhibition. ” I have come to get a large print Bible for my mother”, said another. “I got a children’s Bible for my daughter”, said a father.
There was a Bible for everyone at the Chennai Bible Exhibition.
The Chennai Bible Exhibition is a flagship distribution progam of the Bible Society of India. This is a much awaited annual event. Like always, we have an overwhelming response from churches, Book shops and the faithful.
Happy to be at the service of those who read God’s Word, love it and live by it. We pray that the Bibles will reach every hand, heart and home!
I have never seen such an awesome collection of various versions of the Bible. Extremely well organised. And very customer friendly. I wanted to buy an audio Bible and the person in charge personally made sure I got it on time. Hats off to the Bible Society Of india – Carol Rebekah
