Immanuel

I wanted very much to write a deep, insightful post about Christmas. I was also hoping to post before Christmas Day (Happy Holiday, everyone!). But this last week has been dominated by a nasty flu bug, which has a way of narrowing down your projects. When you’re sick and weak, all you want is the basics. Simplicity.

            The Sunday before last, I attended a Christmas service that was visually beautiful. It was all themed around “light”. The stage design was perfect, with an ornate golden-orange curtain and antique light-bulbs hanging from the ceiling. The effects of mist and lighting were breathtaking. There were also sharp, riveting video presentations.

            But when I think back on it, what part of the service really touched my heart? It was when they showed a simple video of a little baby. You saw his tiny fingers and toes, his delicate eyelashes. And for a moment it felt like you were there. There in Bethlehem.

            Simplicity.

Immanuel

By Dawnna Jean Pearson

Imagine, just

If you had been there

Beside that humble

Manger bare

Beholding, lo

In the scented straw

The Infant sleeping

Stare in awe

Fingertips, brush

His petal-soft cheek

Breathe in His sweet smell

Small eyes peek

Listening, hear

Him gurgle and coo

This Child has come to

Rescue you