By Victor Knowles
I believe the music of Christmas is the most beautiful music in the world. Indeed, it may even be the most meaningful music the world will ever know. From “Away in a Manger” to Handel’s “Messiah,” the marvelous message of the true meaning of Christ’s coming to earth is made clear. It is especially appropriate at this time of Communion to ponder the reason Jesus Christ was born.xÂ
“Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing” (“O Come, All Ye Faithful”).
John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:1, 14).
“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail, th’ incarnate Deity!” (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”).
This is the “mystery from which true godliness springs” (1 Timothy 3:16)—God was manifested in the flesh.
“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till he appeared and the soul felt its worth” (“O Holy Night”).
The world waited nearly two millennia before Christ made his grand appearance. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son” (John 3:16).
“Remember, Christ, our Savior was born on Christmas Day; to save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray” (“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”).
This is the reason for the season—salvation! The bread and the cup are vivid reminders of why Jesus was born.
“Born Thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King” (“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”).
Who else could deliver us from our sins? “Salvation is found in no one else” (Acts 4:12).
“Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die; born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth” (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”).
Here are three wonderful reasons why Jesus was born.
“Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today” (“O Little Town of Bethlehem”).
Communion reminds us that our sins have been cast out; now there is room for Jesus, king of glory!
“And with His blood mankind has bought” (“The First Noel”).
We understand that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. Jesus paid the price of our pardon.
“The King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him” (“What Child Is This?”).
There is no better time than Communion to enthrone Christ in our hearts. Let’s pause to do that just now.
“Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb” (“We Three Kings”).
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3).
“Ris’n with healing in His wings” (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”).
“He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4).
“Now ye need not fear the grave; . . . Jesus Christ was born to save!” (“Good Christian Men, Rejoice”).
Because of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection, all fear is gone!
“With the dawn of redeeming grace” (“Silent Night! Holy Night!”).
Every Lord’s Day we experience “the dawn of redeeming grace.” Let us thank God for redeeming grace as we eat of the bread and drink of the cup today.
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Victor Knowles is founder and president of POEM (Peace on Earth Ministries, www.poeministries.org), Joplin, Missouri.
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