I love to sing this amazing carol, given to the world by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847, a wine maker who originally wrote it as a poem, for his priest. The words bring a resounding gift of hope and joy to a desperate world, with a crescendo of “fall on your knees”, as we worship and honour the birth of the King, on a night so divine.
Meanwhile here on earth we make our own attempt to woo the children to bed, with other mystical and enchanting thoughts of father Christmas and pressies…… T’was the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse…… I fondly remember, (in an age before TV, yes there was a once upon a time in a far away land, where there was no TV), my mother would pull out this poem book and read this to us children. We would sit amazed, with shinning faces as she accentuated every needed nuance for our entertainment, and when all was said and done we placed the glass of milk and mince pies on a plate for Santa, and headed dutifully to bed. hmmm what great memories; I digress.
The beginning of this poem for Christmas, draws us to a huge sense of anticipation, of what is to come over the next few days, the poem goes on to, declare“ when all of a sudden”, the climax of the anticipation was met. ” out on the rooftops there rose such a clatter”, and hopefully the children big and small; yes young and old are fast asleep with visions of not just sugar plums dancing in their heads but of, things more grand.
None of this detracts from the greatest announcement ever made, the birth of our Saviour. This was announced thousands of years ago, with much more fan fare than we could ever imagine, a guiding star and a choir of angels, witnessed by shepherds in a field. Bridget and I were blessed to actually stand in that very field this year, and looking heavenward wondering what it must have been like as the angel, announced to them ” Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord”. What was their reaction, how do we receive in remembrance this great news today, as we prepare to celebrate the most amazing birth this world has ever known.
Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
With the advent of the celebration of the birth of Jesus our Lord and Saviour, the deliverer of grace and truth, we remember a little inn, in Bethlehem, where in that stable; a babe lay in swaddling clothes, ushering upon this world the one and only true Saviour – Jesus.
At Christmas we will celebrate the birth, of our man child Jesus; yet everyday we celebrate Jesus our Lord and Master.
We wish you all a merry Christmas and a year of Gods abundant, over the top favour. As our heavenly father blesses us all.