This short series of readings could be used devotionally or with a church. The lines are centered on the truths of Christ found in the Nicene Creed, applied to the familiar story of Jesus’ birth. As we celebrate the birth of Christ and mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, may you grasp the wonder of the incarnation again.
Introduction
Reading
Come, to this familiar scene once more
And find new treasures yet in store
For hidden in the hay and stable
Is truth eternal: God is able
To save unto the uttermost
Through father, son, and Holy Ghost
Each Bethlehem – shepherd to maid
Becomes a sign, a truth conveyed
The summons of our God above
Calling sinners near by his love
Come close; behold anew
This child born for me and you
1. The Deity of Christ
CREED
“We believe … in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds”
Reading
In the stars and fields and the hay
In humble quarters, where beasts lay
The Father sends His only Son –
The prince of heaven, the Holy One
Firstborn of creation, great in might
Beloved in his Father’s sight
Begotten – not made – to save his own
Salvation extended through him alone
CREED
“We believe… in Christ, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made,
Reading
Timeless, eternal, no beginning or end
Matchless, magnificent, yet this King descends
The light of perfect purity
Born in a manger of obscurity
In all things first, in all things great
He comes to earth to mediate
The light of the world shines out to save
Calling his people from darkness and grave
CONGREGATION
“being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.”
Reading
Before each star found its place
Before each wonder hung in space
Before each heartbeat on the earth
There was in peace and glorious worth
His word bent rivers, raised each fold
Of mountains and valleys, as trees took hold
Now sent to Bethlehem as child
Infinite power, yet meek and mild
2. The Work of Christ
CREED
“We believe… in Christ, who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man;”
Reader
Behold, the greatest glory now unfolds
Better than heroes and tales of old
A simple woman and simple man
Drawn into God’s surprising and perfect plan
To welcome a miracle of deity
The son of God, that one-in-three
Now slumbering in a trough of wood
And once again God called it “Good.”
CONGREGATION
“I believe that he … was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried;”
Reading
He shaped the world and shaped the tree
Now groaning, hurting, his hands bleed
There as a sheep being led to slaughter
His blood shed to cover each son and each daughter
The judgment of God passes over his own
Their sins paid in full, their debt now gone
As made to bear the stain of sin
The son suffers, his people to win
Record now cleared, his covenant kept
Promises made are now, promises kept
3. The Return of Christ
CREED
“We believe that on the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father;”
Reading
That thunderous power that called forth the stars
Now walks from the tomb, his hands bearing scars
As the Son of the Manger, Son of Cross
Rises from death, calling life out of loss
Now forever he wears the crown
As all his people cast theirs down
See his death bring life,
see his wounds restore
See the King take his place
on his throne once more
CREED
“We believe… that He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.”
Reading
A cold clear night it was that hid
The angelic host who shepherds bid
So shall it be when he comes again
The glory of God the heavens will rend
And the child of the manger, the holy one
Will gather the saints who name the Son
The Christ in the manger, cross, and tomb
Will soon come again, now in full bloom
And every eye see, and every knee bend
As Christ, the Messiah, The Son, will descend