Today’s sermon spoke to the wonder of Christmas and how important it is to really read the scriptures that speak of Christ’s birth. Not only should we read them, but meditate or ponder on them, for there is so much to cause us to wonder in amazement.
Today’s carol, What Child is This* speaks to one of the points the pastor made. Why would Jesus be born in a stable, a place for animals, not humans? He was King, after all.
Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come peasant, king, to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Even from the manger, Jesus was showing sinners that he came for all. Both peasant and king can know him as Lord and Savior. While the lowliest of shepherds came to worship, so did the wisest of men. He is, after all, for us all.
Thus the reason the pastor said he wore his cowboy boots to church this morning — to show that Jesus accepts us, no matter the kinds of shoes we wear, no matter our status in life. The important thing is to remember to turn to him.
This, this is Christ, the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
Don’t waste time on chasing after the things of this world — hurry and give Jesus Christ your life, your worship, your gifts, your all. He alone is worthy. He alone can provide salvation for your soul.
What Child is this? An amazing child, destined to be the sacrifice necessary for the salvation of all mankind — rich, poor, peasant, king. Jesus is the source of our wonder; he is our hope.
Merry Christmas
*WORDS: William C. Dix, 1827-1898. MUSIC: Traditional English Melody, 16th Century; harm. John Stainer, 1840-1901.