Each year we gathered amid candlelight,
to sing inspired carols, and our hearts to delight. To proclaim the message of God’s advent to earth, in the child, to which Mary long ago gave birth.
Sacred music honors this child born to Mary, enhancing the worship in our sanctuary;
For all who have gathered, on this winter night, can be warmed by the hope that Christ’s birth brings to light.
Even this message, written in rhyme, that worship might be, uplifting and sublime; For ‘tis fitting that we celebrate with great joy, God’s gift of himself, in this infant boy.
But amidst this celebration, there is still a danger, of not grasping the truth that leads to the manger.
For though we envision this nativity scene, with Mary and Joseph, looking calm and serene ... Let us not forget the stress this couple overcame, as God’s grace enabled them to avoid great shame.
The Father’s plan began with the annunciation, as Mary received angelic proclamation, that she had been chosen, as the one to give birth to God’s only Son, to be born on earth.
In startled reaction to the vision she saw,
Mary exclaimed, she was obeying God’s law; And so, this young virgin, still in her teens, questioned the messenger to know by what means.
In answer to her questions, Mary was told,
Not to worry ‘bout how exactly this all this would unfold ... Simply trust in God’s Spirit, and thus take delight, knowing that she, had found favor in Jehovah Jireh’s sight.
But although Gabriel said not to fear, Mary knew that God’s law was specifically clear;
to become pregnant before her marriage feast would bring great shame upon her, at the very least.
Thus, when Mary discovered that she was with child, it's fair to assume that Joseph became slightly riled! What was he to think of Mary’s strange story, that she had been chosen to receive the Lord’s glory?
Again, with an angel speaking in a dream,
The Lord told Joseph to honor and esteem,
his love for his betrothed, take her as his wife; cherish and respect her, the days of his life.
Thus Joseph, a carpenter, worked hard to provide a basic home, in whichthis couple might reside. In the town of Nazareth, in Galilee, while planning for fatherhood, with expectant glee.
But as the birth of Mary’s child seemed close at hand, Joseph received word of the Emperor’s demand that all who lived under Roman occupation must personally enroll for new taxation.
The decree also stated that he had to return to the town of his birth, which increased his concern. What’s more, the census decreed he must take his wife, who was near her full term, about to bring forth new life.
They journeyed to Bethlehem, traversing hard land, narrow mountain roads ... dry, itchy sand. Once more their trust in God’s providence proved right; they safely entered Bethlehem and sought a room for the night.
But the rooms had all been taken earlier that day, forcing the couple to use the warmth of fresh hay.
Yes, these were the events that preceded Christ’s birth, when Godincarnate made His advent to earth. Through the birth of an infant, on that holy night, in Bethlehem’s stable, amid dim candlelight.
And from these events, may we seek to discern, the message that this happening would have us all learn; That we might come to live, in our society, by the faith displayed by this couple’s piety.
For I believe that Mary and Joseph’s ordeal,
Defines life in a way that is ever so real,
As we try to interpret God’s law and God’s grace, in the daily struggles that we all face.
Though many today think God’s law is oppressive, Mary and Joseph did not deem it repressive; believing that God had their true welfare in mind,when he gave his commandments to all humankind.
Perhaps we need to learn this important insight, as we teach our children to do what God deems is right. By sharing with them the benefit we receive, as we live our lives, in the way God did conceive.
Then, they might be able to fully understand,
That the intention behind God’s every command, is the purpose of protecting all human life, and to help us live together, with much less strife.
But respect for God’s law, is not all we might learn, if we truly desire, God’s will to discern,
From this story of our Savior’s advent to earth,
And the struggle preceding the night of his birth.
God’s grace was involved in helping fulfill, the birth of the Christ child, according to His will:
Persuading this couple to embrace each other, that God’s Son might have both a father and mother.
And herein lies the challenge, to our human race, by this couple’s example, that we might embrace, the precepts of God’s law, as we try to forgive the shortcomings of others, with whom we might live.
For this is the message, which Christ brought to this earth, in the years that followed his miraculous birth ... which He fully displayed, in His dying moment, by giving his life in forgiving atonement.
So tonight, we participate in celebration,
Remember His birth and death with expectation ... ‘Midst the nativity, artistically displayed, in the dimness of candlelight, neatly arrayed.
May we never forget, the great love that inspired our Lord’s birth to take place, as God had desired.
And so, on this Christmas, two-thousand-and-twenty-five, to share God’s love and grace, may we consistently strive.
