Devotional 12-21-04

For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given…” Isaiah 9:6

The wonder of Christmas is in its simplicity. There is Mary, the mother, and there is Joseph to whom she was betrothed. Plain and simple people, even as you and I. There are the Shepherds – the first Christmas congregation. They too, are humble, these shepherds who live so close to the earth, with the pastures like carpet for their feet and the sun and the stars their covering – all the things God made.
Yes the Child, too. Nothing here of the pomp and circumstance of life, only the simplicity of the divine. It is this simplicity which makes Christmas wonderful. Here may we all come …

O come, all Ye Faithful
Verse 4: See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;

Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord

Here may we worship, recognizing in the simplicity of the child the meaning of God’s redeeming love. Here may we come – the young, the old; the rich, the poor; the mighty, the servant … to worship in the beauty of divine simplicity the …Child.

Verse 5: Child, for us sinners – poor and in the manger
We would embrace thee with love and awe.
Who would not love thee, loving us so dearly?

Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord

Here .. on this night may we like the shepherds worship the miracle of this wondrous birth and marvel at its simple love “…so amazing, so divine…” this is the wonder of Christmas!

Karen Gene Agee Cremeans