A year ago, while Drew was yet born, I sang Sleep, Baby, Sleep in the evening service and could not keep the tears from pouring down my face. All I could think about was how do you tell a child about God?
It is overwhelming to think about and when compared to my own hopes and fears that burden my soul, I imagine that I am utterly incompetent to share the story of His birth, and even more so, His death.
But the days have flown by and here is now the day of remembrance. The celebration of God coming to dwell in flesh so that He might be our Savior. The celebration of His coming to die. Christmas is about the cross.
Drew isn’t old enough to understand my whispers of God or the prayers that I pray but he is very aware of my calming down, tears flowing, and the lilting song I sang to him. Again.
Sleep little baby, on thy mother’s breast
God give thee peace
And God give thee rest
Thou art the hope of the world tonight
So close your eyes and sleep
Sleep little baby, sleep.
While angels watch from above.
God’s mighty power is guarding thy rest
So close your eyes and sleep
We rocked back and forth, grateful that the frantic-hectic-panic is over from the parties, presents, and people and I laid him down to sleep with God’s mighty power guarding his rest.
And then I laid myself in His arms, and wept for His coming to be a small babe, like Drew. Coming to die for me. And for you.
A sign shall be given
A virgin will conceive
A human baby bearing
Undiminished deity
The glory of the nations
A light for all to see
Hope for all who will embrace
His warm reality
– Michael Card