A sacred sign

Epiphany remembers the moment the Magi followed the star to Bethlehem and how they worshipped Jesus when they eventually came to the manger (Matthew 2). Their willingness to follow the sacred sign (the star) changed their lives forever. 

Writing on the theme of the Incarnation, Christina Georgina Rossetti spoke about the sacred sign:

Love came down at Christmas,
love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas;
star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, Love divine;
worship we our Jesus,
but wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token;
love be yours and love be mine;
love to God and others,
love for plea and gift and sign.

Thought:

As we follow the Christ into the unknown may Jesus be both our vision and our destination. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Love came down at Christmas

"Love came down at Christmas,

Love all lovely, Love Divine;

Love was born at Christmas,

Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,

Love incarnate, Love Divine;

Worship we our Jesus;

But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,

Love be yours and love be mine,

Love to God and all the world,

Love for plea and gift and sign."

Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830-1894) penned numerous poems in her lifetime. This particular poem, written in 1885, has been put to music by many musicians over the years, including John Rutter and more recently by Christian rock-band, Jars of Clay (in 2007). 

Although this carol is not as popular as many other Christmas hymns, the words are profound in their simplicity. I love the idea of referring to the Incarnation as 'Love coming down.' What better way to describe the act of God, choosing to come to earth in the form of a child? Divine love conjures up the miraculous in order to break through into our brokenness.

I am challenged by the line "Love shall be our token" as this is the call for all Christians to heed. Love is the token of currency we should be using and it is the sure sign of being changed by the Divine Love of Jesus.

John 1:14 (The Message) - 

"The Word became flesh and blood,

    and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
    the one-of-a-kind glory,
    like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
    true from start to finish."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Open wide the windows

"Open wide the window of our spirits, O Lord, and fill us full of light;
open wide the door of our hearts, that we may receive and entertain you
with all our powers of adoration and praise." - Christina Rossetti

Why don't you pray this prayer as your open one of the windows in your home, work or even while driving in your car.

Acts 1:8 -  He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses

Living in Grace
D3LM3