The Bitter-Sweet of Christmas!

Here is another thought for those who face grief, sadness and hardship this Christmas. I guess, life is bitter-sweet!! In the times of pain and hurt, God sends a special sweetness. And we see that especially when we look at the Christ child.

Did he receive lots of presents from Santa?... NO!.. but he did receive gold, the gift for a king, and frankincense, perfumed resin used in the anointing oil of the priests, and myrrh, a spice used for embalming dead bodies. Strange gifts for a baby.

But the gold reminds me that Jesus is the King of kings... the frankincense, that He is our High Priest, advocating for us before the Father, ... and the myrrh, speaks of a suffering servant, and the Lamb of God, our perfect sacrifice, Who takes away the sin of the world.

Did they hold a big party in the palace for the new King who was born... NO WAY!! But the angels celebrated in heaven and announced on the earth the good news that the Saviour had been born.

And he was not born in a palace as is fitting for a King, but in an animals' stable and His bed was a feeding trough. He took the lowest of low places. And as it says in the Word, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." This was the God of the universe come to earth, Immanuel, meaning God with us!!


These thoughts are echoed in this carol:
(Sung to the tune of "Greensleeves")

What Child is this, Who, laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
the Babe, the Son of Mary!

Why lies He in such mean estate,
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading:
Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through,
the Cross be borne, for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
the Babe, the Son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
come peasant, king, to own Him,
The King of kings salvation brings,
let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
the Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
the Babe, the Son of Mary!


And the words of Isaiah:
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6, NIV)