The Loop

Holly, jolly, merry, festive, joy, cheer…these are all commonly used words associated with Christmas. They are feel-good words. Words intended to generate a sense of happiness.

In the bleak mid-winter, all creation groans
For a world in darkness, frozen like a stone

What a stark contrast. In comparison, it feels like desolate imagery for a season focused on celebration. And, yet, that’s how the song begins. It’s stark, but it’s purposeful. Because, without the contrast, we can’t see the impact of the resolution.

Light is breaking
In a stable for a throne

The opening lines point us to the condition. We’re not necessarily talking about a literal winter with snow, ice, and wind, but it points to the darkness. Jesus came for a reason and, when He did, light began to break through.

There are so many incredible Christmas carols, hymns, and songs. It was hard to narrow it down and choose one. Written by Chris Tomlin and Matthew Maher, “He Shall Reign Forevermore” is a song derived from “In the Bleak Midwinter,” a hymn originally written by Christina Rossetti in the late 1800’s and Handel’s “Messiah” from the mid 1700’s.

When I was trying to decide which song to write about, I kept coming back to this one. At first, I didn’t know why. I listened to it over and over. Something about it was resonating with my heart. Then it hit me. This song captures the deep emotion of redemption, hope, and victory. And THAT is why Jesus came.

Jesus came to offer redemption and hope. In a world marked by sin, hurt, disappointment, and grief, Jesus chose to come. In a stable, born to common people, during the chaos of governmental mandates and oppression, Jesus was the light that broke through. And He still is.

At first glance it looks like a paradox. There was simplicity in the way Jesus came, but the purpose for which He came was anything but small.

And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
Unto us a child is born
The King of kings and Lord of lords
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore

The darkness didn’t and doesn’t scare Jesus. He willingly comes into our darkest and most painful circumstances with a light that breaks through and says, “I’m here and I’m here to stay.”

“The light [Jesus] shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Into our hopes, into our fears
The Savior of the world appears

Jesus comes into our hopes AND our fears. He came for it all and He continues to come. There is nothing in this world, good or bad, that can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). Nothing.

God gave us the gift of Jesus. In doing so, He gave us the gift of redemption and hope. Whether this Christmas season finds you celebrating, grieving, or somewhere in between, let Jesus be the light that breaks through and the hope that anchors your soul (Hebrews 6:19), and let HIM bring about victory in ways that only He can.

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