“Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.” These are inspired words. Jesus’ birth was a most natural event. Humanity was a perfect fit for God. God designed man for Himself. Not angel, but man was designed to be filled with all the fullness of God. “For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fulness to dwell in Him.” Colossians 1:19

“The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying He makes.” We don’t know the author of those words, but I believe them. One might think that it is unnatural for a baby not to cry. But the baby Jesus was the most perfectly natural baby ever. No fear, no colic, perfect peace.

There was no room in the inn, so crowded, so noisy. But the heavenly Father had a better place for His beautiful child, a quiet stable among the creatures Adam had named. So the Bread of Life was placed in a feeding trough.

“God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” The gift has been given, never to be taken back. Not even those who did not receive Him could give Him back. God is man’s and man is God’s forever.

If God will not take Him back, then away with this man…crucify, crucify Him. “So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him. For what had not been told them they will see. And what they had not heard they will understand.” Isaiah 52:15

“The Word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, that to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. They will say of Me, ‘Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.’” Isaiah 45:23-24

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return without watering the earth and and making it bear and sprout furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

The eternal Logos, the Bread of Life, has become flesh. As we sing the inspired carols this Christmas and look at the beautiful lights, may we partake of Him, the Light of the world, in the beauty of holiness. Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Silent night holy night all is calm all is bright.

Rosemary E Hyslop
Christmas 2011