Merry Christmas, my friends. I trust you are enjoying this day, whether with friends or family or in solitude. As for us, we are having a quiet morning with just the three of us. Abby, Nate, and Finn were supposed to come by later in the day as were Aileen’s parents so we could celebrate and enjoy a great meal together. However, sickness has invaded our home so we may be keeping things small—a decision to make a bit later on.
As I considered this day and the significance we attach to it, my mind was drawn to a poem that seems especially suitable–a poem that relates the birth of Jesus Christ to the way the Lord now calls us to live. I’d encourage you to pause for just a few moments to read and consider it. In fact, why don’t you make it a Christmas prayer that you lift to the Lord.
As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright,
So, most gracious Lord, may we
Ever more be led to thee.As with joyful steps they sped,
Savior, to thy lowly bed,
There to bend the knee before
Thee whom Heav’n and Earth adore,
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek thy mercy seat.As they offered gifts most rare
At thy cradle rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to thee, our heav’nly King.Holy Jesus, ev’ry day
Keep us in the narrow way,
And when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds thy glory hide.In the heav’nly country bright,
Need they no created light;
Thou its light, its joy, its crown,
Thou its sun, which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King.
(“As With Gladness Men of Old” was written by W. Chatterton Dix)
