On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
This is attested as the second oldest Christmas hymn available to us. It comes from the 4th century. It’s seven stanzas and rich in theology. All I can do in response is worship.
Of the Father’s Love Begotten
1. Of the Father’s love begotten, Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the Source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see,
Evermore and evermore.
2. At His word the worlds were framed; He commanded, it was done:
Heav’n and earth and depths of ocean, In their threefold order one;
All that grows beneath the shining, Of the moon and burning sun—
[Evermore and evermore.]
3. He was found in human fashion, Death and sorrow here to know,
That the race of Adam’s children, Doomed by law to endless woe,
May not henceforth die and perish in the dreadful gulf below—
[Evermore and evermore.]
4. O that birth forever blessèd, When the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, Bore the Savior of our race,
And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face—
[Evermore and evermore.]
5. This is He whom seers in old time, Chanted of with one accord,
Whom the voices of the prophets. Promised in their faithful word;
Now He shines, the long-expected; Let creation praise its Lord—
[Evermore and evermore.]
6. O ye heights of Heav’n adore Him! Angel hosts His praises sing!
All dominions bow before Him, And exalt our God and King.
Let no tongue on Earth be silent, Every voice in concert ring—
[Evermore and evermore.]
7. Christ! to thee with God the Father, And O Holy Ghost, to thee,
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving, And unwearied praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory—
[Evermore and evermore.]
Aurelius Prudentius Clemens (348-413) in Corde natus ex Parentis translated to English as Of the Father’s Love Begotten by J. M. Neale and H. W. Baker.
I shot the new header photo while walking my son’s dogs on Sunday morning. While I froze because I did not have a stocking cap or gloves, I did worship the Lord as the sun rose. And I snapped this photo. Christmas is about worship.
Worship with the Wise men. Worship the One who created all things. Worship the One about whom the angels sang. Worship the One about whom the prophets foretold. Worship the One born of a virgin. Worship the One who redeemed us from woe.
And bring Him gifts. Make your generosity this Christmas bigger and better than ever and make it reflect your worship and praise for all Christ represents to you and to all humanity. What will you bring to Jesus this Christmas in a posture of worship?