Meditations In the Christmas Story – Another Christmas Song – Closing Thoughts

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

I was so filled with joy to see the awe in my Grandsons last night.   We had a good meal and good times.  This morning will be quiet and reflective.  Maxim and the boys are headed south to visit family.  Christmas and I will Christmas here and get the rest she needs and that I crave for a day. 

My thoughts are on Jesus more than presents.  I am thankful for those moments where his presence is obvious in my life.  I celebrate the times when I had to screw my faith to the sticking place.  Most of those times have been to act rather than believe. 

I have had a hard year which we will discuss later in the week.   Today, however, I am in mind of all the many blessings I have.  I have some new friends.  I have reconnected with some old ones.  I have so many things for which to be very thankful.

Today I am thankful for the Son.  He is so many things to me and the world needs those things so deeply.  The understanding of love, grace, and redemption are what drives me.  I must find ways to celebrate this birth daily by being good to others.  I must celebrate it daily by being an example of that love and grace. 

In the words of a reclaimed Ebenezer Scrooge, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”

My hope will always be the same.  I want to celebrate the birth with the Son.  I want us to gather and show our gratitude for his coming to be with us.  I want to honor his incarnation by looking into his eyes and offering my thanks.  Until then I wish to live every moment in that gratitude. 

Dear Reader long after the decorations are put away and the gifts are put to use or aside, I will be here.  I will still have a small Nativity on my desk.  I will still have a small Christmas tree on the shelf.  I will have the visage of Saint Nicholas there too.  I will be planning how will show the joy of Christmas in spring and summer.  I will be there to lovingly remind you that there is always time for another Christmas song. 

Another Christmas Song – Ian Anderson

Hope everybody's ringing on their own bell, this fine morning.

Hope everyone's connected to that long distance phone.

Old man, he's a mountain.

Old man, he's an island.

Old man, he's a-waking says

"I'm going to call, call all my children home."

Hope everybody's dancing to their own drum this fine morning ---

The beat of distant Africa or a Polish factory town.

Old man, he's calling for his supper.

He's calling for his whisky.

Calling for his sons and daughters, yeah ---

Calling, calling all his children round.

Sharp ears are tuned in to the drones and chanters warming.

Mist blowing round some headland, somewhere in your memory.

Everyone is from somewhere ---

Even if you've never been there.

So take a minute to remember the part of you

That might be the old man calling me.

How many wars you're fighting out there, this Christmas morning?

Maybe it's always time for another Christmas song.

Old man he's asleep now.

He's got appointments to keep now.

Dreaming of his sons and daughters, and proving ---

Proving that the blood is strong.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story -

Meditations In the Christmas Story – Still Later - Simeon

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

When the devout observant Jewish family journeys to Jerusalem to dedicate their firstborn Son to God they are doing what every Jewish family is supposed to do with their firstborn.  Then they encounter Simeon.

He holds the boy and prays a blessing over him.  He reminds the family that they are holding God in their arms.  They remind the family of his destiny.  Simeon has waited and believed that the redeemer would come. 

Job said it in our earliest writings of the Old Testament.   The prophets foretold it.  Simeon sees it. 

We still wait.  The Messiah came and departed for a time.  I need to be like Simeon believing and looking. Anticipating and waiting with love and obedience.  As I settle down for my Christmas Eve meditations and ponderings before sleep claims me I want to assure that my heart is focused on Christ.

I have my cup and bowl.  I have my tree and decorations.  I am full from a rich Christmas Eve feast of goose and trimmings.   I am going to stare at the bubble lights and ponder all that Christ is and will be.   I will further my thinking on the next Advent when the King returns to make all things good.  Now that I have held him in my arms things are different eternally.  Merry Christmas, Dear Reader.  I love you more that you can possibly know.

Now that I’ve Held Him In My Arms – Michael Card

That old man in the temple

Waiting in the court

Waiting for the answer to a promise

And all at once he sees them

In the morning sunshine

A couple come and carry in a baby

Now that I've held Him in my arms

My life can now come to an end

Let Your servant now depart in peace

Cause I've seen Your salvation

He's the Light of the Gentiles

And the glory of His people Israel

Marry and the baby come

And in her hand five shekels

The price to redeem her baby boy

The baby softly cooing

Nestled in her arms

Simeon takes the boy and starts to sing

Now that I've held Him in my arms

My life can now come to an end

Let Your servant now depart in peace

Cause I've seen Your salvation

He's the Light of the Gentiles

And the glory of His people Israel

Now's the time to take Him in your arms

Your life will never come to an end

He's the only way that you'll find peace

He'll give you salvation cause

He's the Light of the Gentiles

And the glory of His people Israel

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story - Amazed at Amazement – Tempus extasi

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“Everyone who heard the shepherds' story was amazed.”

The word amazed here is not surprise.  It is marvel and wonder.  It is acceptance and awe.  We need to remember that this is a nation bread and fed on the notion of a coming Messiah. 

I love the awe and wonder of children.  I love the fact that they embrace Christmas without hesitation.  The conversations with my Grandsons have been such a blessing this year.  They are at the magical age. 

We need to remember that an oppressed people yearning for their King to come are who the shepherds tell the story.   We need to recall that this is the fullness of time.  This event; the Advent makes everything else possible.  The fulfillment of the promises to Abraham, Jacob, Job, David, and so many others can happen because God has stepped into the world to be with us.

Look at the wonder of children and remember that we too need to wonder at what God has done for us.  We need to keep hold of the awe amidst the tinsel and trappings.  On that night, in that place the glass began to turn.  The sands could begin to flow back to good.  It would take three decades for it to be “finished”.  In this moment, however, we rejoice in awe and wonder.  We are amazed that the Father chooses to be with us through his Son. 

It is in this that the grains for time find their amazing fullness.  Take a moment to be in awe with me at the grandeur of the King.  See with me.  Be childlike just for a moment Dear Reader and revel in the awe filled love of God.  Tempus extasi. 

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear – Julie Andrews

It came upon the midnight clear,

that glorious song of old,

from angels bending near the earth

to touch their harps of gold:

"Peace on the earth, good will to men,

From heaven's all-gracious King."

The world in solemn stillness lay,

To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come

With peaceful wings unfurled,

And still their heavenly music floats

O’er all the weary world;

Above its sad and lowly plains,

They bend on hovering wing,

And ever o'er its Babel sounds

The blessed angels sing.

And ye, beneath life's crushing load,

Whose forms are bending low,

Who toil along the climbing way

With painful steps and slow,

Look now! For glad and golden hours

Come swiftly on the wing.

O rest beside the weary road,

And hear the angels sing!

For lo! the days are hastening on,

By prophet seen of old,

When with the ever-circling years

Shall come the time foretold

When peace shall over all the earth

Its ancient splendors fling,

And the whole world send back the song

Which now the angels sing.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – A Little Later

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

They come seeking “He who is born King of the Jews”.   They come with gifts for that King.  We do not know how many there were.  We do know that it was significant enough to them that they journeyed in response to a star in the sky. 

This event comes some time after the birth.  It is important because of the acknowledgment by outside authority of who Jesus is.  It is important because the horror that follows must never be forgotten.

The Christmas story is filled with marvel and tragedy.  I must always embrace both.  I must always see that the joy of this week will be followed by tragic responses.  That is as it should be though.  We cannot sustain joy in reality until he who is “Born King of the Jews”: brings all things under his authority. 

I will grasp it whilst I can.  I will share the song with you about the Magi who were not kings but came to worship the King of Kings.  There is some awesome theology in this song.  Enjoy Dear Reader.  

 We Three Kings – Claymation Christmas

We three kings of Orient are

Bearing gifts we traverse afar.

Field and fountain, moor and mountain,

Following yonder star.

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain,

Gold I bring to crown Him again,

King forever, ceasing never

Over us all to reign.

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Frankincense to offer have I.

Incense owns a Deity nigh.

Prayer and praising all men raising,

Worship Him, God on high.

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Myrrh is mine: it's bitter perfume

Breaths a life of gathering gloom.

Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding dying,

Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

Glorious now behold Him arise,

King and God and Sacrifice.

Alleluia, alleluia!

Sounds through the earth and skies.

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – Spreading the Good Tidings - Tempus enim bona nuntians

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“When they saw the child, they repeated what they had been told about him.”

These shepherds needed to tell everyone.  They had found the hope for which they longed through all the years.  The Messiah is in a cattle shed in Bethlehem.  The angels have shown up to tell us.  The Father so many promises to keep and the channel through which he will do so is among us. 

They made it known.  They spread the good tidings that redemption's plan was in full force.  They told the amazing story.  They told about the wonder and awe.  They told about the angel.  They explained that the baby in the manger is also the promised Saviour; the Messiah.

They watched as we watch.  They waited as we wait.  A child is born.  A Son is given.  A redeemer comes.  The Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace, the Mighty God comes to them for us.  The Shepherds spread the Gospel.  We celebrate the event.  We celebrate the child.

Come on Ring Those Bells – Evie Tornquist

Everybody likes to take a holiday

Everybody likes to take a rest

Spending time together with the family

Sharing lots of love and happiness.

Come on, ring those bells,

Light the Christmas tree,

Jesus is the king

Born for you and me.

Come on, ring those bells,

Every-body say,

Jesus, we remember

This your birthday.

Celebrations come because of something good.

Celebrations we love to recall

Mary had a baby boy in Bethlehem

The greatest celebration of all.

Come on, ring those bells,

Light the Christmas tree,

Jesus is the King

Born for you and me.

Come on, ring those bells,

Every-body say,

Jesus, we remember

This your birthday

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – See Jesus

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph with the baby, who was lying in a manger.”

The shepherds see Jesus. They find him just where they were told.  They see the child wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger.   They see Jesus.  Later Simeon and Anna will see Jesus.

Of late too many do not seek or see Jesus.  They let the failures of his followers and the confusion in the world cloud the seeking and the sight.  We must really seek and see Jesus.  We must see more than the baby in the manger.  We must see more than the trim and trappings.

The little plastic baby in the manger in the stable under tree is there to remind me that God is with us.  He is always with us.  I must choose to see him.  It is faith not evidence that helps us see.  It is believing that is seeing.

It is the child that becomes the man that is the God that offers eternal peace to us all.  It does, however, require that we see Jesus first.  Really see Jesus and take the risk of believing.

Come Ye Sinners – Fernando Ortega

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,

Weak and wounded, sick and sore;

Jesus ready stands to save you,

Full of pity, love and pow’r.

I will arise and go to Jesus,

He will embrace me in His arms;

In the arms of my dear Savior,

Oh, there are ten thousand charms.

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,

God’s free bounty glorify;

True belief and true repentance,

Every grace that brings you nigh.

Come, ye weary, heavy-laden,

Lost and ruined by the fall;

If you tarry till you’re better,

You will never come at all.

I will arise and go to Jesus,

He will embrace me in His arms;

In the arms of my dear Savior,

Oh, there are ten thousand charms.

View Him prostrate in the garden;

On the ground your Maker lies;

On the bloody tree behold Him;

Sinner, will this not suffice?

Lo! th’ incarnate God ascended,

Pleads the merit of His blood:

Venture on Him, venture wholly,

Let no other trust intrude.

Let not conscience make you linger,

Not of fitness fondly dream;

All the fitness He requireth

Is to feel your need of Him.

I will arise and go to Jesus,

He will embrace me in His arms;

In the arms of my dear Savior,

Oh, there are ten thousand charms.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – The First to Seek Jesus - Tempus Pastores

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“The angels left them and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, ‘Let us go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has told us about.’"

So many firsts come with a new born child.  It is often friends and family that are the first visitors.  The parents of Jesus were likely not with any family.  Still the Father wanted others to see his Son.   He sends shepherds to celebrate the child.  He sends them in a state of awe and wonder to seek the Child who will become the Man.

Celebrating the Child is part of the process.  It reminds us of the kind of faith necessary to approach the Father.  It reminds us of our place at this time.  We are to be with the shepherds.  We are to seek the Child, the Father, and the Man.

It is in the Advent we begin our seeking.  It is why I love Christmas.  We get to first learn of the babe and love him.  We get to seek him all our lives until we find him and follow him.  We are the shepherds in the lonely night waiting for the redemption promised by the Father.  We await the seed of Abraham, the root of Jesse, the King from David.

There he is in the manger.  The offer is open to seek him.  Christmas should be the first chance for us to see him as he is:  God with us; Immanuel. 

One Small Child – David Meece

One small child in a land of a thousand

One small dream of a Savior tonight

One small hand reaching out to the starlight

One small Savior of life

One king bringing his gold and riches

One king ruling an army of might

One king kneeling with incense and candlelight

One king bringing us life

See Him lying a cradle beneath Him

See Him smiling in the stall

See His mother praising His Father

See His tiny eyelids fall

See the shepherds kneeling before Him

See the kings on bended knee

Oh, See the mother praising the Father

See the Blessed infant sleep

One small child in a land of a thousand

One small dream of a Savior tonight

One small hand reaching out to the starlight

One small Savior of life

Oh, oh, oh, oh

One small child, oh

One small child, oh

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – Glory, Good Will, Peace

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will to men.”

We celebrate.  We celebrate hope.  We celebrate the child.  It is in this moment of Advent announcement that we find the beginning of the end.  It is in the celebration of the child we celebrate the light, we celebrate hope, and we celebrate life.

We pause from the hard harrowing journey to revel in the Son who will make all things good.  We continue on eventually but first we must take a moment to remember the one we follow and love what he does for us.

I will never forget the sorrow to come but for a few days I will remember the glory, good will, and peace.  I will celebrate the Child, the Father, the mother, and the foster father.  I will do it with an eye to celebrating with him in person.  I will do it with a heart filled with gratitude and love.

Celebrate the Child – Michael Card

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Now the darkness is over

No more wandering in the night

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

You know this is no fable

Godhead and manhood became one

We see He's more than able

And so we live to God the Son

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Now the darkness is over

No more wandering in the night

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

First born of creation

Lamb and Lion, God and Man

The Author of Salvation

Almighty rapped in swaddling bands

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Now the darkness is over

No more wandering in the night

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Now the darkness is over

No more wandering in the night

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Celebrate the Child

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Now the darkness is over

No more wandering in the night

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Now the darkness is over

No more wandering in the night

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Now the darkness is over

No more wandering in the night

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Now the darkness is over

No more wandering in the night

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story - Angel Army Choir - Tempus angelorum

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“and suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying ‘Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will to men.”

The shepherds were afraid when the first angel showed up.    Then the army arrived.  From the moment of his birth the angels were there to watch, protect, and learn.   At the moment they get the joy and share it with the other watchers; the shepherds.

For now the joy is real and the sorrow is three decades down the path.  Still they pause    in their war with evil to celebrate the Father and the birth.  They step through the veil to amaze the shepherds and bring them into the glory of the moment.

This moment in which time is full is that of glory and amazement because of the act of God.  He comes to be among us and be like us so that we can return to him.  He builds a bridge by taking on flesh and blood.  He extends himself by opening his heart and arms.  

We will kill him.  For now, however, we celebrate with the angels.  For now they pause and celebrate with us.  I life my voice to say “Glory to God in the highest.”  Please join me.

Angels We Have Heard On High - Pentatonix

Angels we have heard on high

Sweetly singing o’er the plains,

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be

Which inspire your heav’nly song?

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Come to Bethlehem and see

Him Whose birth the angels sing;

Come, adore on bended knee,

Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

See Him in a manger laid,

Whom the choirs of angels praise;

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,

While our hearts in love we raise.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – Such Humble Signs

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

A carpenter for a foster father does not mean poverty.  Being born in a cattle shed and having a manger as your crib is a very humble start.  Having shepherds as your first visitors is oddly meek. 

The Creator humbles himself to become like us so he can redeem us.   I must not neglect that humility is required to understand the Father.  Without it I cannot hope to see the magnificence of the season.   Gog resists the proud.   He gives his grace to the   humble.

I must see the humble signs of his presence and be satisfied with them.  I must find my faith in the humility that God requires.  I must celebrate with a heart of humility not pride.  My faith and hope must be rooted in this.

Away in a Manger - My Daughter’s Favorite Version

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,

The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,

But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky

And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – David’s City

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

We know about Bethlehem in the time of Christ.  Do we really ponder the import?  Do we think about how this ancient town is changed forever not by the birth of King David but by the birth of King Jesus?   An excerpt from The Foster Father of God is my meditation today.

A syphilis maddened king sits upon his cold marble throne waiting, watching, wondering when the Magi will return with the location of his enemy.  He rants from the palace balcony each day.  He demands that soldiers patrol the Bethlehem road to scout for the caravan of the Magi.  By the time he realizes that the seekers of the new king are not returning, the Son is safe in Egypt.  The family makes their way through the desert and settles in Memphis, a city large enough to provide work and anonymity.  Joseph easily finds a small house in which to set up a carpentry shop.  Though there is some resistance to a Jew in the community, his skill with the chisel and hammer soon have him working enough to meet the family needs.  After a harried journey, things begin to unfold quietly for the carpenter.  This is not so in Bethlehem.

Micah, surprised to find his tenant gone, assumes that he has journeyed to Jerusalem to present the Son at the temple.  Although he sees this as an unnecessary waste of time, he is thankful for the consistent flow of free goat’s milk provided by Jared’s faithful care for Mary’s small flock.  A month passes before Micah listens to Jared’s concern for the family’s lateness in returning.  Naomi enters the house to find that all of the personal possessions are gone and a note left for Micah and Naomi.  It simply states that they are not sure when they can return.  Some coins are on the table, intended to settle any debt that Micah feels Joseph owes to him.  Naomi pockets the coins and chooses to convince Micah to keep the home open for a while in the event of their return.

Unknown to Joseph, his friend Longinus, newly reassigned to lead Herod’s palace guard, rides to Bethlehem.  Unknown to Longinus, he seeks the life of Joseph’s Son.  In his madness, Herod has devised a plan to find the rival King and kill him.  Longinus and forty men ride into Bethlehem at sunset two months after Joseph leaves.  The men bunk at the garrison but Longinus and Patrius spend the night in comfort at the inn on the edge of town.  They both note the skill and craftsmanship that are in its design.  They also note that the innkeeper has a young child, obviously under the age of two.

The following morning, just before sunrise, the wailing cry of their Son awakens Joseph and Mary with a start.  For all their efforts, they cannot comfort him as he kicks and cries.  The Son refuses to nurse.  Even when he becomes exhausted from crying, he sobs fitfully throughout the day.  With no sign of illness or fever, the parents are perplexed as to what action will calm their Son.  They take turns holding and comforting him throughout the day.  By late afternoon, he succumbs to a fitful sleep marked by whimpers and the occasional cry.

The cries in Bethlehem will go on for days.  As was planned, the soldiers begin their task at first light.  Staging themselves on the outskirts of Bethlehem, they work systematically inward, going from house to house, searching for children under the age of two.  Soldiers like Patrius, however, are too enamored of the killing to remember the limitations of their task.  Parents resisting the soldiers fall to the Roman swords as well.  Late afternoon arrives before the soldiers, bloodied and weary begin to reach the center of town.  Patrius last act for the day is to visit the inn, collect his belongings, and kill the innkeeper’s youngest child.

The soldiers, including Longinus and Patrius go to the garrison where they will soak away the day’s work in the hot bath prepared for them by the local servants.  While the steam and water leach away the weariness and bloodstains, Longinus discusses the work with the local captain.

The captain offers, “This is the second time in the last few months we have had excitement here.”

Longinus stretches out in the hot water.  “What do you mean second time?  Has there been an uprising or some other event that set Herod off in this way?

The captain looks confused.  “No, but I thought you would know about all the noise over your father’s friend.  He came here for the registration and his wife gave birth.  All the locals talked about Messiah this and Messiah that.  There were bright lights and singing and people went on about if for days.”

The color drains from Longinus’ face so rapidly that the captain thinks him ill and calls for wine.  Longinus stops him and stepping out of the bath speaks, his voice trembling.  “You will not speak of this to any of my men.  Neither are you to tell anyone of our conversation.  Our loyalty is to Rome and this king of the Jews, Herod, is not long for life.  I have done as ordered.  All that I require of you is that you tell me where Joseph is and that you keep silence concerning your knowledge of him.  That same order applies to all your men as well.”

The captain, certain that he understands none of this, answers.  “We have not seen Joseph in two months.  He was to journey to Jerusalem for some ceremony then return.  Your father had warned him of Zealot activity in Nazareth and so Joseph had planned to stay here for some time.  A rumor said that they departed with a caravan from the east.  That is all I know and I will obey your order of silence.”

Guilt and uncertainty grapple for control of Longinus.  He leaves the bath and secludes himself in borrowed officer’s quarters.  Physically he is clean but he still feels innocent blood on his hands.  For the third time in a year, his path and Joseph’s have crossed and for the third time the ground has tasted blood for it.  Both this man and his wife have given the soldier friendship and trust.  The politics surrounding them has brought nothing but cruelty and death, first to his own men, then Joseph’s father, and now, unwitting innocents who were simply in the wrong town.  Rage and remorse course through the soldier who once took up his sword to defend the ideals of a noble state.  He signed on to serve for honor and a republic not the whims of a maddened puppet king.  He wonders how he drifted so far from his ideals that he did not even question the order to kill hundreds of innocent children.

The centurion dines alone and will see none of his men.  As he turns in for the night, he is certain that he can hear a sound carried throughout Bethlehem on the dessert wind.  The sound will haunt his dreams for the next three decades.  Night after night when Longinus is on the edge of sleep, he will hear the mournful wail of a woman weeping for her children who are no more.

Far away in Memphis, Joseph prepares to turn in for the night as well.  Exhausted from the day’s ordeal, Mary and Jesus are both already asleep.  When he first hears the crying, he thinks that it is his bride and goes to her, but she rests soundly, her breathing even and soft.  It becomes obvious that the weeping, carried on the night wind, comes from outside their home.  The carpenter offers a silent prayer for the unknown woman who sends her sorrow into the night, asking God to comfort her in her anguish.  The carpenter drifts off to sleep not knowing that there is no comfort for the land that wails from the pain of being gorged with so much innocent blood.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story - Christ the Lord

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

The last three words of the announcement of so vital.  Not only is the babe in the manger a Saviour but he is Christ the Lord.  For those who do not know Christ is not the second part of a common expletive.  It means Messiah.  The literal meaning here is “the Messiah God”.  

Even contained in his title at the announcement of the birth is who this child is.  He is the God man.  He is the anointed Saviour of Israel.  He is the one upon whom all hopes and dreams rest.  He is the one in whom we will find the redemption we so desperately need.

These are good tidings of great joy.  We have loaded the celebration of this event with so many things that detract from the great beauty of the event.  We have lost so much of the impact of this moment.  The Creator steps into his creation.  The artist becomes part of the painting.  Once in royal David’s city the world changed forever.

In the stable the God of the universe journeys to us to make a way for us to journey back to him.  That is the story. That is the song.   That is the hope promised for us all.  Strip away all of the decorations and celebration and we still have reason for great joy.  The Spirit of Christmas is this:  The Father of all creation loves us enough to become like us to bring us back to all that is good.  It is this love that is what he wishes us to share with each other and with him. 

A Christmas Song – Jethro Tull

Once in Royal David's City stood a lowly cattle shed,

where a mother laid her baby.

You'd do well to remember the things He later said.

When you're stuffing yourselves at the Christmas parties,

you'll laugh when I tell you to take a running jump.

You're missing the point I'm sure does not need making;

that Christmas spirit is not what you drink.

So how can you laugh when your own mother's hungry?

And how can you smile when the reasons for smiling are wrong?

And if I messed up your thoughtless pleasures,

Remember, if you wish, this is just a Christmas song.

Hey, Santa... pass us that bottle, will you?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – A Saviour - Tempore salutis

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

We do not like to think that we need salvation.  We want to be independent of the consequences of our sin.  The truth is that we need a Saviour.  We need redemption.  We need reclamation. 

The Father cannot violate the nature of his justice.  He cannot deny the needs of his love.  He cannot ignore sin.  The answer is to provide someone to fulfill all these needs and the Son takes on the task. 

Unto to us is born a Saviour.   That is the root of the joy.  It is the fountain head from which flows the hope of all mankind.  It is in this one word that the fullness of time is revealed.  I can have hope because of this word.  I can risk loving others because I am redeemed.  I can share my joy without reservation because I am reclaimed.

From the pronouncement of that one word we turn the glass and begin to move toward the realization of all things getting back to good.  They journey is long and hard.  We are not alone fur unto us is born a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.

Birthday Of the King – Judy Garland

In the little village of Bethlehem

There lay a child one day

And the sky was bright

With a holy light

O'er the place where Jesus lay.

Alleluia

O how the angels sang!

Alleluia

How it rang!

And the sky was bright

With a holy light

'Twas the birthday of a King.

Humble birthplace

But O

How much God gave to us that day!

From the manger bed what a path has led

What a perfect holy way.

Alleluia

O how the angels sang!

Alleluia

How it rang!

And the sky was bright

With a Holy light

'Twas the birthday of a King

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – Good Tidings - tempus bona nuntians

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“And the Angel said, ‘Fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be for all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.’ ”

This is the heart of the matter.  This announcement is the announcement.  This is the moment when things begin to get back to good.  The good tidings are the first good in getting the world back to where it is meant to be.

God is good. The Father loves us and sends the Son to bring things back to him; back to good.  The good tidings are meant to be a comfort.  They destined to bring us joy.  They are designed to be for all people. 

Time is full.  Time is ripe.  It is time to bring joy to the world.  It is time for me to renew my heart and enthrone the King.  It is all creation sense, see it, and sing it.  I long to celebrate this birth with the King in the place where all things are made right.  I want the tidings to be realized for everyone. 

I do not have to wait for the day to do this.  I can do it now in the way I interact with others. I can do it with all that I am and hope to become. 

Joy to the World - Pentatonix

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

let every heart prepare him room,

and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!

Let all their songs employ;

while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

repeat the sounding joy,

repeat the sounding joy,

repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

nor thorns infest the ground;

he comes to make his blessings flow

far as the curse is found,

far as the curse is found,

far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness,

and wonders of his love,

and wonders of his love,

and wonders of his love.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – While Shepherds Watch - Tempus ut Vigilet

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“And there were in the same country shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night.”

The Lamb of God arrives in a cattle shed.  The birth could pass unnoticed and unknown.  The Advent of Christ could have come and gone without anyone being the wiser. 

But the Lamb of God will have shepherds as his first visitors.  The men who care for sheep in the field practice vigilance in the darkness.  I imagine them attempting to stay warm, keep alert, and discussing the odd star that makes the constellation of the ram wink.  I ponder if they knew enough to consider what it meant that the King’s Star, the Mogen David, was in the constellation of Israel.  

The Passover, where the lamb comes into the story, begins with the question.  It asks “why is this night different from every other night?”  I must not let Christmas become like every other night in any way.  I must remember the full cost of the celebration.  I must keep watch for all that can become of this night that is different from ever night. 

I must not forget that the suddenness of the change for the shepherds occurred whilst they were being vigilant in their duty.  To them this night was like any other except for the Star.  Their attention might have been on the news of the taxing and travel of so many.  Still to them it was another night on the outskirts of Bethlehem not different from any other night.  Then suddenly…

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night –

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,

All seated on the ground,

The angel of the Lord came down,

And glory shone around.

"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread

Had seized their troubled minds;

"Glad tidings of great joy I bring

To you and all mankind. "To you, in David's town, this day,

Is born of David's line

A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;

And this shall be the sign:

The heavenly Babe you there shall find

To human view displayed,

All meanly wrapped in swaddling-bands

And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph,--and forthwith

Appeared a shining throng

Of angels, praising God, who thus

Addressed their joyful song:

"All glory be to God on high,

And to the earth be peace;

Good will henceforth from Heaven to men

Begin and never cease."

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – Angel all Arounds - Tempus creandis indicta

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“…the Angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid.’

Angels seem to be one of the hallmarks of Christmas still allowed to be shown.  Our shepherds fear with good cause.  The Messenger of God shows up among the sheep.  The very glory of God shines around him.  He makes the great announcement.  

This announcement to shepherds is the paramount act of God the Father including the least in his plan to bring us back to his arms.  He shatters the stillness of night to announce the birth.  He comes suddenly among us to be with us; to be Immanuel. 

It is in this moment of announcement that the incarnation of God becomes the gift to the world that God intends.  It is in this instant that redemption is possible.  It is in this moment that the good will of the Father is realized in love, in action, and in a very short time, in sacrifice.  For now, however, we sing in celebration.  

Hark the Herald Angels Sing – Amy Grant

Hark the herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn king

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With angelic host proclaim

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

With angelic host proclaim

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

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

Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with men to dwell

Jesus, our Immanuel

Pleased as man with men to dwell

Jesus, our Immanuel

Hail the Heaven born Prince of Peace

Hail the Sun of Righteousness

Light and life to all He brings

Ris'n healing in His wings

Christ the highest Heaven adored

Christ the everlasting Lord

Come desire of nations come

Fix in us Thy humble home

Come desire of nations come

Fix in us Thy humble home

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – It is a Boy - Tempus a puero

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“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.”

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

I remember when my first Son was born.  Everything inside me was impacted.  In the Christmas story we see the only Son of God step into the flesh.  He is here for us.  He is born to become all of the things that Isaiah calls him.  It is also true that he is already all of them.

It is in this baby boy that everything rests already.  The government and the fate of humanity is on those tiny shoulders.  The whole world has waited for this boy whether they knew it or not.  The boy will become the man who will become the sacrifice who will become the King.  That is the story.  That is what is held in the arms of Mary in cattle shed in an ancient world.

Mary’s Boy Child – Harry Belafonte

Long time ago in Bethlehem

So the Holy Bible say

Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ

Was born on Christmas Day.

Hark now hear the angels sing

A king was born today

And man will live for evermore

Because of Christmas Day.

While shepherds watched their flock by night,

They saw a bright new shining star

they hear a choir sing song

The music seemed to come from afar.

Hark, now hear the angels sing,

A king was born today,

And man will live for evermore,

Because of Christmas Day.

Joseph and his wife, Mary,

Came to Bethlehem that night,

They found no place to bear her child,

Not a single room was in sight.

Hark now hear the angels sing,

A king was born today,

And man will live for evermore

Because of Christmas Day

By and by they find a little nook

In a stable all forlorn,

And in a manger cold and dark,

Mary's little boy was born.

Hark, now hear the angels sing,

A king was born today,

And man will live for evermore,

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Meditations In the Christmas Story – It is a Baby - Tempus Nascendi

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“And so it was that while they were there the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”

Everyone gets excited when the baby is coming.  We gather to wait and anticipate.  Lives are put on pause and labor and birth proceed.  There are, however, pregnancies that cause fear, sorrow, and grief.

We live in an era where babies are cast aside without compassion or care.  We have destroyed BILLIONS of years of potential life through abortion.  We have countries that hire people to kill orphan children who live in the streets.  We have fathers who abandon their children and never look back.

This baby is the most important one ever born.  Whether you accept the Christmas story or not it impacts your life.  I do not just mean the spiritual aspect even though that is paramount.  Socially Christmas impacts much of the world.  Too often it is not see for what it must be but it is still seen..

It is a free opportunity to do good to others no matter how you feel.  It is the chance to see the world through the lens of our potential and not just our circumstance.  I celebrate Christ because that baby in that manger on that night is the ultimate chance for us all.  That birth changes everything.  That birth gives us all a chance at life.

Jesus, the God outside of time, stepped into time.  The creator of humans became a human.  The Holy became tempted and tried.  The Almighty became weak.  The Prince of Peace enters the war zone of the fallen world.  The Omniscient became someone who had to learn.

Once again we see that God loves us enough to make it possible for him to die rather than live without us.  This baby, in this place changes everything.  This is what I must live.  This is what must guide me above all else.

A Baby Changes Everything – Faith Hill

Teenage girl, much too young

Unprepared for what's to come

A baby changes everything

Not a ring

On her hand

All her dreams and all her plans

A baby changes everything

The man she loves she's never touched

How will she

Keep his trust

A baby changes everything

And she cries, oh she cries

She has to leave, go far away

Heaven knows she can't stay

A baby changes everything

She can feel it's coming soon

There's no place, there's no room

A baby changes everything

And she cries and she cries O she cries

Shepherds all... gather 'round

Up above... a star shines down...

Choir of Angels say

Glory to the newborn king

A baby changes everything

Everything, everything, every day

Hallelujah

My whole life is turned around

I was lost but now I'm found

A baby changes everything.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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