I played for a Christmas concert at our church on Sunday evening. The program was filled with many beautiful carols and Christmas songs and I was privileged to accompany a portion of it. All was going along quite normally, nothing out of the ordinary or unusual.
Well, it was ordinary right up until my friend Gretchen sang these words in her rich soprano voice:
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, with glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of this star sweetly gleaming, here came the wise men from orient land.
The king of Kings lay thus in lowly manger; in all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need. Our weakness is no stranger. Behold your King! before Him lowly bend…
And right there, mid Christmas carol, I was literally bent low by the power of this King. When the song ended, it was physically difficult to get up from the piano bench…
For those of us prepared to take the Christmas story seriously, it is undeniable just how powerful this baby and His story is. It is just now, this year that I have come to realize it is so much more than I’ve heard before. We’re not talking about a pleasant little fable where there was a baby born, by some unfortunate circumstance in a stable with the barn animals. The King of Kings, made Himself flesh and blood, in the lowliest of places. On purpose. He came, prepared to be a part of our earthly filth and brokeness. Not one need goes unnoticed, each weakness is understood. And even though He is the most powerful person to ever set foot on this earth, He stoops low to be my friend.
This information is mind numbing. breath taking. surreal. It is almost more than I can comprehend.
Sunday night was a new beginning. As I sat in that pew I understood in a completely new way that the very same power that came into our world so long ago, is still here today. It is fresh, working in the hearts of all who will hear. Believe me, I know. I felt it, weak-kneed – as I tried to get up from the piano bench. I can’t bring His story to mind without sensing it in my heart. He is still holy and powerful today. God came then, and He still comes now. He finds me mid the daily grind, or on a path of pain, and He surrounds my very being with mercy and power. When I recognize His presence, I find He is able to make each moment sacred.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for revealing Yourself to me a little bit and then a little bit more. May I revel in the wonder of that Holy Night that was the beginning of your redemption plan. I am grateful for your Holy presence in my heart and life… may I never forget what a gift it truly is! amen.
daily portion 