Those lyrics from a wonderful Christmas musical written by Heather Sorenson that our church choir performed this past Sunday morning. That particular song was meant to be sung as a lullaby. It was that for sure, but the simple words above that drew the song to a close seemed to stick with me. They brought to mind the image of a simple, peasant couple laying their newly born infant in a feeding trough because that's all they could find. That just seems to hammer home (albeit very gently) the point God was making by subjecting Jesus to the full experience of his once perfect, now flawed creation.
Hardly any Christmas Eve of celebration would feel complete if you didn't sing "Silent Night". Yet, especially for that travel-weary family, the night was anything but silent. We can only imagine the complaining the animals offered when their little cave stable was invaded. And, despite what some paintings and songs may have portrayed, the Baby came into the world crying as almost every baby does. Of course, just as Mary got him settled down, a bunch of shepherds come in out of breath and rambling about having met some angels face-to-face.
None of this even considers that drummer boy and his drum ... sorry, couldn't resist. My point is, the night was definitely holy and most likely far from silent because that's how the world is - noisy and a bit disorganized most of the time. Yet that was the time and place that met whatever criteria God had in mind for the "fullness" and we are forever the beneficiaries.
The Crooked Path pauses once again at the manger scene, choosing not to rush away, but rather to linger in awe and wonder at what God gave. My Divine Brother preceded me in every way - and entered this world without any political or royal fanfare.
In tribute of that, I leave you with the following two songs. One ponders the question of our King subjecting himself to being a subject. The other reaffirms the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love of my advent wreath by declaring Messiah is born and "All is Well". Merry Christmas from the Crooked Path to your house. May your pausing at Jesus' coming bring you much comfort and joy this year, especially in the midst of a rather troubling world.
"How Many Kings" by Downhere
"All is Well" by Carrie Underwood and Michael W. Smith
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