God with us

As far as music goes, attending a church that leans much more to the hipster side of the generation gap is a double edged sword. Our musicians are enormously talented, true; but in their search for the fresh and innovative, they often bypass more traditional music.

When the radio popped on this morning (rather too early), I was reminded anew of the depth of theological truth in so many of the old hymns and carols. Bits and pieces of the lyrics drifted through my half-awake mind:

"...Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinner reconciled...

"Veiled in flesh the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with men to dwell

Jesus, our Emmanuel...

"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..."

It's incredible, unheard of, fantastic. It stretches the bounds of credulity. The God who created and sustains the universe takes on the mantle of the creation. He lives, still fully God but also fully man, and ultimately dies, to offer His fallen creation peace and reconciliation.

The wonder of Christmas - Emmanuel, God with us.

Merry Christmas.