One of the choirs I direct recently sang “Agnus Dei,” which I chose for its Latin text and rich harmonies. As the Christmas season approached, I found myself regretting this selection because it seemed to have more of an Easter theme. The lyrics translate, “The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world . . .” However, as I was preparing my introduction of this song, I realized it was actually the perfect lyric to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
My favorite part of the Christmas story has always been the shepherds’ experience. These unassuming men may have been quietly resting or simply stargazing before the angels interrupted their lives. It really doesn’t matter what they were doing; what matters is what they did next. They left their earthly sheep behind in order to search out the one true Lamb of God. Though this Lamb was born in a stable, he was obviously special. He was the Lamb Who would be their Shepherd. Not only was He the promised Messiah, He would also pay the ultimate sacrifice for people such as they. Christ had come to set them free! I doubt the shepherds grasped the enormity of His birth, but they at least understood that He was worth pursuing. And He is. We pursue Him because He pursued us.
The silence of God was broken with a newborn’s cry. He lay as a lamb in a wooden manger so that He could lie as a lamb upon a wooden cross.
All praise and glory belong to the Lamb who sits upon His throne, having purchased His people at such a cost. May we seek Him wholeheartedly in this Christmas season and, with John, cry out, “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). For someday we will bow before Him, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12).
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