Scripture reading: Luke 1:26–38

Conceivable

“That which is conceived in her [Mary] is of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:20)

 

My mental powers can’t conceive The truth God calls me to believe, The gift he asks me to receive

At Christmas.

God wrapped in flesh—incarnate Word! What doctrine could be more absurd?

A stranger tale I’ve never heard Among us.

 That Mary’s egg was fertilized

By God’s own seed? I’m scandalized!

My intellect is paralyzed; And doubtful.

That God would take the form of man?

Eternity within a span?

Omnipotent power in baby’s hand?

Sheer madness.

Such thoughts made Herod reason why And say, “This baby has to die!

His claims to Kingship are a lie.

I rule here.”

So he performed an act of treason; And trusting only in his reason,

He murdered children in this season Of gladness.

Could I, like him, be so unkind, And in my darkness be so blind,

The Light of lights I cannot find Beside me?

 

Somehow I know this child, though small Has come to save or judge us all.

Will I before him choose to fall In worship?

Or will I see him as a threat (Although we haven’t even met)

And choose my path and make my bet On me?

O Lord, give sight that I may see And with the magi bow the knee

A make this babe my Lord—not me!

King Jesus.

 

Send your Spirit, Lord, I pray, Impregnate me with Life today, And bend my will to your own way This Christmas.

Faith certainly tells us what the senses do not, but not the contrary of what they see;

it is above, not against them.  —Blaise Pascal

 

 

 

point to ponder • It is reasonable to recognize the limits of reason.

 

prayer focus  •  For God to grant us the gift of faith.