Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:11-14
Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say:
News! News!
Jesus Christ was born to-day:
Ox and ass before Him bow,
And He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today.
In dulci jublio meaning “In sweet rejoicing” (A.D. 1328) but known in modern times as Good Christian Men, Rejoice, translated by J.M. Neale.
This Christmas my attention has gone repeatedly to the manger. The angel identifies the manger as a sign. Then this ancient hymn announces pointedly, “He is in the manger now!”
Remember that a manger is a feeding trough. This illustrates the heart of the big news!
All in Christ have reason to rejoice with heart and soul and voice. Generosity takes shape as spreading this news. The source of life for us is not the food we eat but the savior we meet at the manger.
Tell everyone. Christ is born today. It’s the most generous thing you can do.