A holiday celebrating Santa Claus, gifts, family, shopping, and snow, Christmas began with a little baby, in some little village, in some little country occupied by Rome. What was so important about that night, place, or that baby?
In Genesis Abraham encountered the Lord, who promised him an heir through whom all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Isaac, the only son according to promise, found himself wondering where the lamb of sacrifice was after laboring up a mountain with his father. This mountain was named ‘The Lord Will Provide’ because God stopped Abraham from offering his son. Moving forward David proclaims to his Lord, “apart from you I have no good thing,” and continues to explain that his Lord will extend His mighty scepter, “Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth,” and rulers will be removed by this Priest of the order of Melchizedek. The Scriptures wait hoping to descry such a night when the Wonderful Counselor will come to reverse the yoke: give hope to the hopeless, make low the rich, and give glory to the lowly.
After realizing that history has been expecting, it becomes clear why Mary sings such triumphant praise to the Most High “bringing down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.” She sings because, “unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The long awaited heir and promised sacrifice has been born this day; the fulfillment of the Law and prophets has given up glory and been born to a virgin in Bethlehem. From Abraham to City of David, the birth of David’s Lord is worthy of rejoicing. The depth reaches so far beyond consumerist tendencies and old fat men dressed in red. We celebrate with ‘joy inexpressible and full of glory because: “Hope is here, it’s a new day, peace has come.”[1] “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”
[1] Hughes, Tim. Guitartab. (http://www.guitaretab.com/t/tim-hughes/177925.html)