Article December 21, 1899 Issue

Christmas Musings

BY JAMES J. ROME.

How simple, yet how pathetic the story of the birth of earth's greatest teacher, exemplar, and martyr; "and she [Mary] brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." What obscurity! The gladness and rejoicings over the birth of earth's greatest prince are confined to the exultant heart of a happy mother. No feasts and festivities to welcome the glorious advent of the son of the Highest, only the sullen silence of a sinful world, unwilling to receive and acknowledge its king. Yet how impossible that such a momentous event should leave the thought of the world undisturbed.

No sooner has this seemingly obscure event transpired than a stir to be manifested. The faithful, earnest, humble shepherds on the plains, in quiet solitude, are quickest to discern the fulfilment of long-cherished hope. Leaving their flocks they gather in grateful homage around the lowly crib. The three wise men from the East are guided by their star of promise to where the young child lies, and present with willing hands and happy hearts their treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

But another element in mortal mind is stirred. Herod (envy, jealousy, and fear) resents the coming of one who will undermine and destroy the false foundations of his evil power, and seeks his destruction. But the protecting arm of divine Love is around the anointed one to shield him from all harm. Yet many hearts are made to feel the smart of that malicious blow; and the mourning and lamentation of Rama, — "Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted," — are echoes of that strange event when "she laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

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Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh