The Alphabet of Christmas: B is for "beautiful"

Image via Wikipedia

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me
           - The Battle Hymn of the Republic

Have you ever considered what constitutes "beauty"? What does it mean to you? Is it the incredible sweep of tall mountains, lifting their jagged peaks to the heavens? Is it the delicacy of an artist's brush, capturing a color and a texture with inspiring skill? Perhaps you find the precision of a finely crafted engine or building, the careful fit of one piece against another to make a functional whole to be your definition of beauty?

There are many ways beauty is revealed to us, and each speaks to different people in different ways and with various levels of impact.

One of the most universal images of beauty for humanity is a mother holding her newborn child in her arms. Look how tender she is, examining the tiny fingers and toes, delighting over perfectly formed features, awed by the innocence and helplessness and dependency of her child. This tiny treasure, a beautiful gift of life, a new person born into the world.

Two thousand years ago, Mary and Joseph were stunned with the wonder of the Child God had entrusted to them. As they gazed upon their Savior, a tiny newborn Baby, how humbled they must have been that God had chosen them to raise His Son here on earth!

Like a plainly wrapped present, tucked away at the back of the Christmas tree and almost overlooked, which contains the gift you've been longing for all these years, God wrapped His Son in simplicity and humility, and then revealed His glory modestly, subtly, gently to a wounded and weary world.

THAT is beauty. The quiet, simply given Gift, who was born in an obscure little town in a rude little stable, to parents who were nobodies. And yet the gift God gave that night was the most glorious gift He could possibly have given: His very Self.

Ah, Father! How quietly, how quietly that wondrous gift was giv'n! I am in awe of Your grace and mercy, and the very great love You bear for Your image-bearers. Only You could have planned and performed such an incredible miracle: God become man, born in poverty and humility, to live among us and bring us face to face with who You truly are. Thank You, Father! Let us remember Your Gift throughout this blessed Season, and then carry Him with us every day of our lives.

The Alphabet of Christmas: Previous Post ... Next post