Friday, January 5, 2024  

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Today’s Hymn
As they offered gifts most rare
at thy manger, rude and bare,
so may we with holy joy,
pure and free from sin’s alloy,
all our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to thee, our heavenly king.

Holy Jesus, every day
keep us in the narrow way;
and when earthly things are past,
bring our ransomed souls at last
where they need no star to guide,
where no clouds thy glory hide.

William Chatterton Dix’s “As with Gladness Men of Old”
(tune: Dix)
from Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

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Reflection

In the first stanza of Dix’s Christmas hymn, there is an allusion to the three magi bearing the “costlier treasures” to pay homage to the one born. Prophesied as the Christ (the Anointed One) destined to deliver humanity from darkness of heart, deadness of spirit, innate alienation that leads to fear, distrust, and ultimately war with self and others.

This hymn led me to contemplate the notion of sacrifice. The sacrifice of the magi undertaking a long arduous journey from a far Eastern home. They came in the midst of a cold, dark winter, directed by a lone star. They came in search of the one born, destined to be, the Messiah, to deliver the people from bondage and despair. They came to offer their adulation.

As I pondered what sacrifice of “costly treasure” one could offer Christ, the Anointed One, Psalm 51:15–17 came to mind: “Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you will not despise.”

One of the central themes of Advent and Christmas is that of divine light coming into a world consumed in deep darkness. Is it not wondrous that God desires our allegiance to the divine Sovereignty and in return only desires our broken, wounded selves in need of a compassionate Savior?

We are destined to an arduous journey, ”the narrow way” fraught with peril, pitfalls, doubt, confusion, and yet we are guided, renewed, and transformed by the one who loves us. In this long sojourn, we are restored to our original purpose, to be the image-bearers of our divine creator.

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Prayer
Dear Lord, may we become enlightened by your grace in the midst of our struggles to trust in your presence as we travel on the path home. Amen.

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Written by Susan Cornelius, Replogle Center for Counseling and Wellbeing

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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