won·der
/ˈwəndər/
noun
- a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.
“The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder.” G.K. Chesterton
I believe Chesterton is reminding us that God has filled this world full of His wonders. We will never lack for the surprise of new things, beautiful things created by God – from every part of creation to continued moments as He works in our lives. What we do lack, however, is recognizing, observing, and thinking on these things.
Wonder – a word often used to describe the looks on sweet childish faces as they peer through the window of the toy shop at Christmas, as they look into the night sky to view the softly falling snow, as they hear sleigh bells ring, and as they hear the beautiful story, the true story of Christmas.
Nestled within the Christmas story are words of wonder that take me deeper into answering the question, “What Child is This?”
What Child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear:
For sinners here, the silent Word is pleading.
Wonder – the looks on faces as the Baby, the King of Kings, is laid in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes when He should be in a palace of splendor. The looks of the shepherds as the angel, surrounded by the glory of the Lord, proclaims the Baby’s birth and gives directions to go see Him, all this, as a multitude of heavenly hosts praise God.
After the shepherds traveled to see the Baby, they “made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” Luke 2:17-18
Christmas hymns are often written in major and minor keys. To me, the major tones reveal the joy of Jesus’ birth, of His arrival to the world He created, and His desire to dwell with His people.
“‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).” Matthew 1:23 What wonder! God with us!
The minor tones bring the shadows of what was to come, the prophecy He came to fulfill.
Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through, the cross be borne, for me, for you:
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
So, bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of Kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.*
Many of us have read the Christmas Story so many times we may have lost our wonder at all the events of Luke 1 and 2, telling us of Jesus’ coming to earth. Read the story again and find the wonder again. Think on the beautiful words of Christmas hymns and see the story through the eyes of the composers.
May your Christmas be filled with joy . . . and wonder.
*What Child Is This? By William Chatterton Dix, published ca. 1865