[272]. A POEM MESSAGE – THE INFANT CHRIST HAS COME (Christmas) (Version 1)
Most Christians think of the Nativity at Christmas time but it ought not be like that. In one way the birth of Christ; His ministry; His death, burial and resurrection; and His ascension, are all equal in importance for without one of them, the others would hold no value.
The world used to honour the biblical account at Christmas time with recognition of the event and nativity scenes, but in these days of paganism, Santa Claus has replaces the Christ child, and the great hymns of the faith have been trampled on by wishing people a merry Christmas (or is that XMAS?) and reindeer dashing through the snow, and Santa coming tonight, and all the other false Christmas substitutions.
The birth of Christ was so unadorned an event that the simplicity of it is fitting. {{Philippians 2:6-7 “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, BUT EMPTIED HIMSELF, TAKING THE FORM OF A BOND-SERVANT, and being made in the likeness of men . . .”}}
The simple folk of the time such as the shepherds on the hillsides, were the ones to acknowledge the Lord come in flesh. It was of no interest to the high and mighty and the lords of this earth. They did not come to the manger to bow before the Christ child, but one day they will be forced to and it won’t be the Christ child – {{Philippians 2:10-11 “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”}}
There are two versions of this poem, one using a 7-8-7-8 metre and the other using an 8-7-8-7 metre. I hope you like it, and it is not just for Christmas.
=============================================================
THE INFANT CHRIST HAS COME (Christmas) (Version 1)
Infant God beyond compare -
Of whom angelic tongues proclaim;
Fully in the Father’s care -
The Saviour from the Father came.
==================
Peacefully the Babe at rest,
That place, shares with creation’s beasts;
Sweet that Child at mother’s breast -
A mother’s love to grace His feasts.
==================
Son of God, Incarnate One -
Prophetically, this time concedes.
Christ, the Lord, in flesh has come.
All wicked things God’s will impedes.
==================
Animals in shelter housed,
Observe then first, God’s gift of love.
Were their instincts there aroused
With Jesus Christ sent from above?
==================
Worship Christ the Babe adored!
Exult His Name eternally!
Worship Christ now born as Lord!
Before Him we bow gratefully.
==================
1 May 1999 Ronald E Ferguson 7-8-7-8 ABAB