Scripture Reading: Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, “Father, save Me from this hour?” But for this purpose I came to this hour. John 12:27
Little boy asleep on a manger bed,
Do I see a crown on your tiny head?
I know this cannot be, yet in my heart I see
Such an awesome thing – I can see a king.
Little baby safe in your mother’s arms,
What is this you’re wearing to keep you warm?
A purple robe I see; you’re clothed in majesty.
Such an awesome thing – you are born a king.
Little son of Mary, how can this be?
Three wise kings have come very far to see
The one who from his birth is Lord of all the earth.
Such an awesome thing – you are king of kings.
Little child, so peaceful and unaware,
There’s a crown of sorrow that you must wear.
Yet in your eyes I see your wondrous love for me.
Such an awesome thing – you will be my king.
When I first wrote these words they were set to music, sort of a Christmas lullaby, but even without the melody or the gentle rhythm, they speak to the wonder and majesty of the Christ child. How we love to linger in the warm glow of the manger scene, but we cannot stay there. We must also remember why it was that Jesus came to be born on that first Christmas night.
The gospel of Luke tells us that Simeon immediately recognized the infant Messiah when He was brought into the temple, and by the power of the Holy Spirit began to prophesy regarding Him. His eyes beheld a baby, but His heart saw the Savior of the world; a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of God’s chosen people. But Simeon saw something more, for he then turned to Mary and said, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel . . . and a sword will pierce even your own soul.” He saw the Savior of the world in all His glory and honor, while also seeing the “crown of sorrow” that Jesus was destined to wear.
It is good for us to delight in the warm glow of our decorations, gifts, carols and candles this Christmas, but as we do so, let’s not forget the Jesus who was born of a virgin and came into our world for a purpose – to humble Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross – and to become our king, our Savior and our Lord. O come let us adore Him!
“Father, open our eyes, I pray, to see the wondrous love you have for us in sending Jesus to be our Savior. Thank you for that love and grace that was poured out on the cross, and may we ever live to worship you and adore our heavenly king. Amen.”