“I swear by myself, declares the LORD…because you [Abraham] have not withheld your son, I will surely bless you…and through your offspring all the nations of the world will be blessed…”
—Genesis 22: 15-18
“For to us a child is born, to us a child is given….”
—Isaiah 9:6
;)
"Adoration", Rembrandt, 1646
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
—Luke 2: 8-15
;)
"Adoration of the Magi", Giotto, 1306
Here’s Where Wise Men Bow and Worship
(Here’s Where Shepherds Do the Same)
Come, behold Him in a manger,
Ponder here the Sacred Crèche,
Seek this precious Gift1 from heaven...
Where true Truth appeared in flesh.
Here’s the Son to mankind given2….
Here’s the child born to be King,
Here’s the spotless Lamb of Glory.
Hear the Herald Angels sing3!
Here’s the Prophet who was promised,
Here’s the Promise prophesied4,
Here’s the Shepherd who is calling,
Hear his voice so long denied.
Here’s where Wise Men bow in worship,
Here’s where shepherds do the same,
Here’s the Word at last delivered5,
Here’s where Peace begins her reign.
Here’s the greater Son of David,
Here’s the One Isaiah saw,
Here’s the virgin-born Messiah,
Who alone fulfills the Law6.
Here’s the Grace7 of God’s Redeeming,
Here’s the Savior meek and mild,
Here is God now condescending8….
That man may be reconciled.
Here’s redemption for the sinner,
Here’s the perfect Pascal Lamb.
Here is Mercy’s invitation9…
Hear the seven-fold “I AM”.
Here’s the Blessed Hope10 before us,
Here’s the Reason why we’re here.
Here’s the Cause of mankind’s wonder,
Here’s the God who has drawn near.
Here’s the Gate11 to Heaven’s Glory,
Here’s the Door of Grace flung wide,
Here’s the Light defeating darkness,
Death, at last, here crucified12!
;)
Joy to the world!
11 John 10: 9