Away in a Manger

Away in a Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on 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 till 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.

Anne Wilson and Josh Turner collaborated on a new rendition based on this classic hymn and it has been sung in my house for weeks. As I have had many moments to reflect on it, I am blown away at the awesome love and courage of our God. He sent his one and only  beloved son, not just to live among us, but placed him in what most of us would deem unacceptable circumstances.

God demonstrated in his son what is necessary to garner the highest success in this life. In Philippians 2, Paul calls all Christians to adopt a heart of humility patterned after his Son, in which we would let go of things that bring us status and honor to cling to righteousness. This is most difficult to do with our children. To sacrifice their potential for the greater pursuit of their holiness. To intentionally lead those most precious to us away from their fullest academic, athletic, or professional success seems cruel, but only when our eyes have focused on a lower goal than eternity with our Savior.

I am thankful for God’s omniscience to look beyond the temporary sufferings he would endure to bring about a “far more exceeding eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17).  I hope you will draw inspiration in your life and for those you lead to have a goal in sight beyond this life.

I love you

Jonathan