We anticipate his coming again even as we celebrate his birth
By Dean Collins
In church buildings and homes everywhere tonight there will be candles lit. A part of Advent preparation and Christmas celebrations will be devoted to Scripture readings about the birth of our Savior King Jesus. All over the world, classic carols will be sung proclaiming the joy Christ’s birth brings to the world. But Christmas is more than indulging in the nostalgia of Christmas traditions and retelling the Christmas story.
Advent is not simply waiting to celebrate Christ’s birth. It is about anticipating his final return. Charles Wesley knew well what Advent was about when he wrote the original lyrics to the great hymn “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” You will find a link here to a document containing the original words. George Whitfield did some unsolicited editing of this hymn that Wesley must have accepted years later when the changes to his lyrics made the song more singable. Many of the words are the same. One stanza came to mind while reading 1 John today;
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.
Born of God
The apostle John, both in his Gospel and here in his first letter, makes frequent reference to being born of God. John explained that our love for one another is evidence of our new birth. Our knowledge of God and our surrender to God are all a part of this new birth. But unless we love one another, we do not love God. Neither confession nor even baptism creates the evidence of our birth in Christ. The evidence is in our love.
Our king’s love for us was so great that he laid aside his glory and lived in human form. Wesley’s words are profound. When babies are born there is much celebration in the family. Gifts are given, birth announcements sent. Congratulations come from far and wide. Pictures are made by the dozens and posted on social media. Clever announcements often declare the hope the parents have that their new child will become a doctor or teacher, athlete, maybe a celebrity in their chosen profession.
A different announcement
But John Wesley’s stanza I’ve quoted above is different than any birth announcement anyone would ever send. Jesus was born that no more may die. And this was accomplished only because this God-king was born to die so that all people from every generation might have payment for their sins and therefore the promise of life.
As we celebrate the birth of one who came to die for our sins as John points out, may we also renew our commitment to declare Christ as our King. The best way to demonstrate our gratitude and our surrender to his lordship happens when we love others the way he loved us.
Merry Christmas!
Your time with God’s Word
1 John 4:7-10, 12-15, 18-21; 5:1-5 ESV
Photo by Gilles DETOT on Unsplash
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