Do You Still Tremble?

Christmas morning, after a night of fitful sleep, my brother and I used to awake long before dawn. We’d stand at the top of the stairs our knees bouncing with excitement. Mom attempted to brush our hair for pictures as we danced around. Dad checked downstairs to ensure Santa paid us a visit. He lit the fireplace and oohed and aahed over the presents loud enough to start us quaking with anticipation. When he finally gave the okay, we’d barrel down the stairs with peels of giddy laughter.Today, I use the same methods of Christmas torture on my own kids. There is nothing more precious than a child’s bubbling anticipation and eager delight.As an adult, gifts don’t seem to hold the same fervent bliss. Over time, the excitement of presents fades, but it’s replaced with a lasting joy that stems from the love behind the gift.I love Christmas Carols. Not so much pop holiday songs on the radio, but reverent songs filled with hope and rejoicing. My particular favorites are carols written in the late 1700s to the mid-1800’s. These songwriters put into words the desperate need for a new hope and a new joy found in a savior.Take a look at some of the sections of these lyrics:God Rest Ye Merry GentlemanRemember, Christ our SaviorWas born on Christmas dayTo save us all from Satan’s powerWhen we were gone astrayO tidings of comfort and joy O Holy NightLong lay the world in sin and error pining.Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Hark the Herald Angels SingBorn that man no more may dieBorn to raise the sons of earthBorn to give them second birthHark! The herald angels sing“Glory to the newborn King!” Joy to the WorldNo more let sins and sorrows grow,Nor thorns infest the ground;He comes to make His blessings flowFar as the curse is found, While only a fleeting happiness awaits in the presents under the tree. We can rejoice in the eternal joy given in to us that Christmas day long ago. Jesus, in His awe-inspiring grace, took the humble form of an infant, born in a lowly manger, because he ached to save us from the evil of this world and from our mistakes and sins. He chose to endure a mortal life, with its hunger, pain, sickness, and suffering, out of His love for us. So that, on Christmas morn and every day thereafter, we can have His comfort, His joy, and the hope of heaven.So go ahead and dance around, tremble with excitement, cry tears of joy, delight in the wonder of the miracle of Christmas. For unto us a savior was born!Merry Christmas!The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. – Luke 2:10-11Don’t miss a post! Sign up for my e-newsletter by clicking here: Lorri’s newsletter