"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"
Churches and communities across the world sing the above lyrics every year when the calendar hits December. But do we really understand what they mean? What exactly did the writer mean? Could it be that salvation truly came through a humble baby?
In biblical culture, swaddling clothes had two purposes: to wrap a baby tightly to stay warm and to wrap an individual whose life had come to an end.
By being wrapped in swaddling clothes at birth, Christ brought the greatest gift to ever be given. We can wrap the biggest presents for the tree and we can put trinkets into every fancy bag and stocking, but none of those could compare to the gift wrapped in a stable that night.
By being wrapped in swaddling clothes in death, Christ fulfilled the promise made long ago. Rising from the grave, he unwrapped the nasty folds of death and wrapped himself in life and light.
The hymn writer hits deep when he says that Christ was born so that man would no longer have to worry about death. He mirrors the words of Paul to the believers in Rome: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
Yes, it is absolutely true that Jesus was God's gift to mankind, but it goes so much deeper. The gift goes beyond the pretty nativity scenes sitting on our mantles. It goes deeper than attending the Christmas Eve services. It does not end at Silent Night and Away In A Manger. Actually, it's just the beginning.
It will truly begin at the Amen at the end of our Bibles when Christ comes again. He won't be back as a baby. He will return as King and Warrior, just as He said He would.
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