Day 5: Born

It’s no accident that almost every hymn we sing this time of year touches on incarnation. It is the very foundation of our Christian faith. There is a sentence from “O Holy Night” that thrills my soul whenever I hear it: “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” If Christ hadn’t been born, we would still be pining – slaves to sin and wallowing in all that sin corrupts. But on that holy and preordained night, Christ came down to join us in our dark world, and in doing so, became our Redeemer. He came to show us true brotherhood – to free us from the oppression of sin, and to bring us peace. The significance of having our sins forgiven is only surpassed in our adoption as sons and daughters by the Father. Our souls have worth because of who we now belong to. Think of it! Starting with his birth, Jesus paid it all, and we have received it all. Praise the God who was born!

Scriptures to consider:
In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, than an heir through God. Galatians 4:3-7

Hymn to enjoy:
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from the Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weaknesses no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

Original poem by Placide Cappeau (1843), tune by Adolphe Adam (1847)

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