A CHRISTMAS MEDITATION

Jesus Christ was born in the meanest of circumstances, but the air above was filled with the hallelujahs of the heavenly host. His lodging was a cattle pen, but later a star drew distinguished visitors from afar to do Him homage.

His birth was contrary to the laws of life. His death contrary to the laws of death. No miracle is so inexplicable as His life and teaching.

He had no cornfields or fisheries, but He could spread a table for five thousand and have bread and fish to spare. lie walked on no beautiful carpets, but He walked on the waters and they supported Him.

His crucifixion was the crime of crimes, but, on God’s side, no lower price than His infinite agony could have made possible our redemption. When He died, few mourned, but a black crepe was hung over the sun. Though men trembled not for their sins, the earth beneath shook under the load. All nature honoured Him; sinners alone rejected Him.

Three years He preached His Gospel. He wrote no book, built no church, and had no money to back Him. After almost two thousand years, lie is the one central character of human history, the perpetual theme of all preaching, the pivot around which the events of the age revoIve, the only Regenerator of the human race.

Was it merely the son of Joseph and Mary who crossed the world’s horizon nearly two thousand years ago? Was it merely human blood that was spilled on Calvary’s hill for the redemption of sinners, and which has worked such wonders in men and nations through the centuries?

What thinking man can keep from exclaiming, “My Lord and my God!”

The Gospel Standard