Such an Awesome Thing

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.”

Your “Yes” Could Change Lives

As Christmas is near and we are thinking about the birth of Jesus, I want to bring our attention for a moment to Mary, his mother and the hardest “yes” she ever had to answer. Let’s step back and remember the huge step of faith Mary took those many years ago. 

Most young girls at that time and in that area of the world were betrothed/engaged at around 11 or 12 years of age; and generally, to an 18-year-old who now would be able to have a job and take care of a family. In the Eastern world if you were 13 and not married, you were like what we think of as an old maid. 

Mary was engaged to Joseph, still living with her family. But the day the angel Gabriel appeared to her, changed her life and the world forever. Mary woke up on a typical day, perhaps doing her chores or visiting with family and friends, not even imaging what would come that day.

I think of all that Luke 1 says……. all Mary heard from the angel Gabriel:

1 – You have found favor with God.

2 – You will conceive and give birth to a son.

3 – You will call him Jesus.

4 – He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. 

5 - He will be given the throne of his father, David,

6 – He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever and ever.

7 – His kingdom will never end.

Can you even imagine all the thoughts Mary had after hearing this news? Some of which I am sure were that people might not believe her, perhaps even some in her own family. In that time if you were found to be pregnant outside of wedlock you were often times killed. Historically and culturally, it was an honor/shame world in which they lived. Yet her love and trust for God allowed her to say the hard “yes”.

Sometimes the holiest things we are called to do may be the very hardest. Mary had no idea what this may have cost – for herself, Joseph, her family, her village. Yet she trusted and obeyed and said yes. 

 “And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.“ Luke 1:38. I love this verse. May we all have a heart that agrees – “may it be done to me according to your word”.   

When was the last time you had a hard “yes” to answer to the Lord? Were you able to answer yes? The only way we are able to answer yes is to be so close that we can hear Him and know Him deeply. Don’t allow fear to overshow what God has for you. God gave us spiritual gifts and wants us to use them. He will always enable these gifts to be utilized for both the benefit of others and His glory. 

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior this year, let us not forget to be listening to His voice.  Always being available to say “yes” as He calls us to join him. 

“Father, thank you for the greatest gift of your son, let us not take it lightly or for granted. Give us the desire to continue our walk and grow closer each day to always be available to say yes when you ask. Our heart’s desire is to be available at any given moment.   May your will be done in all things. In Jesus name, Amen.”