The Standard December 25, 2019
Today we celebrate the greatest love ever known, demonstrated in the most perfect gift. In unparalleled sacrificial love God in the person of Jesus Christ came to earth in human form.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9: 6-7)
This love which came down at Christmas was described beautifully by a prolific poet of deep faith. Christina Georgina Rossetti, an English woman who had previously written verse which came to be the hymn “In the Bleak Midwinter,” also wrote this poem. It was first published in 1885 without a title and later was set to music by various composers.
“Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine, Love was born at Christmas, Star and angels gave the sign. Worship we the Godhead, Love Incarnate, Love Divine, Worship we our Jesus, But wherewith for sacred sign? Love shall be our token, Love be yours and love be mine, Love to God and all men, Love for plea and gift and sign.”
Rossetti was inspired by a passage from the First Epistle of John. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4: 9-11)
In a similar vein, a more modern favorite is “Love Has Come” by Amy Grant and Michael Card which says, “Love has come for the world to know, As the wise men knew such a long time ago, And I believe that angels sang that hope had begun, When the God of glory who is full of mercy Sent his son.”
May your heart and home be full of gladness today as you thank God for this indescribable gift which brings hope, peace, joy and love. Merry Christmas!
celiastone 