Who doesn’t love Christmas carols? I have found that some people cherish and look forward to singing carols more than anything else during the Christmas season. Maybe you’re one of those people. There is just something about them that makes the time of year extra special. Think about it, how many other seasons come with their own music?
Christmas carols are an opportunity to express the joy of the season in a special, heartwarming way…and everyone has a favourite! My favourite Christmas carol is a relatively unknown one by Stuart Towend called “From the Squalor of a Borrowed Stable (Immanuel).” If you haven’t heard it, here are the lyrics, but you should follow the link below and give it a listen. I really think you’ll enjoy it.
From the squalor of a borrowed stable,
By the Spirit and a virgin’s faith;
To the anguish and the shame of scandal
Came the Saviour of the human race.
But the skies were filled with the praise of heaven,
Shepherds listen as the angels tell
Of the Gift of God come down to man
At the dawning of Immanuel.
King of heaven now the Friend of sinners,
Humble servant in the Father’s hands,
Filled with power and the Holy Spirit,
Filled with mercy for the broken man.
Yes, He walked my road and He felt my pain,
Joys and sorrows that I know so well;
Yet His righteous steps give me hope again –
I will follow my Immanuel.
Through the kisses of a friend’s betrayal,
He was lifted on a cruel cross;
He was punished for a world’s transgressions,
He was suffering to save the lost.
He fights for breath, He fights for me,
Loosing sinners from the claims of hell;
And with a shout our souls are free –
Death defeated by Immanuel.
Now He’s standing in the place of honour,
Crowned with glory on the highest throne,
Interceding for His own beloved
Till His Father calls to bring them home!
Then the skies will part as the trumpet sounds
Hope of heaven or the fear of hell;
But the Bride will run to her Lover’s arms,
Giving glory to Immanuel!
One of the reasons this song resonates with me is that it connects Christmas to the Cross to Christ’s eternal reign. We celebrate aspects of this at various times of the year, but the reality is that they are interconnected. Christmas is a time when we remember one of the greatest events in human history. The infinite became an infant. Divinity intervenes in humanity. But it doesn’t end there. The incarnation of Jesus is the beginning of what would become the world-changing, life-altering plan of redemption. In other words, Christmas flows into Easter. This likely isn’t a new idea for most of us, but it is helpful to be reminded. Jesus’ humility displayed in the incarnation is worthy of praise, and yet Jesus, the greatest gift ever given, not only humbled Himself by becoming a man, but He humbled Himself to die on a cross.
As Townend reflects on the cradle to the cross, he writes, “He fights for breath, He fights for me. Loosing sinners from the claims of hell; And with a shout our souls are free—Death defeated by Immanuel.” What a line…and with a shout, our souls are FREE! Amen! This leads right into the final verse, where the exaltation of Jesus is described. Jesus’ humility led to his exaltation. Seems backwards to us, but that is the way God’s kingdom works.
So beginning with the cradle and finishing on the cross, the world was changed forever. Through His great sacrifice, Jesus went from squalor to a cross to being crowned King and exalted above every name. His journey from the cradle to the cross may have been unexpected. Many people during His lifetime didn’t understand what was happening, including His disciples. But it was this unexpected journey that accomplished our salvation. Because of His willing sacrifice, Jesus is crowned with glory and exalted above all. That is something we can praise God for this Christmas. We praise God that Jesus came to a cradle, endured the cross, and is now ruling as the King of heaven. My prayer is that this little devotional serves as a reminder to look beyond Christmas Day to the fuller picture of redemption this Christmas season. That is something we can all use from time to time. God bless and Soli Deo Gloria!
Link to “From the Squalor of a Borrowed Stable”—https://www.youtube.<wbr/>com/watch?v=w-6vNR1SK4k