“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21, NASB)
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NASB)
“By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10, NASB)
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” (Revelation 5:12, NASB)
Last week I spent some time decorating both our tree and our home. Alone with my music, one CD after another, each brought moments in which I paused to soak in the words and beauty of each familiar song.
One song in particular had me pause for a lengthier time as the words hit hard and deep. How had I missed the profound meaning of it all? Why had I let familiarity rob me of the preciousness in this very song?
I remember the births of each of my babies. Oh the sweetness of seeing them swaddled up in warm blankets with the little caps on their tiny and soft heads. They are moments forever etched in my memory. Each birth reduced me to tears with the relief they had arrived safe and in health.
Mary gave birth, all those years ago, to her firstborn son on a manger floor.
Manger floors where sheep were born. Manger floors where each one was examined to see if they were to be set apart – set apart to be Passover lambs.
Perfect. Without blemish. Born to be a sacrifice.
How many lambs had been wrapped up to be kept perfect until the time of their sacrifice would come?
Mary gave birth that night to the Perfect One, the perfect Lamb of God. The One who alone would be the sacrifice once for all.
Mary wrapped up Jesus in swaddling, to keep Him warm, to hold Him close, recognizing He was the One. He would be the sacrificial Lamb. His blood would pay the price and bring victory over sin forevermore.
“Wrap this one up. He is the One that we adore.
Wrap this one up. He’ll wear the crown forevermore.
He’s come for you and me. He’ll finally set us free.
Wrap this one up. Wrap this one up. He’s the One.”(from “Wrap This One Up” by Christy Nockels)
“Gloria! Gloria! Gloria! Sing Gloria! In excelsis Deo!
Gloria! Gloria! Gloria! Sing Gloria! In excelsis Deo!”
These days we are living in are causing many to struggle with fear as our thoughts wander. This Advent season reminds us Christ came in fulfillment of what was promised, and He will come again in fulfillment of what has been promised to us. Be encouraged as you read Fear Shouts; Love Whispers by Bev Rihtarchik HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
I never made that connection of Jesus being wrapped in swaddling clothes like a Christmas present. What a generous gift!
Barbara, I have heard that song so many times, but last week it fell fresh on me as I was decorating the tree. I love how the Lord opens our eyes to see His truths anew and breathes hope and promise into our hearts!
The lamb metaphor is so powerful when we extend it throughout Jesus’s life. Lamb and shepherd in one glorious person!
“Lamb and shepherd in one glorious person!”
Michele, that is beautiful. Thank you for commenting as this is something I will treasure!
What beautiful lyrics and what a beautiful song. I’ve never thought about the birthplace of lambs also being the birthplace of the Lamb before””I’ve always pictured cows, donkeys, and horses. May we keep Jesus wrapped up in our hearts and lives this season and always.
I never had either, Anita, until listening to the song recently. Amazing how God always brings His story freshly served up to us 🙂
Jesus, “Born to be a sacrifice,” is both sobering and humbling. You’ve broadened my view of the Lamb of God today, and I will be pondering its meaning in my heart and mind. Thank you, Joanne.
How special it is that we get to celebrate the birthday of the most important person to ever live. He keeps giving us his presence every year. For those of us who have been born again, His birthday marks the beginning of our own redemption story. Blessings and Merry Christmas to you and yours Joanne.
Visiting today from # 12 & 13
Joanne, thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts on this song and the birth of Christ. I think you are right, we become too familiar with the “story” and songs, we no longer hear the beauty nor view His coming with awe and wonder.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful song, I am not familiar with it, it truly blessed me.
Loved the song and thank you for sharing. The swaddling clothes – I loved how they were a focus in The Chosen Christmas. xo
Such a beautiful song…thank you for pointing me to it this morning and thank you for your linkup!
So beautiful, Joanne! Love this: “ Mary gave birth that night to the Perfect One, the perfect Lamb of God. The One who alone would be the sacrifice once for all.” A thousand Hallelujahs!
Oh my! Not only have I never heard that song before but the depth of the words, of lambs being born and swaddling them for the sacrifice…those little lambs, those perfect ones.
Your words moved me to a reverential spot in my busy day. I am grateful.
Jesus, our Savior, the Sacrificial Lamb. Thank You, Lord.
You have woven this post so beautifully Joanne. Those memories of the precious moments with our newborns 🥰
And how wonderful our Saviour is! Perfect!
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thank you, Joanne, for the reminder that the lambs born in those stables were groomed as sacrificial lambs. They were perfect from birth as is Jesus. How our Heavenly Father wove such symbolism into the birth of Christ gives me goosebumps. I stand in amazement with a heart full of wonder, awe, and joy.
I had not heard this song. Thank you for sharing!
We all want the perfect delivery – everything prepared, no hiccups – I love how you point this out – that Jesus came exactly how each mother wouldn’t want a delivery – yet, the grace, the redemption – wrapped and swaddled – the blessing was right there in the mess! Merry Christmas, Joanne! I want to ponder this even more – as I handle the messy, upside down inside my days!
Thank you for encouraging us to keep the hope. Christ always shows up at the right time. We’re so blessed to have him in us at all times now, even when we’re unaware. Merry Christmas, Joanne!
Oh, my goodness. Your words about Christ and the lambs as the sacrifice made me pause, Joanne. They spoke to my heart in a new and almost painful way about how much our Lord gave up to bring freedom and life to this world and to sinful people like me.
Merry Christmas,
Tammy