Tune: W ZLOBIE LEZY
This has been one of my favorite carols since we included it
almost every year in the Christmas Pageants at First Baptist Waxahachie back in
the late 70’s and early 80’s. It’s one of those arrangements that no one ever
said, “Do we HAVE to sing this again this year?” because it significantly
ministered to the choir every time we sang it. Still does, I’d bet!
Today’s hymnline reminds me that way too many people who are
onlookers to the Christmas season are totally unaware that Jesus is Lord. Like
those cows in the stall next to Mary and Joseph (according to the carol, at
least!), these folks observe the season with their partying, decorating,
gift-giving – maybe even church-attending and carol-singing -- but know blessed
little of the true Center of the celebration. Little do they know that the One
whose birth we commemorate moves on from a wooden cradle to a rugged cross in
order to redeem fallen humanity.
Without cramming it down their throats, we need to gently
remind those who observe the season as not-so-innocent bystanders that Christ
the Babe IS Lord. The simple long-standing statement of faith, “Jesus is Lord,”
may be all we have to say… nod, smile and walk away.
During
this season, why not simply say to folks (cashiers, salespeople, bank
tellers, etc.), “It’s my Lord’s birthday, you know.” I have the feeling
more of them will respond with a “Mine, too” than with a snarl of
disapproval.
There are more of US out there than we know.
Wouldn’t it be great to come to the end of the season and there
be no one in our path who is oblivious to Christ being the Lord of all? I guess
we’ll have to do our part to see to it that is the case!
From Choir of King’s
College, Cambridge
Mack Wilberg’s Popular Arrangement
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