12/25/2017
This morning we celebrate the moment in Time when God became man. On this day, so many years ago, Jesus Christ was born to a virgin in Bethlehem. I would say that this was the beginning of God’s plan to redeem mankind, but that plan was actually conceived at the very moment of creation, even before Adam and Eve had realized sin, and continues on today.
So this morning I want to share with you something that I like to send every Christmas; something I wrote years ago... the story of Jesus. I hope you find it to be just as good today:
This Christmas Day
By Rich Forbes
Final breath, “It is done.” He said
Mourners shouted; “Our Lord is Dead!”
Yet from the grave in light adorned
He rises in unearthly form.
Where are the sandals; dust and blood;
The crown of thorns, the hammer’s thud?
Replaced by bells and ancient chants
The Christ ascends to Satan’s rants.
Sing the heavens; sing the rocks,
Sing the Shepherds tending flocks,
Death has fallen with useless shroud
The son of God ascends through clouds.
A host of angels praise his name
A mother’s tears are shed again
In joy she calls his name on high
His tomb stands empty; oceans sigh.
Now the faithful fall as one
On knees of praise to holy son
With eyes of wonder they behold
The prophesy long since foretold.
This Christmas day has come at last
Death’s victory now ancient past
With sweat and blood and soldier’s spear;
No more the price of Adam feared.
So on this day we all rejoice
Raise up our arms and in one voice
Proclaim that Jesus Christ is born
To cymbals, drum, and golden horn.
Lord of Lords, and King of Kings,
Through mother’s labor mercy brings
His sacrifice to cleanse our sins;
God’s grace for us through him begins.
Christmas bells, and Christmas trees,
Displayed so every doubter sees
The faithful lift him up this day;
God’s perfect son from manger’s hay.
Yet in our celebration know
No Yule log can his shadow throw.
He shines more brilliant than the sun;
His mercy, bright, has just begun.
This blessed infant, holy child,
In us bestowed his mercy mild
So as we wait for his return
We sing our hymns while candles burn.
Like travelers we find his star,
Some from near yet others far,
Praising now around each table;
Holy child in Christmas stable.