What Christmas Really Means

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” –Luke 2:7 (KJV)

The Word for all ages is contained in this verse from Luke. We heard it as children and were awed. We read (and have memorized) it as adults and still we try to comprehend its depth, breadth, height and meaning. I am a person who loves words and seeks to express through my own writing thoughts and impressions of my mind and heart. I long ago accepted by faith the immense truth of this statement from the gospel of Luke. For many Christmases now I have sought to express in poetic thought what this profound statement in Luke 2:7 means. I share with you here my poetic thoughts for Christmas, 2014. May God bless us all as we worship and adore Him.

What Christmas Really Means

“For my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” –Luke 2:30-32 (ESV)

More than two thousand years have passed

Since first the angels sang,

“Peace on earth, good-will to men,”

And hills and valleys rang

Echoing the news of glorious worth,

“A Savior is born tonight,

God’s only begotten Son to earth,

Come to bring peace and right.”

This Baby born in Bethlehem

Of King David’s lineage pure

Certainly the Messiah promised

Would reign with peace secure.

But mankind in his anger

And rulers with jealous rage

Would not accept God’s offered peace

For that and every age.

On a cruel cross He met His death,

This Son of Virgin Mary,

A sacrifice for sins of men

Upon Himself to carry.

The New Covenant with God and man

He mediated with His blood,

And once-for-all in sacred trust

In humble love He stood

To bear mankind’s sins upon Himself

His life bartered for our shame;

Now we can come to God, restored,

Through the power of Jesus’ name.

When we say, “Joyous Christmas”

Are we thinking of the cost,

How spanning earth and heaven,

Jesus paid the very most,

A life for lives, one for many,

To satisfy mankind’s breach

And give a pure sacrifice

Humanity’s heart to reach?

Yes, more than two thousand years have passed

And we stumble still in sin.

Look up, believe, confess, trust Christ,

And know true peace within.

-Ethelene Dyer Jones (Christmas Poem, 2014)

12.21.2014.