Without the Father's giving
There's no gift for me today
Without the Christ's descending
The manger holds but hay
Without the Spirit's shadow
Mary's womb would empty be
But by the Lamb of Bethlehem
God's Christmas came to me!
God's Christmas
by Peter Caligiuri
Copyright 2025
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have ever lasting life. John 3:16
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15 NIV
I will bet that you have never heard the above verse read during a Christmas service. But what the shepherds did after going down to see baby Jesus in the manger, is exactly what this scripture is all about! Those shepherds didn’t need an evangelism course; they simply couldn’t wait to tell everyone that night in Bethlehem that “Jesus Christ is born!” This anonymous hymn sung in many African American churches during the middle 1800’s was eventually published and arranged by John Wesley Work Jr. in 1901. Though its words and melody are simple it is deservedly as well-loved as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, written by another Wesley (Charles). I do hope you will enjoy listening to our precious residents singing along and that perhaps you will join in and “Go tell it on the mountain!”
He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom and gently lead those who are with young. Isaiah 40:11 NKJV
Though I am long retired, I still act as a caretaker for what is something of a gentlemen’s farm. NO, I do not perform any of the physical labor, rather I simply manage the accounts, paying the taxes, insurance and the various men who care for the property. In view of the responsibilities, perhaps the word, “Caretaker” is misapplied, as I do take care from the place, instead, I diligently watch over the various activities with the good of the owner in mind. On another track, my wife and I have also become the “Caregivers” for an elderly friend, whose house was flooded out in a hurricane over a year ago. Her struggles with Alzheimer’s as well as a recent stroke have left her in need of people to guide her through basic daily activities.
Both of these separate duties call for a giving that only dimly shadows the care-taking and care-giving of our Good Shepherd. In today’s verse God says that He gathers the lambs with His arm. No rough shepherd’s rod and even the long staff employed in directing the sheep is pictured here, instead God tells us He gathers us in His very arms, lifts us up and carries us. He does not get tired, impatient, or bored with the mundane duties of seeing to our daily needs. When we ask He provides bread, when we weep in contrition, He forgives, when we plead for the needs of others, He listens. Then in this last part of the verse we catch a glimpse into the heart of our God, as He gently leads us as we gently lead the ones He has placed in our care! What a wonderful Savior and Caretaker! What an amazing eternal Caregiver and Good Shepherd, we have in Jesus Christ our Lord!
As I sat in the hospital emergency room again last night, I was blessed to see that the television in the room was playing a TBN special with Matthew West. This particular song brought me peace and encouragement in the uncertainty of the moment, and I pray it will also draw you heart to our Savior whatever circumstance you are facing today.
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