Blessed Savior

“I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ.”—Philippians 3:8 NASB

Born in 1818, George Duffield came from a family dedicated to serving God. Ordained like his father and grandfather, he pastored churches in New York, New Jersey, Michigan, and Illinois. But today we learn most about his faith through his interest in music.

The father of hymnologist Samuel Duffield, George wrote many hymns himself. One of his hymns summarized what Jesus meant to him. Called “Blessed Savior, Thee I Love,” he described how he loved Jesus more than any other joy or pleasure in his life. All his hopes were in Him. He only wanted to bring glory to Jesus: “Ever let my glory be, only, only, only Thee.”

Reflecting on the comments of the apostle Paul, Duffield declared, “Beside the cross, all my gain I count but loss.” When compared with knowing Jesus, all “earthly pleasures faded away.” All that mattered was seeing Jesus “crucified for me.”

He committed his life to Jesus: “Thine am I, Thine to live, and Thine to die.” And no power on earth could keep him from His presence. His only glory was in knowing Jesus.

Duffield’s commitment reminds us of the announcement of the angel who told a group of shepherds that a Savior had been born, who was Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).

Throughout the Christmas season, use this Good News as an opportunity to praise Jesus. Be sure that He is the Lord of your life.

Reflection Question: With whom can you share the Good News of Christmas this week?