At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancé, who was now obviously pregnant.
And when they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. – Luke 2:1-7
How many times can you hear the same story and still feel something when you hear it again? It is amazing the emotions the story of Christ’s birth awaken inside of us each time we read it. The Christmas carols never grow old as we dust them off and sing them each December. Our local Christian radio station has been playing all Christmas music since Thanksgiving and I have really enjoyed the variety they have played – the fun, silly songs, the classic Christmas hymns and carols, as well as several new worship songs.
Last night at our youth-led Christmas service at church, the teens led us in a new Christmas song made popular in 2008 by a new group, Downhere. I have heard the song on the radio and even sang along with it, but last night the words touched my heart as if hearing it for the first time – really grasping the meaning of the words. As you read through the lyrics of the song “How Many Kings” by Marc Martel, I encourage you to acknowledge in your heart what God has done for us. Last week’s tragedy makes us even more aware of how broken our world is and how much we need this great and compassionate King.
Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe, after all we’ve projected,
A child in a manger?
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother’s shawl –
Just a child –
Is this who we’ve waited for? ’cause…
How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have, whether costly or meek
Because we believe.
Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he will suffer
Do you believe?
Is this who we’ve waited for?
How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
All for me…
All for you…