Christmas: The Universal Interruption
If one looks over the total millenia of time, the virgin birth of a tiny baby in a humble stable over two thousand years ago seems like an insignificant event. But the incarnation of Jesus Christ put a pinprick into the fabric of our universe. A member of the eternal Godhead left His eternal state and entered our human timeline to become flesh and blood.
This had never happened. That gouge has grown and will eventually rupture the universe at the end of time. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
Since childhood, my favorite Christmas carol has been Isaac Watt’s masterpiece, Joy to the World. Even though it's one of the most popular songs sung at the holidays, it wasn’t written for Christmas. Based on Psalm 98, this hymn rejoices over Jesus’ Second Coming, not His first arrival.
Then a couple of years ago, I first heard another British carol, In the Bleak Midwinter. It immediately went to the top of my list. I can’t listen to it now without tears, possibly because both my parents passed near the holidays. For our family, those mid-winters overflowed with cold sorrow and indeed, were bleak.
Christina Rosseti’s 1872 poem (original title: A Christmas Carol) evokes amazing imagery. She compares a bleak wintry landscape to the glory of God in a lowly baby born into poverty. Later set to music, the plaintive, simple melody of this Christmas hymn fits the words.
The carol's conclusion? Even a person of humble means and circumstances needs only to give Jesus his or her heart. It's true for anyone. In fact, Christmas may be the best time to ask others or yourself: have I given Him all of my heart?
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Questions for Reflection:
1. What is your favorite non-secular Christmas carol?
2. Why? Are there deeper meanings to the lyrics you've never explored?
