Christmas At Dawn – by Eric Metaxas
I saw the sun on Christmas morn
Arise to herald newly born
The One who flung him into space
Before the coming of our race.
His fingers gold caressed the snow
And bade the rabbit and the doe
Come out, come out and dance a while
To mark the coming of the child.
The stars now few were shocked to see
The babe who from eternity
Like bubbles blew them into space
And then approved their weightless grace.
The moon so still, wore maiden white
And blanched to be out past the night,
But smiled to hear her Maker cry
And then His mother’s lullaby
Before she arced beyond the sky.
Last Christmas Eric Metaxas wrote and posted this beautiful poem as a reminder of God’s great gift of love to all mankind. I began 2018, with a sense that God was calling His believers to be at peace in the midst of a world in turmoil because He was and always will be in control. As we now are about to enter 2019, and looking back over this past year, it has proven to be truly one of increased violence and, sadly, a year in which polarizing thought has increased as never before. Those of us who want to be peacemakers to a world in turmoil know that Jesus said he came to “bring a sword.” (Matthew 10:34). Find a quiet moment to read Eric’ lovely poem, and remember that God sent His son so that we might have eternal peace – rest. Jesus came in peace as all peacemakers do, but in bringing peace disruption often happens causing suffering and sacrifice as it did for Jesus. His life would eventually end on a cross so that we might have peace eternally. God hasn’t left or forsaken us for one moment and He fights for you every second of the day. Our broken and sin-infected world can’t be avoided. It’s where we live and it’s imploding. But God’s peace comes with an incomprehensible peace that passes all understanding and a love that is eternal.
So how can we cope?
We choose to accept God’s gift, act boldly and change the attitude of our heart in how we view the world. We do that in daily choices and what we focus on. When we silence ourselves in God’s presence through regular Bible reading and prayer, (both ancient practices that haven’t changed) we bring life and light to the many uncertainties in our ever-changing and chaotic world. We choose God’s rest and peace and not as the world gives. We are then able to raise our heads and stand courageously to face another day, another year – 2019. Despair evaporated at the sound of a baby’scry and eternal freedom was born on Christmas morn.
Bathe in the silence of His presence. Jesus is our Hope and eternal Peace. Renew your strength in Heaven’s gift, our Savior, who was born for you and me this Christmas morn.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV).
