Christmas trees, cocoa, candy canes, and chaos! These are some of the prominent features for many family festivities as the Christmas season draws near. But such busyness leaves little room in most homes for compassion and care toward those in need, caroling, or contemplation of the meaning of Christmas. I suppose that’s how it goes with most holidays—the means of celebrating take the place of the meaning. Sweets and egg hunts eclipse the resurrection in April, fireworks and food mean more than freedom in July, and gift getting takes priority over receiving the greatest gift ever given come December.
I’m not immune from the temptation to drift away from what matters most. However, I try to anchor my heart and mind to the reality of God’s in-breaking kingdom through musical mediation…the Gospel-centered Christmas carols of old!
“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity!”
“Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day to save us all from Satan’s power when we had gone astray!”
“He rules the world with truth and grace!”
“O come, O King of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind.”
I’ve never found anything that can so easily sink truth into the soul and make it stick like beautiful poetry put to music. Inspired by the question “What Child is This?” I composed the following poem. Feel free to experiment with your own tune and let the Good News of Christmas sink in afresh: That God our King and Savior has come!
Is this the Son of God and man,
Born on this night in Bethlehem?
Could this be God the Father’s Son,
The self-existent Holy One?
Is this the infinite I AM,
Held in Joseph and Mary’s hands?
Has He who formed the universe,
Come down to dwell upon the earth?
This is God’s glory in flesh and blood,
This is the Holy Son of God!
This is the Savior Christ Jesus,
For Him all heaven and earth applaud!
For Him all heaven and earth applaud!
Is this the serpent-crushing seed
Through whom creation will be freed?
Is this the Word of God in flesh,
Who by His death shall conquer death?
Is this the life and light of men
Who comes to save the world from sin?
Will man to God be reconciled
By this glorious newborn child?
This is Emanuel God with us,
This is the spotless Lamb of God.
This is the Savior Christ Jesus,
Who comes to save us by His blood!
Who comes to save us by His blood!
Is this the One foreseen of old,
Whom Prophets and the Law foretold?
Is this small babe our Great High Priest,
Whose sacrifice shall bring us peace?
Is this the Prophet God has sent,
Who calls the world to repent?
Can this be the Almighty King,
For whom the hosts of heaven sing?
This is the Prophet and the Priest!
This is the Most High King of kings!
This is the Savior Christ Jesus,
Born everlasting life to bring!
Born everlasting life to bring!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Rousseaux Brasseur
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Rousseaux Brasseur is the author of The Good News of Christmas, a charming and colorful lyrical adaptation of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ that will captivate readers of all ages, making it ideal for family reading during Advent. Start a meaningful new tradition with your loved ones this Christmas.
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Much like his favorite hobbits, Rousseaux Benaiah Brasseur has had many brave adventures in strange lands far from the comforts of home. Exploring this wild world may in fact be what he enjoys most of all, especially when his beloved Hannah Rose Georgia is at his side. But since such expeditions are hard to come by these days, he bides his time in the small Southern Oregon village where he and his seven siblings were born and raised.
Rousseaux co-pastors with his big brother and is a storyteller for the youngsters in the church. He finds his fullest joy in sharing the love of Jesus and helping others in the journey of discipleship. It just so happens that he is also a Christmas zealot, seeking to spread holiday cheer and live in the spirit of Christmas all year round, which is why writing this book was particularly delightful for him.
His first children’s book “The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Poetic Retelling of John Bunyan’s Classic Tale” is also available in hardback and as a dramatized musical audiobook! Enjoy exploring more of Rousseaux’s creative work at rousseauxbrasseur.com.
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