I am guessing that most persons know the words of this traditional nursery rhyme and Christmas song frequently sung as a round. Some say that it began sometime back in the 1880’s. Whether or not you know the original words, what words will you use to complete the rhyme, to reflect your current preparation for Christmas this year? What will you say, “Christmas is coming . . . ”?
As we think about the first ‘Christmas’ (the first announcement of the birth of Christ, whose birthday we celebrate at this season) what may have been the words of Mary, the one to whom this announcement was made? The angel of God told Mary that she will be the mother of the Child who was coming into the world of humanity to provide the solution to all of man’s struggles.
You know what?! You do not have to speculate on what she said. From the paraphrase of Luke 1:46-47 which we find in the Message, this is what she said, “I’m bursting with God-news; I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.”
What needs to happen in your life this season, for you to be able to use these words of Mary to talk about yourself—to reflect your current preparations for Christmas?
Mary understood that God specially chose her. What do you understand about how God sees you? Do you know that He wants you to become one of His chosen ones?
Mary understood that she was going to be specially used by God. What do you understand about how God wants to use you? This festive season, will you learn about its real reason and share that with someone?
Mary understood that she was the recipient and the display of God’s mercy. What do you understand about the many characteristics of God?
In what way(s) may you receive and display a characteristic of God—His love, His peace, His forgiveness, His patience, or His grace?
Christmas is coming! Will you say as Mary said, “I’m bursting with God-news; I’m dancing the song of my Savior God”?
Come, learn more about the Christmas the Creator of Christmas wants for you, at the Christmas-Eve Candlelight Service of the Virden Alliance Church, December 24, @ 11:00 a.m. “Christmas is coming . . . !”
Dr. Norton is pastor of Virden Alliance Church
